Connecticut western news., 1875-01-15

woman's room below. Suddenly she put both her hands about the knob and opened the door. Gerald turned quickly there was an ominouse click the pistol fell little as it went off The blood soaked through his coat and trickled out upon the floor. Just as Luane was about sinking at his feet, Gerald put out his hand to her.
 "An accident, Miss Williams" he said. "Please send Adams for the doc tor, and then help me off with my coat "
 This brought Lrlane to herself. She hastened to do his bidding, dispatched Adams, and returning again to Gerald, stanched the blood with strips of the pillow-case from the bed. When the doctor came she held the light for him while he probed the wound and extracted the bullet.
 "An inch or so higher" said the doc tor, "and you would have been buried on the same day with your aunt.:'
 cit was q lucky thing, then, that Miss Williams had an errand to my room when she did," said Gerald. s'As she opened the door, my hand fell and the pistol went off. :"
 "She has unconsciously saved your life, said the doctor. Then as Luane left the room he added, "She's the finest young woman I know, and would make capital nurse in my hospital. Do you know what she thinks of doing now that your aunt is gone2''
 "No," said Gerald, with a grim smile "but I fancy she'll think of something livelier than that"
 "She has such an excellent physique and splendid nerve," said the doctor. But must go. Keep as quiet as you can, and have Adams within call"
 That night Gerald awoke with an in tolerable thirst his temples throbbed, his eyes burned. Looking over at Adams, he found thatshe was sound asleep. This of itself was offensive to Gerald. What business had the man to sleep when he was suffering? How hor- ribly oppressive the stiffness was, this semi darkness and loneliness! At that moment a ponderous snore resounded from the throat of the sturdy Adams, and Gerald almost leaped from his bed. It was like a stab to him it was un- endurable. He stretched over his sound arm, and reaching a pillow, threw it with all his might at the unconscious Adams. But in spite of the agony the movement caused him, it was @ futile one. The pillow fell far short of the object on the floor, and Gerald sank back with @ groan.
 But suddenly the soft touch of a woman's hand fell tenderly upon his fore head, the sweet tones of a woman's voice fell soothingly upon his ear.
 cit is time for your medicine" said Luane, and put the cup to his lips. Gerald drank as if it was nectar. Then she arranged his pillows for him, and was about retreating from the room when he faintly called for drink. Then he thought his head was too high, or per haps a tritie low; every movement caused him intolerable agony, but he hated to be alone with Adams again. Besides, he was curious about this woman. She must have really divined his motive, and come to him to save his life. She was again about to leave him, but he put his hand upon hers to detain her, and found that it trembled 8 little beneath his touch.
 "Your hand didn't tremble when you held the lamp for the doctor," said Gerald. "He wants you for Q hospital nurse, but told him you'd prefer some thing more cheerful"
 Why, I think I'd like it, said Lllane. You know I must do some thing"
 "I don't see the necessity said Gerald; "you have my al1nt's money, and it will occupy all your time to enjoy it."
 "Your aunt's money is your own" ;" said Luane, "and you insult me by thinking would take advantage of the poor old lady's weakness; shall never touch penny of it. And, MT. Prism, you must not talk"
 cone word, only one," pleaded Gerald C But for you l might have been like like our poor old friend below" Gerald shuddered and turned pale. q am cowardly enough he went on, (" to hate even the thought of it now. How can I thank you, Miss Williams?''
 "By taking what is your own, and using it well and nobly," said Luane, and vanished from his sight.
 But as she left him he felt sudden throb in the hand beneath his own, and saw 8 quick flame leap into her cheek, a glow to her eyes.
 "Three long years, ' ml1rmured Gerald, "and never knew her till now"
 Gerald was young and strong, and the fourth day, the one appointed for the funeral, he was able to be up and dressed, and welcomed Luane warmly as she en- tered his room. She looked paler than ever in her black dress, but Gerald thought he never had seen so sweet and noble face.
 Hew I would like to go down, Miss Williams" " he said, "and enjoy the sur prise of the good people below! I'd like to see them bow and smile to the heiress of my aunt's fortune I'm as bad as the rest of them, suppose, for I feel like making you all sorts of pretty speech es." Gerald paused, and his face grew suddenly grave and tender. "Go now, , he added, "and kiss my aunt goodbye for me tell her am quite satisfied with everything"
 Luane went from the room and down the stairs. For the last three days she had been like one in dream. It seemed awful to be warm and happy even after she entered the dark gloomy drawing room, even after she had bent and kissed the cold stern face for Gerald and for herself.
 q will not take it, she whispered, hot tears raining on the dead woman's face" I will not take penny of it but it has given me such gleam of happi ness. God forever bless you for it p
 Then the people began to pour in, and the ceremony commenced, Luane's were the only tears that were shed, and the most of the guests came from civility or curiosity. Miss Prism had taken but little active part in the world for many 2 year, and the poor lady was very SCOT put away and forgotten.
 The most important part of the pro ceedings was when they returned from the burial to hear the reading of the will.
 Luane trembled when the pompou' lawyer unrolled the parchment, and be gan in sonorous voice." In the name l Ac