The free citizen. (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-03-13

his bed. 1t was like stab to him it
was uncomfortable. He stretched over
his sound arm, and reaching q pillow,
threw it with all his might at the un-
conscious Adams. But in spite of the
agony the movement cost him, it was a
fntile one. The pillow fell far short of
the object on the floor, and Gerald sunk
back with groan.
But suddenly the soft touch of
woman's hand fell tenderly upon his
forehead, the sweet tones of woman's
voice fell soothingly upon his ear.
1t 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 family called for drink.
Then he thought his head was too high,
or perhaps trifle low; every move
ment caused him intolerable agony,
and he hated to be alone with Adams
again. She must have really OWNED
his motive, and come to save his life.
She was again about to leave him, b IL
Ia put his hand upon hers to detaint
her, and found that it trembled II little
beneath his touch.
Your hand didn't tremble when you
held the lamp for the DOCTOR" said Ger
| aid. He wants you for n hospital
nurse. but I told him you'd prefer
! something more cheerful"
"Why, 1 think I'd like it." said Lu-
ane. You know L must do some
| thing"
I" don't soc the necessity" said
Gerald; "you have my aunt's money,
and it will occupy all your timc to enjoy
it,"
Your aunt's money is your own"
| said Luane, "and you insult me by
thinking would take advantage of a
poor old lady's weakness; never will
touch penny of it. And, Mr.. Erism,
yon must not talk"
| "One word, only one," pleaded Cor
aid. But for you might have been
like--like our poor old friend below"
| Gerald shuddered and turned pale. II
am cowardly enough" he won't on, "to
! hate even the thought of it now. How
can thank you, Miss Williams ?"
BY taking what is your own, and
using it nobly and well,'S said Lranc,
and vanished from his sight.
But as she loft him he felt sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own, and
cav quick flame leap into her cheek,
glow to her eyes. f.
Three long yeara," n,u-n,usea Gez
aid, land 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 ND and
dressed, and welcomed Luane warmly
as sho entered his room. She looked
paler than ever in her black dress, but
Gerald thought he had never seen SO
sweet and noble face.
nv, ,r,o,,lJ I'll.
Williams, lie said, "and enioy the
surprise OF the good people below! I'd
like to see them bow and smile to the
heiress of my aunt's fortune. Pm as
bad as the rest of them, I suppose. for
1 feel like making all sorts of pretty
speeches.: Gerald paused, and his face
grew suddenly grave and tender. SEQ
now," he added, "and kiss my aunt
Rood-by for me tell her 1 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 n dream, It
seemed awful to be warm and happy
even after she entered the dark, gloomy
draw1ng-room, even after she had bent
and kissed the cold, stern face for Ger
aid and for herself.
.l will not sake it," she WHISPERED.
hot tears raining on the dead woman's
FACET will not take cent of it. bnt
1t hac given me sllch CLEAN of happi-
ness. God forever bless you for II. -
Then the people began to pour in,
and the ceremony commenced. Luane's
| were the only tears that we're shed, and
the most of the guests came from civil
ity or curiosity. Miss Erisn had taken
but little active part in the world for
many year, and the poor lady was very
soon 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 pompous
lawyer unrolled the parchment, and bo
gan in sonorous voice "In the
namo OF God, amen !"
What would they think of her-what
would they say Of her? Oh, how glad
she was that the only one she cared for
in the world knew all about it! How
innocent she was, and how ignorant
But even while she thought thus she
heard the lawyer read; "To nv be.
loved nephew, Gerald Erism, give
and bequeath all my property, personal
and otherwise. Luane could scarcely
believe her ears. She listened to the
end, and heard at last: "To Luane
Williams, my faithful nurse, ] give
mourning ring and the sum of $50"
Then sho went up stairs to Gerald.
"The King shall have his own I" she
said.
"Onlyon one condition" said Gerald.
"Ill take your money only on one con.
dition."
You'll take my money!" echoed