The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-06-25


few weeks the next was to hasten to
my lodgings, pack my trunk and take the
first train for n.
The train was the EAST Express, but
to me it seemed "slow coach" Close
connections were made, and at six o'clock
that evening stepped upon the platform
at N. 1t had been two years since
my feet had touched it. A crowd of re-
collections rushed through my mind,
but nothing stayed me. At once / set
out for the Fisk mansion. 1t was sum-
mer, and as / followed the walk from the
gate to the door every object seemed as
familiar as if L had seen them only the
day before.
My desire was to fnd Jennie alone,
and my wish was gratified. The old hall
door was open, and l stepped in unan-
nounced. l turned into the parlor softly
and saw her sitting at a west window
gazing at the glowing sunset sky, but oh
how changed. There were Jennie's eyes
and hair, but the rounded form and glow
ing cheeks were wanting in their place
were wan features and an emaciated
form-a wreck of her former SELF The
hand of the destroyer was upon her, and
it was evident that her sufferings were
fearful. My heart sank within me, and
again my dream of happiness vanished.
She uttered cry of delight as has
tened to her side, and, half rising, extend
ed both hands toward me. l caught her
in my arms and pressed her to my heart I;
then she sank exhausted into her chair.
In few moments she revived, and q
look of angelic sweetness overspread her
features as l told her the history of the
"Dead Letter." for then she saw that it
had remained unanswered from accident
and not from design.
We went over the bitter past, only to
prove how cruelty we had been defrauded
of happiness by untoward accidents fol-
lowing the malice which had first direct
ed our paths apart.
Supper was announced, and attended
Jennie to the dining-room. The family
were not aware who their visitor was, for
Jennie had purposely kept them in ig
norance thereof, to surprise them as l
had surprised her. They greeted me
cordially, and were soon made acquainted
with the facts. Although shade of sad
ness pervaded the household and tinged
the conversation, still the evening passed
very pleasantly.
Several weeks / remained Mt N,
and passed most of the time with Jennie.
She seemed to rally, and one and all be-
gan to entertain hopes of her recovery.
How / longed and prayed that her life
might be spared. She was cheerful and
hopeful, and as my leave of absence APP
preached its limit made up my mind to
resign, so that L might be constantly
near her. With this view 1 babe her
good-by for a short time, my intended
absence being only for the period neces-
sary to close my affairs at the Capital.
Scarcely had arrived in Washington
when telegram reached me that Jennie's
condition was exceedingly critical. 1t
was the recoil from the temporary i'm
provement consequent upon the excite
ment, which we had mistaken for return
ing health. hurried through nay bust
ness and returned to N at once.
: Reaching the house, went Mt once to
the parlor door, opened it, and looked
in. A cold chill crept through my body
as / discovered the unwelcome sight.
Not a sound broke upon the stiffness ex-
cept the throbbing of my own heart. it
was the stiffness of death. / sank upon
my knees by her lfeless clay j.; the foun-
tains of my soul were broken up, and
my aching heart found vent in tears.
We laid her to rest under the willows
and naples. A shadow rests upon
stricken home-as dear to me as to her
kindred-but the cloud that cast it wears
a silver lining, for the white soul which
left the earthly casket basks in the sun
shine of eternal bliss. In that bright
realm she will yet be mine.