Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-02-16

trary, he rapidly grew worse ana ~ mid
night the physician was sent for. Henrietta
had not left the bedside for a moment She
was the most devoted creature in the world,
and the bachelor could not but contrast her
devotion with the utter neglect Of Grace, who
had not once entered his room, even 10 en-
quire how he did. lIenrietta's prospects
were decidedly brilliant.
The physician came, and after feeling the
pulse OF the sufferer inquired where he re-
sided when at home.
Uncle Joseph replied that he had no home
had just come from Calcutta.
see" said the physician. Was there
any sickness on board the ship ?"
"There was. | came by the overland
route 10 Liverpool, thence by New York
liner. There was stecrage full Of emf
grants on board, among whom the fever
ragged fearfully"
"lust So" returned the physician, " and
you have got the ship fevor.'
The ship fever 20 exclaimed Henrietta
rushing out Of the room
The sick man turned, aud witnessed her
abrupt departure. With a sigh, such as only
can be wrung from bachelor conscious Of his
loneliness, he drew the bedcothes closely
around him, and apparently abandoned him
self TO the fate which the dreadful disease
seemed TO foreshadow.
The physician made up his prescription
and retired No one was left with Uncle
Joseph but his brother.
II am deserted, brother" said the sick
man.
"No, brother, am here"
But there is no hand of woman here
well, it is a dreadful disease aud the
sufferer sighed again.
Mr.. Mason went down to the sitting-room,
whittier his wife aud daughter had fed.
How is this. wife Is Joseph 10 be
abandoned now that he most needs atten-
tion ?" asked he Of Mrs. Mason.
You don't think we are going to stay in
the room with the ship fever ?" replied Mrs
Mason.
"You may as well be in the room as in
the house"
awe must leave the house Immediately
Why did he not go to the hospital Il was
not very considerate of him to bring the
ship fever into the family. lie might have
known that he had it."
Heaven forgive your heartlessness But
is my brother 10 die with no one to care for
him p exclaimed Mr. Mason, Indignantly.
4" You must hire a nurse
=" And you will desert him ?"
ave cant stay here where the ship fever
is"
"No, papa, it would be suicidal, added
Henrietta. " His fortune would do us no
good If we caught the fever
Go, then but there is still one in the
house who has heart" replied Mr.. Mason,
as he left the room to seek the apartment of
Grace.
Grace was ready in moment to attend
her uncle to the sick room, whore, regardless
of the danger of contagion, she laved the
burning brow of the sufferer, and did all
that an angel hand could do 10 render him
comfortable.
Early in the morning Mrs, Mason and hen
daughter departed for the residence of a
friend in the country.
cRAPTER mr.
For several weeks Grace, with such as
sistancc as Mr.. Mason and Charles could
give, nursed the invalid with the most un
tiring devotion. All her time was spent by
his bedside She was all gentleness and
sympathy, bearing patiently with his petu-
lance and ill-humor, and never betraying
the slightest appearance of anger when hc
scolded and even swore at her.
The fever turned and he began to mend
lie was now out of danger, and rapidly ad
yancing 10 complete restoration.
The physician commended the skill and
devotion of his nurse, assuring him that h'
owed his life TO her
But the devotion of the poor girl cost hel
dearly for scarcely had Uncle Joseph re
covered, before she was taken down with tn,
fever, and for weeks anguished on the yer,
verge of the grave
Yet there was no female hand TO lave he
brow save that Of hired nurse. Charlie
Mason loved her as he did his own exist
cnce, and day aud night he watched owe
her with a constancy and a devotion WORTHY
the loving heart of the gontler sex.
Uncle Joseph, too, was an anxious watche
round her bed. Though he was a bachelor
and had spent the greater part of his life il
India, away from the gentle influences o
female society, he showed an aptness in TIN
sick-room that would have done honor to
Benedict.
To the intense relief of her devoted friend
Grace recovered. The disease was banishe,
from the house. and Mrs. Mason and Hen
rietta ventured to return.
." trust you have had a pleasant visit
madam" said Uncle Joseph, coldly.
Pleasant nay, far from it, You do u
Injustice; we were perfectly miserable o
account of your dangerous illness"
"IIumphl" said Uncle Joseph, with
sneer.
The love between Charles and Grace
strengthened by the scenes OF sufferin
through which they had passed, was now a
unalterable sentiment. OF course, Uncl
Joseph had not witnessed their mutual d
votion to him in his illness, without su
pecting the existence of some strong bon
of union between them. And the youn
mans untiring attention TO her in her ow
sickness had confirmed the opinion.
Seeking favorable opportunity he co
yersed with Charles upon the subject, wi
readily admitted his affection. The bachel'
recommended an immediate marriage.
The step was not, of course, ungrateful
, the feelings Of the lover. Aud the desire
redeem Grace from the life of drudgery
which she was reduced by the heartles
ness of his mother, seemed TO demand the
immediate union.
The young mans intentions were SOC
noised through the family. Mrs Mason 7
newed the opposition she had before mad
aud even went so far as 10 threaten that,
she could not break up the match, she wou
F. embtter the lives Of the parties.
Uncle Joseph demonstrated.
"May ask. madam, what objection "
, can possibly have to the marriage :" sa
he, with considerable sternness in /
3, manner.
! "What objection why, the girl is b,
: gar; have employed her in my family
4 keep her out Of the almshouse, which,
/, think, is objection enough" replied NJ
Mason, disliking the Interference of un'
+ Joseph.
Your son, | think, is not wealthy, so Tia
he need demdBd a rich wife
lie need not marry-a beggar, though
She is worthy a prince, beggar thou
she is."
: 90, very likely" sneered the lady.
. 81 owe my life TO her, aud | can ne,
I cease TO be grateful TO her When attn
forsook me, she was constant" replied I'm
Joseph, pointedly.
"She knew you were rich" said Mrs. \
son, sarcastically.
SO did YOU and your amiable daught
You were like angels round my pillow
= = the doctor said ship fever when you I
like sheep
The lady looked as black as thuno
; cloud.
81 trust you will withdraw your obj
), tions 10 this marriage, Mrs. Mason. Y
perceive that Charles is resolute, and "
. have hisown way about it,, continued un'
Joseph, in more pliable tone.
i " Ills own way All this for bad adv
! ing cannot prevent it, perhaps but
= will never consent to ii. No son Of mi
o shall never have my consent 10 marry