Mississippi Democrat., 1876-06-10

ln truth poor LILY had been most
ianocently one cause OF many In bic
lll-iAted career.
The fret struggling years bad ua.
dermined her delicate constitution,
and the too deep and certain convio-
ton that her husbands heart was not
her own, and that the fits Of gloom
which be could not conceal were but
outward evidences ofhis incurable
wound within, gradually told on her
tender spirit.
Disappointment after dlsappoint-
ment deepened the cloud which
hung over the young pair, and
strengthened the barrier between
them.
And II was not I'LL her dying min
utes that the passionate sorrOw, the
Abandonment Of every hope and
prospect for her sake, revealed TO
her the soothing truth that she had
been the beloved and cherished
oonsoler Of his life, though the wor.
shipping love Of hIs youth had ever
clung 10 its idol with wayward and
fataI tenacity.
Ernest, dearest, live-strive for
our children. die - happy-hap-
pier than ever, since YOU have not
repented," were her last words.
But Il seems that u could not be
obeyed, for the widOwer was sinking
rapidly under his weight of voc.
"Papa-dear papa, YOU will not
leave us, will you" said the limo
cent voice Of his little Lillian, as she
tame suddenly into the room some
days Riter the ball, where bis name
had been 80 freely canvassed.
why should YOU think SO, my
pet 7" he asked sadly. "Who talked
Of my going away 2
because ! heard Mrs. Franks tell
a lady 80 just now. She said you
would not be here long, she was sure
aud that We should be leil. DO take
Lily with you, aud Gordon, papa
wont you r
The father elaspcd her IN his arms
her face was pressed against his.
and her tears and kisses fairly blind.
ed the ag'tated parent, while he
tried TO soOthe and evade her ques-
tioning.
But suddenly u voice sounded that
he had not heard for many a long
weary year, which he could bul
think was dslusion Of approaching
death.
Ernest" Il said-"Earnest. for.
gIve-oh torgive!T
lie hastily put back the alright
ened child, and gaEed on what ap-
peared 60 him as dreamy vision.
Gwenda was kneeling by his side.
her head bow ed, her hands claspei,
the tears well-nlgh blinded her eyes,
as they oourScd down her pale
checks.
Was II an omcn' Was il visitor
from the other worldg
But no. Her hand grasped his
with a conVulsive energy as she sob
bed out:
"forgive
LADY Huntley, what i this
Where j. your hushand' This Is no
place Tor you" he gaspcd, stri, ing
Tor manly frmne-s and composurc.
yes, yes she cried .'it H., u j.
the fitting place for my repentance
and shame. Earnest, ! loved
have always loved you! II was but
pride, aud vanity, aud hateful mer
cenary selishncss that made me rc.
icct your SUIT. have had ten years
OF misery now, and have come to
plead my sufierings aud psnitence
aud lay all have at your iSrt. II Is
all yOurs, Earnest; whether With
poor Gwsnda or without her, take
the worthless dross. Ii NAV save
your life--it may save your darlings
--hsr children. from such hardship
and sorrow. Take Il, and if YOU
will, ! will 20 away aud never trou-
bic YOU more :"
She held a parchment IN her hand
as she spoke and was about o. rise,
when hiS spcll-like silence broke;
"Gwcnda, my liie-my only love
Heaven help and forgive me, but
dear and niOurned a. my precious
Lily was. my heart has ever been
yoar own" he murmercd, Ia broken
accents. as she bent over his couch,
aud her tears mingled with his. "But
bc tender mother 10 her babes" :"
And Gwenda kept her word, and
Lily's children we're even more cher
lshed aud tended than the sous aud
daughters she gave 10 Earnest Cow
CT during their years Of married
bliss.