The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-11-24

"Wheres Kate?' he asked "and where
what" He stopped short.
"IIush !" said, codly; "you have had
an accident
Accident? Oh, yes, / remember, was
going to catch the night train for Burnley,
when that confounded cab
"You must not talk" said, fighting hard
to contain myself "You are seriously
hurt"
That last was not professional, but there
was grim pleasure in giving him some pain.
That's bad, DOCTOR" he whispered, "for /
was going down-to see my darling-she's
very ILL.,"
all ~ exclaimed, starting.
eyes," he said, speaking with pain; and 1
could not stop him now Consumption they
say, broken heart, l think. Some scoun-
drel--"
Falmost dropped the lamp as caught his
hand and gripped it, and said in hoarse
choking voice, for l was struggling to see
the full light:
What do you wish me to do ?'
Telegraph at any expense, to my broth
er-in-law. Take it down or you'll forget
From Christopher Anstey to John Brand.
Greenmead Burnley. Say Kate is not to
fidget. You know best"
Eyes, yes" l stammered, my hands tremb-
ling as | took out pencil and pretended to
write Miss Kate" then L faltered, "is--"
"My darling child !" sobbed the poor fell
low, ''and she's dying !'
| He was too weak, too faint to heed me, as
with bitter groan turned away stunned
mad almost at my folly. For / saw it all
now, poor, weak, pitiful, jealous fool that
was had seen the girl that I worshipped,
petted and caressed by her own father, and
without seeking or asking an explanation, I
had rushed away leaving her to think me
a scoundrel, nay, worse.
When | turned once more to the mattress
my patient had fallen asleep, and l stood
there thinking.
In few minutes | had made my plans !;
then, watch in hand l impatiently waited
for DR.. Barker's return.
He was back to his time, and in a few
words l had made my arrangements.
'Doctor," said, you said you were in
my debt for to-nghts work"
"My dear sir, Pll write you check for
twenty guineas, with pleasure" he replied.
"Pay me in this way" | said: "See that
patients whose names haye written on this
slip of paper are attended to we'll for the
next two days, and tell our friend here that
his message has been seen to-"
He promised eagerly and the next minute
was in the street, running to the nearest
| cab stand.
was just in time to catch the early morn
ing train, and half mad, half joyous, sat
| impatiently there till the train dropped me
at Burnley, where the fly slowly jolted me
| over to the Four Mile Farm.
1t was bright, frosty morning, and the
sun glanced from the river upon the trees,
but could think only of one thing as I kept
urging the driver on, and he must have
thought me mad as l leapt out and rushed
into the well-known parlor.
"Kate !" 1 cried, as half blind | ran
toward pale face lying back in an easy
chair by the fire.
"You scoundrel p was roared at the same
moment, and the sturdy farmer had pinned
me by the throat
eyes, all that" l said "only hear me-"
His hands dropped as Kate uttered a low
cry and tainted.
"Quick - l said, "water and some
brandy"
With low growl of rage my old patient
for gout obeyed me, and in few minutes
Rate opened her eyes to look full in mine as
her head rested on my arm.
"Have you come-to say good-bye?' she
said, feebly; and there was such a lock of
reproach in that poor worn face that could
only answer in whisper:
"No, no-to ask you to give and bless me
with your love to ask you to forgive me for
my weakness for | must have been mad"
A deep groan made me turn my head to
see that the farmers head was down upon
his arms, and his broad shoulders were heav-
ing.
81 thought you would never come again, u
said Kate, teebly; "but | never gave up
hope" - CasseiES Famiy Wqga=iae.