The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-01-10

at the last moment willing to revoke her
decree of Punishment, but Georgina
would not see the flag of truce, only half
unfolded, and went to Fry Corners.
1t was not fascinating abode, a small
farm: managed by misery old man and
one maid servant Of seventy or there.
about, whose life was a burden because
old Mr.. Gilroy had failed to make hel
his fe, safter her accepting hi atten
tons for matter Of thirty or forty years
Georgina had the free open country
perfect liberty to do as she pleased, and
the Command Of her own income.
But she was not happy.
Il do believe I am naturally of dis
contented disposition" she thought, as
she wandered up shady lane. tive
got all I want, a country home, old WON
en- to help, and children to be kind to.
can play Lady Bountiful to half Fry
Corners on small scale. l have miles
of good, useful sewing, plenty of books,
my own piano, nobody to scold me, nc
fneTy to worry over, and yet-I-I wond-
er if Duncan Holcroft cares because ]
have gomez"
What made that question leap to her
mind hundred times day.
She had refused him, put him out of
her life, and yet she thought of his court
~ manner, his grave, gentle kindness. his
real conversation. so different from the
society small talk that wearied AMI puz-
zled her.
She felt herself such an atom in his
circle Of friends; so lowly and little,
compared to the bellies futtering ever in
his view, SO ignorant and insignificant.
that she could only wonder when she re-
membered the honor he had paid her.
Spring flowers faded, summer bloom
died. autumn fruits were gathered in,
winter SHOWS melted.
It was May again, and Georgina had
been one year at Fry Corners.
The old farmer had failed in that year,
and very tenderly and pitifully his.grand-
child nursed him.
And, wearying for an interest in life.
Georgina gave time, strength, and an
unfailing patience to the querulous IN
valid, never faltering in her self-imposed
duties.
He died in May, blessing her with his
last breath. and after the funeral, Janet,
his old servant, produced will giving
her the farm and the savings of years of
grinding economy.
Georgian had known of this, and had
gently demonstrated when Mr.. Gilroy
would have made another will.
Il have more than l spend" she
said; land Janet has served you faith
fully"
But once more homeless, she joined a
party of Mrs. Cassowin's friends and went
abroad.
Here was surely interest, variety, but
never ease for the old heart hunger.
What would fill her life, round it to its
full perfection9
Love was offered more than once, but
met no return. and she sighed heavily over
her own hard heart.
In Rome, where the party fingered
many weeks, Georgina lived new life Of
delight in seeing what she had imagined
in hours of reading, what her father had
often described to her having visited the
Eternal City as tutor in his young days.
But in Rome, one of the party, loung-
ing in lazily to the general sitting room
of the wide house where they all lodged,
said, half yawning:
"Holcroft is here, down with the ma
laria."
"Where?" some one asked, Indifferent
ly.
''At the hotel where we stopped the
first week we were here. He's going to
die they say"
"Dh. Duncan Holcroft!''
Georgina CROPPED her way dizzily un-
perceived to the balcony.
Could the wide world hold so much
misery as pressed her down.
Like lightning fash she read the
cause of all her restless craving since she
had left London.
She loved Duncan Holcroft, King
amongst men. She had walked away
from her own paradise closing the door.
and Duncan Holcroft would die, and
never know she had loved him.
At the hotel where they had stopped !!
Why it was close beside them.
She could be there in ten minutes.
She never paused to think of propriety
OF rapping her head and shoulders in q
fieecy white shawl, she sped along the
street, thankful for the gathering twi-
light.
The walters paused, but led her to the
room. At the door she paused
She could see sister Of charity kneel-
ing beside high bed, could hear sweet
voice say:
.She Is here in Rome. When / am
dead. carry nv message. Tell her loved
her to the last You will find her at the
al iress gave you. Georgina Gilroy.
You will not forget the Manner
Trembling and white. Georgina crept
in. softly laying her hand upon the SIS
,er's shoulder:
Il am Gecrgina Gilroy,- she whis-
pered. very low
But low IS ]; was the whisper reached
| Duncan Holcroft's ears: and q smile
lighted his white. wasted face.
Little George. ".,he said family. Oar
ling. have you come to say fsrewelll-'
NO" she answered, strangling the
sob in her voice; Il have come to pray
you live-for me-
A great Joy lighted the languid eyes
For you. George, do you love me at
| lastl-
Il think have always loved you, she
sobbed. aonly know it at lastr''
Il cannot die now" he said.
And he did not
Clasping Georginas slender hand fast,
| he found the life-civing sleep all mar