The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-08-24
A few hours more and he had gone.

n lew nuns lloiG anu lie udC gone.
Mr.. Boynton could not forgive Elise
for discarding Mr.. Layson.
He prevented her from seeing any,
one, even the poor Lieutenant being
warned not to appear.
A maiden cousin of fifty summers was
the only companion allowed her.
Music and books seemed to satisfy
the impervious maiden, and it was only
a faint scarlet twinge on the pale cheeks
that at last made Mr.. Boynton aware
that Elise was studying too much, ex-
ercising too little. and the form of a
once-loved sister rose before him. The
mother of Elise had been victim to
consumption and the daughter now
seemed doomed.
Once more Europe became the famil-
lar theme; this time Italy was to be the
destination.
"A warm climate may help, but can
not cure her," the physician said
Home was at last hidden farewell,
and Mr.. Boynton with his niece and her
nurse, a pleasant companionable lady,
left for Florence.
Are you ever lonely, Mrs. Heath?'
said sweet voice.
Yes, my dear, we all must be at
times in our lives. Can | do anything
for you?"
mo, thank you, was only thinking
of friend | once lost
The speakers were in handsomely
furnished room in the Hotel -. The
younger, an invalid, was lying on5s
couch which had been rolled toward an
open balcony overlooking the Bay of
Naples. 1t was at the hour of sunset,
and the city, lying below, bathed in the
suns last rays, appeared celestial.
Twill heaven be like that, | Won
der" said the invalid. Il shall not
want to 90 alone though, if it be even
more beautiful"
"Do not think of dying yet,' said
the nurse. Your uncle told me to-
day that gentleman friend hal come
to see you, and that he hoped you
would try and be more cheerful, and
not make everybody as blue asyoursef.
You're to get well, he says, AID travel
further. He wants to see Greece and
half dozen other countries not stay
forever here"
81 know who the gentleman is. l
will be well and see him. said the
sick girl, not needing the Iurse fur
Their. "Let him come now
She raised herself little on the
couch, then held her hands lightly to-
gether, and waited for her ANGLE and
friend to appear.
! The former entered soon, and with
him one who had said.
Il will come in autumn, when you
are alone"
Many month in her innocent heart
had Elise loved Edgar Lason. He
had been too long with her rot to i'm
press her with his manly character and
strength.
When the years went aftei his de-
parture, and no congenial companion
ship beside her books and music were
left, Elise grew to wondering if he
would return. The mountain heights
were so far off, and no one was near to
help her climb them. The old love had
grown very distant.
The professor had died without a
word for her, and no sign came from
E 9pd Aht that he rfm sGkngss h ba
The nurse tried to be kind, and so did
her uncle, but she was alone and au-
tumn had now come.
If some one was only with her whom
she loved, to put her hand in the Heav-
emily Fathers, she had so little strength
herself. After that the Divine arm
would hold her evermore.
Edgar Layson was hardly prepared
to see the great change in Elise, though
Mr.. Boynton had tried to explain how
great her illness had been.
g fear her death any day." said he.
The physician gives no hope She
has been expecting you for some time,
let us go to her.
A little later in the twilight shadows
kiss fell on Elise's forehead, and
Poor, tired little girl" a gentle
voice said.
" But am no longer alone" she an
swered.
Still later when the shadow of death
fell there sounded God bless you,"
and then the everlasting arms folded
the weary one to rest.-L. A., IN Dan
bury Ne0S.