The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-26
THE HISTORY OF LIFE.
SY THE AUTHOR OF CAPTAIN GERALD" ''THE
RIGHT OF Way" ETC.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM.

NlstpCI WuhO up 1uieS iiSoi ohNI
bright at six o'clock in the morning, and
crept on to Euphemia's bed to see how it
Jared with her, expecting to find her fast
asleep. To her surprise two large splen-
did eyes, dim now, but always lovely,
smiled at her so sweetly.
II thought you were asleep, Mrs. Ro-
per-"
"Not yet, Mabel"
"Haven't you slept at all, then?"
"Not last night. | wouldn't take my
draught last night, for fear l shouldn't
be ready to wake with you this morn
ing" i
"Do you always take something to
make you sleep, then?
always"
"How odd!'' answered Mabel, reflect
lively. "I never do"
because you are young and strong,
Mabel, and have no troubles to keep you
awake" >
"Do you think they will come when I
grow up~ =.
81 hope not. Some grown up people
are very happy"
"And then I mean to be good"
"Ah. my love-" said Euphemia, in
voice 50 soft and feeling that Mabel never
forgot it all her life, eff you are good,
you must be happy. 1t is only our sins
that make us really miserable"
II don't believe that you ever did any
thing naughty, though" said Mabel,
staunchly; ''not even when you were a
tiny little girl"
Euphemia shook her head, and faint
amile p ssed over her countenance. The
child's confidence in her goodness was very
sweet and pleasant. She knew best how
little merited it was, and yet she had not
the heart to poison the child's faith, and
destroy her love; and she only kissed the
little red mouth that hung so temptingly
near her, and said, quite gently: CAT
least, we can all try and be better, Ma
BEL"
After this, the young lady, who could
not understand remaining in bed after
once her bright eyes had had their fill of
sleep, made her simple toilet in woman
ly way, and went out into the garden,
leaving Euphemia to her reflections. She
returned in about an hour, with a bou-
quet in her hand; but fancying that the
other might possibly have gone to sleep,
she crept in on tip-toe. Euphemias head
was lying amongst the pillows with her
dark hair spread over the coverlets; and
10 exceedingly pale was her face, so ter
ribly still her eyelids, that, for misera-
BILE moment, the child thought she must
be dead.
But, drawing closer, she heard and saw
her gentle respirations; aud so, stealing
across the carpet, like little mouse, she
gathered the window curtains tightly to-
gether to keep out the morning sun; and,
:inally placed her bouquet in vase on
the table at Euphemia's side, that she
might see them on waking and
enjoy its freshness. Then Mabel,
smiling softly to herself, crept out
again, and encountered Jennie, who
was going to see if her mistress was awake.
Mabel put her finger to her lips, and with
rare thoughtfulness begged that Mrs.
Roper might not be disturbed, as she had
not slept all night.
"And I'm hungry" concluded Mabel,
who, accustomed to early hours, began to
miss her usual basin of bread and milk
Whereupon, Jennie called her off to the
housekeepers room, and she had cup
of delicious chocolate given her, and some
delicate French rolls, and shell of a
shell of golden butter, and charmed both
the tive women by her innocent prattle
The meal was scarcely concluded when
Mrs. Ropers bell rang, and Jennie had
to hurry away. Then Mabel returned
to the garden, and wandered about the
paths, until she heard Euphemia calling
her.
"You must be quite famished, my
love," she said, kissing the little girl with
secret ecstasy of love that seemed odd
even to herself.
ooh, mol" answered Mable, springine
toyfully into her outstretched arms; 81
have had my breakfast, thank you"
"Then suppose I am to eat aloneT
said Euphemia, in rather a disappointed
voice.
II shall come and sit with you," replied
the child, caressingly.
II found your mowers, MaDei, directly
1opened my eyes-how very sweet the.
arel"
II thought you would like them"
Then hand in hand, the woman looking
lovingly down into the child's smilin!
eyes, they went into the house.
If we dwell upon this calm, peaceful
time, dear readers, it is not to weary yo'
with its simple monotony; but only be
cause the terrible storm is SO near, ant
that the landscape is always at its faires
Just before the thunder breaks over it
and the cruel lightnings rend the skies
If Euphemia could but have known wha
that day must bring forth, could she hav
lived to meet it? II was only becaus
the agony of anticipation was spared he
that the strength of desperation came t
her, as the blow came, suddenly.
CHAPTER XIX.