Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-11-29
BERTRAND'S DISCOVERY.

moy. Though scarcely over thirty, ais
chestnut ir displayed many threads of
gray, while his handsome face, with its
high, broad, intellectual forehead, was
haggard and pale from over study, too
small care for the body's nourishments,
and the canker of a great trouble hidden
deep in the recesses of his heart.
One of the walls was covered with rows
of books, ncient and modern, chiefly on
the sdbjects of chem istry, psychology,
pathology and anatomy.
Close to another had been constructed
a small furnace, while under the window
was large deal table, on VIII ich stood re-
torts, crusibles and the usual parapherna
liza of experimental chemistry.
The only bright spot in the place was
in one corner, where stood a clean, low
bed, containing pale, handsome boy OF
about two years, asleep.
His golden hair streamed in bright
curls over the pillow, and one tiny hand
was pressed to his rosebud mouth.
1t was the enly child OF Bertrand Fer
moy, who sat at the table poring ever u
large volume, often making notes, and 90
casionally watching with much anxiety
a crucible in the furnace.
He was on the eve of a great discovery;
discovery that had been the dream of
his life; discovery that would make
him the benefactor of his race, and hon
ored among his fsllow,men. For the
former he toiled. He needed not the
latter.
For thirty-six hours he had net slept.
"Oh heaven !" he murmured, abruptly
like the bitter moan made by mental
pain, as he passed his hand over his eyes.
able joy, th is at one time would have
been to me Now l work as creature
of habit, even as the bllnd-horse treads
his monotonous round. Ambition l
no longer possess it. Wealth it has no
charms. | toll because this has been the
dream of my life-because l must-be-
cause a stronger power than my own ~om-
pels me onward, Bah !" he added, irri-
tably; "why do l give way to such
thoughts at time when l need my brain
SO clear?"
Rising he bent over the crucible.
It's contents appear progressing to his
satisfaction, for he again returned to his
seat.
Hardly had he done so, than moan
ing cry from the child aroused him.
"Wh hat is it, BERTHE, my MANI" he ask,
ed kindly, though the habilual sadness of
his tones was still apparent.
The child did not reply. He had ut
tered the sounds in his slumber: but af-
ter that one glance, Bertrand Fermoy,
taking the lamp, knelt eagerly down by
the bed.
The little fellows cheeks were flushed,
his lips crimson, his infant forehead con-
tracted with suffering, while his tiny
hands were flung restlessly over the cover
let.
The practiced eye Of the doctor under
stood those signs at once.
The fever that had been raging in the
neighborhood had attacked his boy.
"Ill-ill, perhaps unto death !" he
cried, rising erect and throwing up his
arms. "Ili, and no mother to sooth-to
nurse MIN Oh, curse
He stopped, the fierce light faded from
his eyes. His arms fell 30 his side.
Notwithstanding all he had to bear,
he had never cursed her. He could not
even now.
Dropping on hio knees by the child's
couch, he bed bitterly.
AS he did so, like vision the past
came vivIdly back to him.
He saw himself again the country doc
tors assistant, with that discovery dimly
but a floating possibility in his brain. He
saw it the one purpose of his lie; his sole
ambition to be the discoyerer.
Again he saw himself at the risk of life
stay ing the runaway horse of A lice Ken
dal, the squires daughter; reseuring her
from certain injury, perhaps death. For
this the squiie, wringing his hand, had
called him friend, giving him praise and
thanks. But Alice had been more gem
erous; she had bestowed her love upon
the good looking, studious doctor, though
all the world mad said it was Captain
Lascelles's.
He saw once more in that mental Wis
ion their clandestine meetings, and be-
held the loving pride in her eyes as she
heard and entered into his hopes and am
bition.
Once mere he saw her standing with
him under the elms one midnight; he con-
Tossing how dear she was TO him, yet for
her sake bidding her reflect before she
cast her lot with his; that she was reuoun>
cling family, luxury. and comfort, per-
haps for penury. He still felt the pres
sure of her hand, as, placing it in his she
had said, II would suffer that and more
for ysu, Bertrand" Then, with smile,
"Come, love, am 1 to elope with you, or
you with me?"
He recalled their home, at frs t SO hap
py; then the birth of their boy; then--the
change.
Alice irritable somewhat in her ffetful
moods, moeking his discovery; saying
money and ease we're better than vast.
ing ones days chasing the will-o'- the
wisp.
Her repining for the comforts she had
reaounced the appearance of Captain
Laceles once or twice in the neighbor-
h5od-then Alice's flight. Whittier?
Bertrand Fermoy had made no effort TO
discnrar. much ess TO bring her back.