The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-04-09

record, or listen to any compromise. In
turn Edgar was bitter in denunciation.
But as the song hath it: "Time though
old is swift in flight" and while it inev.
itably brings its revenges, it likewise
evolves its equities. In political dis
cussion at the village tavern, Robert
Winston, inflamed by rum, became sour
rilous, and his vituperative language so
incensed one of the disputants that he
struck the offender singing blow. In
the scufle that followed Robert was
badly handled, and being scientifically
knocked into insensibility, was carried
home for repairs. The physician who
was hastily summoned gravely pro-
nounced the anatomy of the wounded
man to be in a most deplorable condition.
When the village authorities came to in
quire about his assailant, they found that
individual had prudently removed him.
self to unknown pastures.
Edgar soon heard of this wretched Sc
quel to the sad alienation. All the dor
mant feelings of affection were aroused,
and he fastened to the side of his dying
relative. He anticipated and dutifully
lninistered to every want, and hour after
hour contritely shared the vigis of the
sick room.
Toward the close of shadowy winter
afternoon, the poor mutilated efigy of
emaciation that for days had lain almost
pulseless, showed signs of consciousness,
and Robert Winston slowly came back
to familiar scenes, and gazed longingly
on loving faces that betrayed the min
gled anguish of suspense and fear. Feebly
greeting his wife and children, he pres
emily put forth both hands and beckoned
Edgar to draw nearer the couch.
"How long have l been herew he
asked, after steadtastly gazing at his
cousin for some moments.
NEARLY four weeks" was the quiet
response.
"And youT'
"All the time, dear Robert, of every
day could keep from labor and rest"
"Whyw
Because it was my right, my duty,
and my choice"
'Tve deeply wronged you, Edgar"
"Say not so, Robert, for Pve deeply
wronged myself, in opposing you"
"But God judges between us, Edgar,
and the penalty is mine to pay"
"Let us hope it has been paid" replied
his cousin, with emotion.
"Nay, dear Edgar, deceive not your
self, or those to whom you must soon be
all the good friend ever is-a protector.
l am dyingl"
A long, ominous silence ensued, its mo-
notony only broken by an occasional sob
from one of the family.
Night had come down on the scene,
but the soul-mirrored radiance of Our
Fathers mansions lighted up the vision
of the stricken man.
Louisa, darling" he softly said, ad-
dressing his wife, "come close to me-"
"Dear Edgar, be good to her, as you
were ever ratel faithful to me and mine,
ere jealousy stifed my better nature"
81 promise, Robert, and will be true"
"My children" continued the dying
man, ii can no longer see, but my heart
tells me your tears are those of forgive
ness. Rely on your good cousin. Give
him share of your condolences and am
bitions, and listen patiently to his coun-
sells. Louisa, | am content, for Edgar
has spoken with the old fervor, and
know the power and endurance of bis
love-"
He seemed exhausted, and upon lights
being brought into the room motioned
to have them shaded, and soon dropped
into peaceful sleep.
He never woke again on earth
Weaker and weaker grew his laboret
respiration, and anxiously watched BY
those he had so fondly loved and rashly
wronged he passed beyond the pale O.
earthly justice, to press his suit at tn,
Higher Court.
Edgar Winston survived his unfortu
nate cousin many years, but was eve
after Roberts death a saddened recluse
lie was faithful to his sacred trust, be
coming a considerate friend and WIS,
counselor to the widow and children lef
to bis care. He released their father
J estate from all legal entanglements, ant
restored it to its former beauty and value
He never forgot the fruitful episod,
that had been the only bitterness in hi
long and otherwise contented life; anc
when the hour came for him to surrende
to the Leveler, and sign quit claim to al
human possessions, he did so with
cheerful resignation, born OF the belle
that he would surely rejoin the comrad
of his youth in that blissful Kingdom O.
which "the valley of the shadow o
death" is alone "The Boundary Line"
A Spirit of Deviltry.