Connecticut western news., 1880-02-18

started to visit his, sister, with whom he lived (his mother was dead). My anxiety was not allayed on hearing that he had not been home all night, and became seriously alarmed. He had never stayed out before since he had known me, and we did not know what to think. Even while l was trying to compose myself and still the fears that remorselessly rugged at my heart, Q messenger came with letter for his sister. All I saw was est. Luke's Hospital " in the upper left hand corner of the. envelope, when became suddenly calm and still.
 Yes, he was then injured, dying per haps I did not inquire. "Sophie, '' I cried, "you must come now, this minute oh, my darling what have you done, what have you done? ?"
 Sophie, dear, motherly Sophie-she was four years the junior of Felix-took me into her arms and tried to comfor! me.
 "You cannot go out in this condition, '' she said, "compose yourself; matters may not be so bad as you think"
 But how could I be calm when ] thought of him suffering, ill, and it all my fault I do not know how we reached the hospital, and have only 8 faint recollection of being helped in and out of 8 carriage and waiting in dark ened reception room, whose quietnesa was ominous, to me an eternal length oi time before we were ushere1 into adim. ly lighted httle room at the top of the building. s"
 My heart stood still at the threshold. There, on cot,bed, the only article oi furniture in that room besides table covered with bottles and lint and two chairs, lay seemingly inanimate form, whose head, though swathed in band. ages, I recognized as belonging to my pride, my love.
 The gentleman who conducted us to the room-the doctor, I supposed-put a warning finger on his lips, and restrained me as I was about to lush forward and throw myself on the bed.
 Madam" said he kindly. but firmly, in an ominous whisper, "the least ex' citement may cost him his life."
 I recovered my conposure as he offered me glass of water.
 "Inezr' came in 0 faint, broken whisper from the bed. .....,
 "Yes," I said in the calmest tone ] could muster, "I am here."
 The Doctors hand was again on my arm.
 "If you feel sure of yourself" said he, "and can control all outward dls play of emotion, you can go to him bub remember what have said."
 sat on chair that the Doctor placed for me by the bedside and put my hand within the one outside the coverlet which, oh joy responded to my touct with slight pressure.
 "Did you have pleasant time last eveningt" .f.. .5.. .....
 "Darline," whispered, "don't."
 That he should. think of such thing at such 8 timel Sophie was bending over the bed, tears in her eyes, he sweet, low voice saying Courage Felix, dear, and you will soon be we'll.
 Iheard her say to the Doctor, as they stood near the door "How did thiI happen?"
 He replied in whisper, which I dit not catch, and then beokoned to me.
 Madam" he said politely, Git i against the rules of this institution fo visitors to remain with the patient beyond an allotted time, but as this cas- is rather an exceptional one, and as have confidence in your power to cur rather than to aggravate our friends ill I shall allow you to return this evening at six and'remain with him till nine."
 I thanked him hurriedly-I do no know how-and going back to Feli: whispered, Good-by, darling, I all going now, but he says may come bac again this evening"" ....
 "Inez," he said, in clear, calm tones that struck chill to my heart, so quie and resigned they were, "I have re quest to mako; you will grant it, a. perhaps it may be my last.' Darling, do not talk now. Take for granted that I shall do whateve you wish."
 "We were to be married" Thi brokenly.
 "You will get we'll and we shall b married"
 "But suppose-suppose I do no recover" did not answer, but tightene my hold on his hand, twill you"- another pause-" will you consent t render my last hours happy by beoomin my wife now?"
 hesitated. Was this a rich man falcy that ought to bo humored, an would he forget all about it if I sai yesp
 The Doctor was at my elbow.
 "If you care enough to marry hin you might as we'll do 50 now; you have to forego grand wedding," half smile curled his lip eff he reco, CT, why, disagreeable ceremony wi have been gotten over with if he q not, well, you will have the consolatio of knowing you made all reparation your power." This was said yer severely. -.C- ..--.
 How curious the Doctor seemed. We he heartless or cynical? He appeane angry with me. Did he think care for grand wedding? .-.. .-
 "Felix," whispered, "yes."
 "Now ?" For man wounded mig unto death the animation he displa ye was wonderful. "Thisvery evening 2
 The Doctor has his finger on the D, l 4:a=.A,= =