The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1881-06-21

for the young girl whose lite hat
been 50 lonely, until one evening hcl
husband came to her with U troubled
iook, and told her that his only rela
tive, al Uncle in England, was very
sick, and had sent for him TO come
Immediately, and taking his young
wife in his arms. he soothcd her with
fond words, saying:
| dare not TO take you with me
darling. Uncies George was very
angrywhen my mother married an
American with such n piebian name
OF all low names. Smith, lie claims
stands at the very bottom. Uncle
George never forgave mother; but
when botll my parents died, leaving
me alone, he appointed jgguardian
for. me, and kept me well supplied
with funds, and now that lie is dying,
must go 10 him; but | will return
as soon as possible TO he with my
little wife. I il,ig GI6tl,} ~
And so he left her with plenty OF
money, buts=witll an aching. heart,
and she had never seen him since.
Trouble had seemed TO multiply
after that. A contagious disease
broke out in their town, and carried
Off whole families. Her aunt fell q
victim, but she escaped and came TO
the city, hoping to find employment
by winch to support herself. She
had a small sum OF money left, with
which she purchased o little cottage.
and her Nellie was born. ( "
The rose -bloomed once moro on
Nelie's cheeks. an,l her step grew
light as the weeks advanced. She
liked her employment, aud above all,
she liked her employer. Many sub.
staniial evidences of his kindness
had found their way to the little cot
tage, and many an,extra dollar had
found It's way TO Nellie's pocket.
AS his face grew thinner and his
step slower, he seemed 10 turn 10 the
young girl for sympathy, and the
sound other sweet voice, orthc touch
of her coel hand, had power TO soothe
him 10 rest when all else had tailed.
IIe often watched her az she moved
about the room, in her bright cheer
ful way, with strange wistful look
in ,is fading eyes.
Onemorlling a. shc took her scat
by his-coucll, lie laid his thin, trans.
parent hand on her own, saying as
he did SO.
feel that | have but q few more
hours OF life, and wish TO talk with
you, aud he smiled almost sadly as
he met her startled glance. q sj
Yes, he continued, slowly, / shall
soon be gone, and there will be nc
one 10 truly mourn for pe unless il
be the little girl l have taken such an
unaccountable interest In. You will
miss me, Nellie?
For answer .shc bowed her head
upon her clasped llands and wept.
He waited few moments, then
taking sene little palm in, his hands
and caressing 1t teuderly, he said :
No doabt youhaveoilc W wopdered
that a perfect stranger, should have
given You employment without qaes-
lion Or reference. Il can hardly tell
why Idid so myself. Perhaps itwas
look on that pitiful young face Sc
like dear face, l,uscd, 10 love.
have carried the memory Of that face
all through life. had only beer
married few weeks, when Twas
summoned to England, aud when
returned | found the house wl'ero
had left my dear one deserted, buI
was told that she was dead. Ga 81
My uncle. at his death, left me his
property. providing l would take hi
name, but oh ! il has been u long, sad
life without my darling.
have taken q strange interest II
you, child, and my heart seem Z
cling to you IN my last hours. | hay.
taken care Of your future, my dear
aud there Is neither wife nor child
brother or sister, TO question tht
fright of the will that | have, made j.
| your behnlf. Somehow, ever sinc,
| have, carried out my intentions res
pecling you, | feel SO peaceful a
though there was nothing left un
done, and | am ready TO 60.
He1was Interrupted by a at o
coughing, which lasted so long tha
Nellie was frightened. After sh'
had laid him back on his pillow, chi
saw his lips move, but the word
were so low that she had to ben,
over him 10 hear them. 'e
| When Fam gone, Nellie, open thi
! little ebony casket. Inside YOU vii
iiudnmy wiie's picture. You ma.
look at 1t, but want It buriedwitl
me,
lie lay on his pillow and close,
his eyes, wearily. A strange cain
aiole over his features, ami an ic.
chill crept into the hands claspin
hers-a chiU that semi q thrill otter
4 ror TO her Heart. She bent over hin
and spoke his namc, obi so tenderl
--but he, heard not the Young voice
He had passed forever beyond II
reach.
The next day as he lay IN his coffir
Nellie opened the little casket an
took out the picture he had treasured
Going up to the window, she opene
the case aud hooked upon the sweo
girlish face smiling up at her. On
moment, then quick, gasping or
escapedher lips, and she fell into th
arms of an attendant. The face c
her dear friends lost wife was tn
face Of her ownmother.-Selected {