Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-06-16

happy TO release him.
A moment after she would have given
anything TO have been able to recall what
she had just said IN the impulse OF anger,
but it was too late. DR.. Keith had moved
TO another part Of the room, and the con
versation was soon changed by the party.
| In short time the chafed lover bowed
his adeux to his hostess, saying there was
| a sick child whom he must visit that night,
"A few hours before he had assG.ed the dis,
tressed mother that it was but IA cold ailing
the infant; but now one might Judge that
it was threatened with an inciplent scarlet
fever. Mrs. Jones' baby received one visit
more that uight than it would have done,
! had It not have been for Clara Graham's
careless words.
| And bow Jared il with Clara3 She was
unusually gay after her lovers departure,
but one might Judge that she expected some
one by the anxiety with which she watched
the opening of the door. The flush whicn
mounted to her brow died away, leaving
only bright spot on each cheek, and an
unusual brilliancy in her eyes.
"Why, Miss Graham, are you i'll"
asked the lady of the house, as Clara's hand
touched hers in putting down vase OF
flowers 1t was icy cold, whilst the fever
spot ON her face burned hotly.
81 do not feel well, but a nights sleep
will restore all, hope" said Clara.
But there was no sleep for Clara that
night. She reached home in fever OF an
ger and excitement. She could recognize
no reason why DR.. Keith should take her
testing words 50 seriously. In her indigna-
tion she forgot how much reason she had
given for otfense, though unintentionally !;
how sensitive a poor man is who loves.
Clara was one of those peculiar natures, the
very depth Of whose aztec ion makes them
undemonstralive. She forgot that he did
not know, as we'll as she, how bravely her
strong heart would battle out the worlds
trials with him by her side.
The night passed in this conflict between
resentment and love, and the morning
found her wearied out and weeping. After
an hour or two of unrefreshing sleep, she
arose and hurried through her toilette. But
her haste was unnecessary. The leaves OF
her music books had been turned; the
plants in the window had the dead leaves
plucked off, and placed towards the sun,
one piece of sewing after another was
thrown aside, and still DR.. Keith did not
make his appearance.
Clara felt angry again, 4 few hours be-
fore had be come she would frankly have
acknowledged her thoughtlessness but
now, at the ring of the door-bell, the old
naughty spirit 70 e up as she thought, "He
has been giving me time TO repent | sup
pose; - and her manner chilled 10 iciness
Although she knew the voice and step
perfectly well, Clara sat unmoved in her
room till the servant announced DR.. Keith.
She arose with the most imperturable
calmness, and bl lshed off the snips of
zephyr-worsted which clung to her dress,
as if TO her own heart she would not ac-
knowledge her excited feelings.
When Clara entered the parlor her lover
was standing looking out of the window,
with his back to the door. Whether 1t was
that her light footstep was unheard, or that
he was determined that she should speak
first, Clara could not determine. For the
moment her impulse was to go up and
place her hand on his shoulder. but pride
for bade her, 50 she only said, coldly.
''Good morning, DR.. Keith.
Clara drew up her tall figure, then took
her seat, and carelessly turned over the sofa
cushion against which she was leaning.
''Will you be seated Srf"
Thank you, no. | called, Miss Graham,
to release you from an engagement, which
by your own avowal, was irKsome to yoU.
1t Is not so great curse, after all, this
being poor; one finds out so soon how little
suca pretty thing as a heart is WORTH"
Clara sat with her eyes fixed uDquailing
ly on his face; and except that al this last
taunt the bright spot sprung 10 her cheek,
and the lines of her flexible mouth grew
wonderfully rigid, she gave no sign of the
death throes in her. heart.
You will remember, if you please, sir,
that have before SAID | should be most
happy to be released. l see no chance of
happiness in our union ;" and she arose and
bowed haughtily to her lover.
He had hoped that when he went in
Clara would have made some apology, but
now that was all over; so coldly bidding
her good morning, he departed.
And Clara, poor Clara she was not one
TO give way to violent weeping; but she
threw herself on the sofa, buried her head
in the cushions, and after one deep groan
lay like one dead. A long time after she
arose and went up stairs; but to both din
ner and tea she excused herself on the plea
of a severe headache. When her mother
stopped in her room before retiring that
night, she was alarmed at Clara's appear
ance, and sent for DR.. Smith who pro-
nounced her dangerously Ill.
Day after day she fingered in violent
fever; and when she rose from her sick
bed her mother asked no questions as TO
the absence of DR.. Keith, for she had
gained intelligence enough, not from
Clara's rawlings, but from the heart-broken
voice and look of her sick child.
Years have passed, and DR., Keith, the
bachelor, is rich man in the village; and
the once gay proud Clara is Clara Graham