Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1881-02-10
BY WALTER MORGAN.
CHAPTER XIII.

nina during his noHle"dIu Joutuey, Cou oo
only inadequately described but their effect
was visible in his pale and haggard face,
whose worn and woefui expression seemed to
indicate DAYS, rather than hours, of suffering.
He reached home in the afternoon, and with
a throbbing heart ascended the steps, scarce
ly daring to enter, in the dread of what he
might find in store for him.
His eldest sister met him in the hall, hav-
ing seen his approach from a window, and
hurried down to welcome him. Her face was
pale and bore traces of tears and her quiv-
ering lips, as she tried to utter some words Of
greeting, betrayed her inward grief, which by
an effort she kept from breaking forth.
"Lpu? was the one word which Cyril
managed to utter.
"She is asleep now. She asked for you a
little while ago"
"Is she no better ?"
A sad shake of the head was the only reply
Heavy at heart, Cyril followed her 10 the
sick chamber A noiseless greeting took
place between him and the watchers round
the bed and Mrs. Hope silently made room
for him to sit beside the pillow.
His little sister lay sleeping so motionless,
slight laboring Of her breath, it would have
been easy to believe that Death had already
taken her to his icy breast. His signet was
plainly set upon her brow; and Cyril noted.
with a shudder, the faint, purple shadows al
ready gathering about her eyes and mouth
The end was very near. Would she know
him-give him one glance of her recognition
and love, before it came?
Nearly an hour crept by, in oppressive, un-
broken silence No one dared moved, for
fear of disturbing the sleeper. The least ag
itation, the least futter Of the nerves, might
hasten the moment to which they were all
looking forward with chill and trembling
dread. Yet an unspoken apprehension filled
each one, that from this earthly slumber she
might insensiby glide into that more pro-
found repose from which she would never
awaken that her frai bark, launched una
aware upon the sea of Eternity, would leave
the shore without one parting sign, one
hand wave of farewell Perchance it would
be better so--for her no suffering, no con.
sciousness Of a rending pang; but their hu-
man hearts longed for one more glance one
more token of the love that was being drawn
out of their lives, which it had gladdened
and beautifed so long.
By and by, the child stirred. An express
sion of pain contracted her brow, and low
moan escaped her lips Her mother bent
over her, anxiously watching; and. directly,
the painful look passed away, and opening
her eyes, she met her mothers gaze, and
smiled.
"Has Cyril Gomez she whispered.
"Yes, darling, he is here"
Mrs. Hope moved little asde and Cyril
took her lace. Lou smiled up in his face as
he bent to kiss her-a smile that nearly broke
his heart. "pm so glad,' she said, contented
ly; then in fainter tone, 81 knew you
would come. She clung to him, as though
her slender arms would never loosen their
hold, though, even then, the frail grasp she
held upon earth and its beloved ones wa:
growing momentarily weaker The dear
faces began to fade before her eyes. Cyril
felt shulder pass through her frame
another-then she put out one trembling
hand
Mamma! where are you p
"Here, my own one close by YOU"
II can't see you-kiss-kiss me"
Oh the solemnity of that parting kiss, press
ed by each in turn upon the sweet, pallid
mouth The awful hush that followed, a;
with strained glances and stifed breath
they stood with the young pilgrim upon the
brink of that cold stream which she mus
cross alone! Yet not alone, for angel minis
ters were surely waiting to bear her through
There was tremor of the eyelids-one low
sobbing sgh-then an unseen hand loosenec
the last OBTAINING cord, and the gentle spir
was free. The final moment could not have
been more peaceful. The anguish was al
for those who were left behind.
Cyril did not linger in the room. With
one last kiss pressed upon the beautiful clay
he hurried off, longing to be alone. He shu
himself up in his own little room-how solita
ry and forlorn it looked !-and gave way tt
his grief without restraint. Oh! that he hac
never left home! Only misery, and grief
and selfreproach had come of his absence
A record had been written upon the page o
his life which no repentance or tears coulc
efface. A record of folly, of wasted love, Q
wild hopes blighted and crushed, of sorrow
and shame, and duty neglected; all crowned
now by this one bitter draught of woe. Fo
his home ties were very strong; and the linl
which had just been severed had been, mex
to his love for his mother, the strongest %
them ALL Happy Lou he would gladl.
have changed places with her if he could
There were no wild sobs, no passonat
outbreaks Of sorrow to disturb the solemn
quiet of the house. The mourners went abou