Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-08-07


so agitate him. Miss Ressie met me.
told her in few words what my grief
was, and left her.
1t was almost dark, just as it is now,
when Miss Ressie joined us that evening.
She did not see me, for l was seated on
the low chair in that corner; nor did Mr..
Hugh know of my presence, for he was
stretched on the lounge by the window,
and his head was from me.
Miss Resse's first words were not very
distinct There was kind of catch in
her voice, which Mr.. Hugh detected in
stanly.
"What troubles your he asked.
"Your Illness was the brief reply.
at will soon be over" Then he
added, softly and musingly. "Thank
Heaven! Sit here" he said; 81 want to
talk to you, "-pointing to low ottoman
beside him.
She complied silently.
"You have not sung to me-" he con-
tinud-and noticed all the old tenderness
had come back to his voice. "since l
sneered at woman's love. crave your
pardon for my fault! Sing me that song
once more"
She hesitated.
"Sing it Ressie, once more,'' he whis-
pered.
1t was the first time he had called her
by that name.
Mournfully the tones of the sweet
young voice swelled and died away in the
still twilight 1 longed to creep out of
the room, for | felt like an eavesdropper;
| but l dared not move hand or foot to
break the holy spell or the moment. l
bowed my head and wept noiselessly.
| "Ressie; it was in the bitterness of my
heart that called your song an ingen-
ious fiction. Do you remember what had
passed oh that same day between yourself
and your nurse?'
He paused for reply, but none came
81 overheard the conversation, and it
taught me our relative positions. l was
your kinsman, your guest, whom you
delighted to honor. l must take my
chance with the rest. You were-oh,
Ressie!-my love, my love!'
| There were few seconds of silence,
save that the little golden clock there
licked steadily, and through the window,
opened an inch or two at the top, came
the faintest rustic of leaves. l could not
see distinctly; but 1 fancied that Miss
Ressie's head sank lower till it rested on
the framework Of his couch, also that his
thin white hand was wandering careless
ly over her golden hair.
81 was your guest; you were my life,
my darling" and his voice took deep,
solemn tone, 81 have fought with my
love bravelv day by day-ay, and night
by night Had been well and strong,
would have crushed it out and killed it.
1 was i'll and weak-it is killing me!''
There was another silence. The tick
tick of the clock was painfully audible,
and gentle hum of insects stole through
the window. Presently Mr.. Hugh spoke
again.
"There is no humiliation in owning
this, Ressie 1 grappled boldly with my
love, as a brave man ought, when he
knows that it is hopeless. l can face
death boldly, as soldier and Christian
should, and welcome it. Since that day
think have never by look or tone be-
trayea myself Even now l could hold
my peace, but that have something to
beg for the sake of the great love bear
you"
She was trembling now, trembling SO
violently that could feel the very floor
shake; but he did not heed it apparently.
"My darling, you delighted to honor
me; and that fatal gift of yours, as nurse
called it, won me, body and soul. Not
me, alone, you know, but others; good
men and true it robbed Of happiness and
peace l do not blame you, Ressie, that
were disloyal, and you are perfect in my
eyes; but will you give me promise
never again to exert your power till you
love as [ do?"
She raised her head.
els that all may give your" &C..
! cit is the only desire have. save one.
That dare not tell your
"What is it?'' she asked, simply.
"Oh, Ressie, my beloved, dreamed
one night that your lips were on mine
that you kissed me once, darlingP'
In an instant there was a CLEAN OF
bare, jeweled arms encircling his neck,
and her whisper, low and distinct,
reached me:
GAS for the first request, my love
grew with yours, equals yours and is
yours AS for the second-''
1t was myopportunity, dear, that real
ization of Mr.. Hugh's dream. l crept
from the room; and they will never sus-
pect that there was witness to the ad-
ministering of that elixir of life which
restored Mr.. Hugh at the eleventh hour.
He is travelling now with Miss Ressie and
the squire, his wife and father law,
that is
"Alls well that ends WE'LL" l have
heard, but you may never know the fear
of such an ending as once seemed newt
able, my dear, that is all"