The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-02-01

"'Aurelia, your wife, suggesting such
q thing p cried 1, vague horror taking
possession of my soul. Pray, what can
be her motive p asked gravely--not.to
say Indignantly.
"F Well, she used some sensible logic
in arguing the point rejoined he, u
trihe dscomposed at my serious tone
and air. 'She allowed quoting Scrip
ture) that In the midst of life we are in
death, aud as fellow has to make his
will some time or other, concluded to
make mine and be done with it..
"' hope you have not neglected your
wife in the distribution of your lega-
cies p remarked 1, in tone of irony.
"' Why, of course not rejoined he
earnestly. He thought made the re-
mark in all sincerity, SO much can a
man be blinded by the honeymoon.
"Shortly after this my brother chang
ed in health and splrits," continued Miss
Vallee. He did not complain, and
possibly did not feel indisposed; but L,
who regarded him as my other self, saw
that he grew weaker as the days sped
along. spoke to him about it, and he
laughed at what he was pleased to call
my foolish fancies.
"Several more months went by, and
he resigned his position at the bank,
being no longer capable of attending to
his duties. Then had long talk with
his wife. Perhaps, thought L, she has
been impressed the same as myself.
"But how 1 had been deceived She
laughed right in my face when 1 spoke
of my brothers. illness. He is not i'll,
my dear Margaret, said she, derisively !;
the fact is, he has overworked himself
at that nasty bank, and has finally
yielded to my persuasion to quit it. And
because he did SO you must have him ILL.,
Pshawl nonsense, childp
81 left her presence with heavy
heart, and sad foreboding. My darling
brother would not admit that he was i'll i,
and his wife laughed at my fears. What
could / do to make them see that which
haunted my waking thoughts and my
dreams at night.
SIN this, my grievous dilemma, an
old college chum of my brother came to
see him by invitation. They had not
seen each other for several years, and
when my brother languidly rose to
receive his friend, Mr.. Charles Petit,
that gentleman started in surprise, and
exclaimed:
"Good heaven Eugene, what is the
matter with youp'
"' What do you see the matterp' ask
ed my brother, with languij smile that
pierced my heart to witness.
Why you are but the ghost of your
former SELF" rejoined his friend.
GO Nonsense said my brother, faint
color rising in his pale cheeks. Il pre-
sumo you imagined, now that I am a
Benedict, to see me grown fat and
weighing sixteen stone at least
"'No,' was the thoughtful response,
as the other gazed from Eugene to me,
as if mentally contrasting us, but I
must say that married life does not
appear to agree with you. Does it now,
Miss Vallee p said he, appealing to me.
"' So it seems to me also,' said L,
scarcely knowing what to say.
c. He looks ill, does he not p urged
Mr.. Petit.
"'That is my belief, but he does not
believe so, answered ], glancing at my
brother, with my heart aching for him.
"Then you have no doctor attending
you p asked Mr.. Petit, in deep surprise,
addressing my brother.
"' do not think it necessary re-
sponded Eugene.
90 Not necessary echoed the other.
Are you then bent on suicide so soon
after your wedding2'
"' Do not talk nonsense, said Eugene
visibly annoyed. Tell me about your
self and let poor me alone for the pres
ent.'
Poor me, indeed!' returned his
friend, in low tone as he turned to me,
then Immediately turned again TO my
brother and said:
"' Where is Mrs. Vallee p
g" She is visiting some friends in the
country replied my brother. She
will return in day or two.'
80 In that case 1 shall not see her,
returned Mr.. Petit, for 1 can remain
but day.
I had an hour alone with my broth
er's friend," continued Margaret Vallee
"and 1 freely expressed my fears in re
gard to my brother, and he urged me te
have nhvsician called in ~ onlv 4,