The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-12-01

ing for some time. and all is peace with
ME. My only sorrow is to leave Dun
can. Poor boy! to wait for me so long.
and to make me such lovely home,
and then To lose mo in such a short
time! Mollie, want TO say something
to you about him. When few wears
have gone by, and my grave is bright
with flowers, will you try and bring
happiness again into his clouded lifep
Will you marry himP"
Mollie could control herself no long
| er.
at breaks my heart to hear you talk
so, Agnes! You are too young to die!
you must live"
IF it distresses you so, will not re-
fer to it again. Some time, though, you
may remember my words. Mollio,
come nearer"
She laid her thin hands on the bright
head bowed before her. "May Heaven
bless tlfis dearest and truest of friends.
As she has frightened my life, may her
own be bright to its close. Now, dear,
60. will try and sleep SO as to look
my best when my Duncan comes"
1t was sunset. Agnes wished to be
PlatON WhtiO ohO OOuiQ oCC bHC lClul-
gent orb in his full beauty. Her hus-
band, who had arrived some hours pre-
vious, lifted her in his strong arms and
laid her among the cushions in large
easy-chair-then wheeled her to the
window.
She lay for time quiet and notion
less. There was great contrast be-
tween the perfect peace of her express
sion. and the gloom which filled her
husbands eyes as he watched her. He
felt that the little hand resting within
his own was fast slipping away from his
grasp.
Suddenly her face grew instinct with
light. She pointed upward.
"Oh, Duncan! see the sunlight on
the peaks of dear old, Ben Lomond-no
1t is the glow upon-Yes! 1 see! l
come, motherp'
Her head sank back upon the cush-
ions. They were white as new fallen
snow, but the sweet face resting upon
them was winter Duncan was alone
with his dead.
just then the western sky was lit
with strange glory. For some hours
the silver-tipped clouds had been gath
ering for fray, until now one shining
summit after another lay massed in a
huge embankment across the azure
heavens; then the forked lightning be-
gan to dart from peak to peak, while
echoing thunder reverberated from
them like the voice of warning spirits.
One terrific peal following close upon o
binding flash told story of devasta-
ton. A few moments later the inmates
of Carruther farmhouse were summon
ed to the spot by an underlined fear,
which was proved to be but too well
founded.
Agnes pure spirit had indeed taken
its flight heavenward upon the wings of
the storm.
1t was Mollie's first experience of
death, and in the deep depression which
came upon her, her health failed.
just at this time, when her parents
anxiety was aroused about her, letter
came from sister, who had married
and lived abroad since Mollie's earnest
recollection.
She wrote most lovingly of the "little
sister," and begged that she might have
her as question few years. while she
was finishing her education, promising
to place her under the best masters.
At any other time the answer would
have been decided no." but fear for
Mollie's health now made it an af1irma-
tive one; and the next outgoing steam
er numbered Mr.. and Mrs. Carruther
and Mollie among her passengers.
Another year found Mollie alone, as it
were, among strangers, for her father
and mother had only remained for a
visit, and returned without her.
y
Six years later we again take up the
thread of our story.
An expectant group await the arrival
of a steamer. A white-haired old man,
and one who is still in life's prime, but
with lines of care and sorrow upon his
broad forehead which contradict the
story by the erect figure and dark clus-
tering hair, untouched by Times silver.
Conflicting emotions surged through
Duncan Stewards heart as he stood be-
side Mr.. Carruther upon the wharf. A
day far away in the past was in his
memory-one that had heralded in
brief season of happiness, which had
been succeeded by long and dreary
blank. He had been prosperous man
as the world calls it, but all had palled
upon him since the love of his early
manhood had been blighted.
But hustle recalled him to himself.
Mr.. Carruther had looked in vain for his
little Mollie's face, and was turning away
in disappointment when a pair of cling
ing arms embraced him.
'.Father," saida sweet, clear voice,
s'don't you know mep"
The old man looked at the tall, bloom
ing girl for a moment. Then he said:
~ know your eyes, lass; but see L
have cen lost my little Mollie for ever!
Where is shep"
Mollie laughed.
LEFT in France long ago, father;
but you are not going to love me bit
less because ] am SO grown up, are youp
If you are, l am going straight back
again. eE 81
well see about that, lassie; but
here is Duncan. Have you no greeting
for an old friendp"
Mol1;a oxfapdad bor hand with N