The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1882-12-06
A HEATHER BLOSSOM.

naive Scottish Moors-had only been
in London one short twelvemonth, but
her bright bloom had already begun to
fade. The air of the crowded city was
not proving to her life-giving current,
and as her younger brothers and sisters
had all rendered up their liyes-victims
to decline-it is not to be wondered at
that Agnes fading cheeks and feverishly
brilliant eyes caused sad forebodings in
the loving hearts around her.
so when one day she expressed wish
to once more behold green fields and
country sights and sounds, saying to
her friend Mollie Carruther who was
staying with her for short visit, II
really believe l should once more feel
well again If could 90 into the woods
and gather wild flowers with my own
handn
Dear Agnes" had been Mollie's ca
ger answer, ''if you will come home
with me, we will live in the woods
love them as well as you do' | am sure
it will make you well"
And Agnes had smiled. She would
not cloud Mollie's anticipations by tell
ing her what she well knew-that her
days were numbered
''Do you think they would be glad to
see me at Carruther Farm, Mollie? for
! long to be there once more. 1t seems
as though all this restlessness and fever
would take 10 itself wings if | could
sleep again in that cool, quiet room,
with its white drapery futtering against
the blossoming vines What saucy
roses those were! Do you remember
how they would peep in. and shake
down a shower of petals with every
breeze that stirred the curtain?"
Agnes and Duncan had spent their
honeymoon at Mollie's home and il
was thus associated in her mind with
the purest happiness of her life. Mol
lie gave a glad little cry, Her own
heart was filed with longing for home,
though she had not breathed ii TO
Agnes.
"Oh, Agnes, am so pleased to hear
you express such q wish ! will write
TO mother at once and tell them 10 meet
US"
II shall have TO talk to Duncan first,
Mollie. Maybe he won't consent to my
going
Trust that to me. Here he comes
now" Mollie flew TO meet him as he
came in, and put her arm coaXingly
within his. You're not selfish, dis
agreeable husband, are you, Mr.. Stew
art?n
Duncan gazed at her smiling, roguish
face in surprise as he answered; why
do you ask' Has any one been saying
naughty things of me behind my back''
mo: but Agnes thinks you may not
be willing to let her GO
600 where? Please explain, Miss
Molle"
"Only home with Mollie,n said Agnes.
IL feel as though that pure air would
be like a health-giyng elixir to me,
May | go'"
81 will give my consent TO anything,
my darling, so that can once more see
those pale cheeks blooming again, and
he ran his hand caressingly through his
wife's fair, shining curls.
Dear Duncan she murmured,
you have been so good to your poor
little heather blossom, You have made
earth like heaven to me-"
Have you never for one moment
wished that had not transplauted you
from your home, AgnesP"
A look Of peace came into his eyes
which had grown to be strange to them
of late, as he heard Agnes soft-spoken
but earnest reply.
Zone year with my Duncan would be
better than long life without him"
1t was some time after this before the
silence was broken. Then they talked
over the arrangement for departure,
Duncan graspcd at the hope of Agnes
health being improved at the farm, and
he promised to put his business in
shape to follow them in months time,
and to remain awhile.
Agnes did rally at first, but it proved
Elusive, One day she had but just re-
covered from an exhaustive fit of cough
ing Mollie watched her anxously dur.
ing the paroxysm; then she left her to
procure her cooling drink. She came
with it to her bedside, and holding the
weary head with one tender young
hand, she held the cup TO her lips with
the other.
The invalid drank and seemed re-
freshed. As Mollie laid her head again
upon the pillow, she looked up and said
family
How good you are to me! Kiss me,
Molie."
As the girl bent and pressed her lips
upon the white forehead, Agnes put her
arms above her clingngly.
Now, DEAR" she said, Il have some
thing to say to you before Duncan
comes-dear, good Duncan" and she
fingered lovingly over his name, "for
when we meet again he must stay with
me until the last. Don't turn SO white
Mollie, and don't feel unhappy about
me. have seen what was approach
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 me in such short
time! Mollie, want to say something
to you about him, When n few years
have gone by, and my grave Is bright
with flowers will you try and bring
happiness again into his cloudcd lifep
viii you marry himP'
Mollio could control herself no lonp-