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

bless this dearest and truest Of friends
AS she has frightened my life, may her
own be bright to its close. Now, dear,
go. ! will try and sleep so as to look
my best when my Duncan comes"
1t was sunset, Agnes wished TO be
placed where she could see the reful.
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 n large
easy-chair-then wheeled her to the
window
She lay for time quiet and motion.
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
it is the glow upon-Yes! | see!
come, motherw
Her head sank back upon the cush-
ions. They were white as new fallen
snow, but the sweet face resting upon
them was whittier Duncan was alone
with his dead
Just then the western sky was lit
with a strange glory. For some hours
the slver.tipped clouds had been gath
erlng for fray until now one shining
summit after another lay massed in
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
binding flash told a story Of deya,ta.
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, a 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 a guest for 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 a decided mo-" but fear for
Mollie's health now made it an affina-
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,
Six years later we again take up the
thread OF our story.
An expeCtant group await the arrival
of 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 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. Carru,her had looked in vain for his
little Molie'S face, and was turning away
in disappointment when a pair of cling
ing arms embraced him.
Father said a sweet, clear voice,
"don't you know meP'
The old man looked at the tall, bloom
inc girl for a moment Then he said;
II know your eyes, lass but see |
have cen lost my little MolIie for ever!
Where is she2'
Molie laughed
LEFT in France long ago, father;
but you are not going to love me bit
less because | am so grown up are you?
If YOU are, | am going straight back
again
Wen see about that, lassie; but
here is Duncan. Have you no greeting
for an old friend?"
Mollie extended her hand with a
frank smile as Duncan said few words
of welcome,
Duncan was as much surprised as her
father, Strange to say it was little
Mollie, his child-friend whom he also
had expected to see, and this elegant,
self-possesSed young lady banished the
dear, remembered vision for ever.
But Mollie had not outgrown her
warm, childish nature, and she was
secretly hurt at her reception; though
blythe time Duncan had seen to lug
gage and rejoined them again she had
banished the unpleasant feeling and was
chatting merrily away to her father
about the incidents of the voyage.
Mollie was once more at the dear old
home, making it CHEEKY with her pres
ence