The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-02-03
II couldn't get it before; don't
soold!" he said piteously.
"My darlinpi''

~S~AN' AAo cn1SA cAtCcublJs
"My darlingl''
"Oh, my darling" walled Nettie's
white lips, as she took him tenderly
and INCREASINGLY in her arms and drag
ged him upstairs and into their pretty
bridal-room, and placed him iu an easy
char, the only piece Of furniture in the
room which was empty.
Ringing bell, Mrs. Long summoned
their only servant and babe her go
quickly for physician.
Upon the chairs. tho floor, the bed,
were scattered every article of clothing
which the closet had contained.
Her husbands shaving materials lay
on the bnreau.
Nettie shuddered as she noticed the
open razor and the great gashes in tue
pale-blue satin pin-cushion.
What if, while sne sat there 80 wick
edly impatient for his coming, he had
never come at all?
And that he should have como to her
thusl 'r;
Her tears fell like raiu as she laid
away the garments he might never wear
again, and gently placed him OIL his
couch.
Her sobs troubled him, for he said:
"Nettie, darling, don't cry"
81 couldn't get tie scarf, you know;
I'll go now and get it,"
She checked her tears, and soothed
him with tender words. aud bathed his
throbbing forehead, and lulled him to
sleep, and sitting there, holding his
feverished hand, thought remorsefully
OF I'LL his kindness to her since, less
than year before, he had brought her,
a penniless, orphan shop-girl, to this
prettily furnished cottage home, aud
by and by, after what seemed to her
an eternity, the doctor came.
He felt the fevered pulse, inquired
carefully when and how the symptoms
first appeared, looked wise and thought
full. wrote two prescriptions, gave d.
rections concerning them, and left.
Two days later the end came.
Nettie's husband, the one love Of her
youth, closed his eyes and drifted away
from her.
And his last words had been:
"Nettie, darling, Ill get the scarf in
tho morning."
And this loving but erring bride, so
early widowed. knelt beside him in an
agony OF grief, which only those can
know who have wronged the one they
loved dearest Oh earth, and it is too late
for regret or forgiveness.
"Nettie, little w1fe-asleepl"
"Wake up and look at this barbe I
Nettie sprang from the Turkish
lounge, threw her arms around her
husbands neck and covered his lips
with kisses, while tears of JOY and
thanksgiving and repentance filled her
eyes.
':What is it, dear?" Walter asked,
seeing her so moved.
ooh, dreamed!"
And once more she olasped him con-
vuislvely.
Then she told him something Of her
agonlzing vision.
He took her in his arms and kissed
away her tears, and soothed her agttn-
tion, and told her how the mining
stocks which he had held 80 long hay
ing that day declared O dividend, he
was enabled to afford the barbe, and
had gone himself and purchased 1t for
her as New Years gift.
ooh, how good you arel'
81 am not haf worthy of you, Walter,
I shall not wear the barbe New Years
Day though, as punishment for my
selfishness and cruel words to you!'
And she folded tenderly the dainty
lace and laid it aside, as we put away
the precious things OF the beloved
dead.
She would have her way.
And on Now Years Day, attired in
her bronze-hued satin dress. with only
the crimson roses at her throat and
belt, she had never looked so beautiful
to the fond husband who watched her
proudly as she welcomed their friends
with sweetness and graoo. Is.
And thus the demon which had
threatened their home and happiness
was frightened away forever.
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