The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-10-07
stories About Wagner.s Death.

III. TX. DaWels. IN IOhgnlans MhgaZlnc.I
On December 90, 1882, Wagner, who
had been resting at Venice from the IA
tigue OF the a" Parsiial" representations at
Bayreuth. conducted his earliest symphony
at the request Of q small circle of friends
i'm celebration of Madame Wagner's birth
day. On taking the baton he turned TO the
musicians and said:
"This is the last time | shall ever con-
duct
Why!" they asked.
Because ! shall soon die"
February 18Th came black with clouds.
The rain poured in torrents. Wagner rose
a. usual. and announced his wish moi 10 be
disturbed till dnner-time. O'Clock. He
had much to do--much to tinish-oyer-
much. indeed, aud the time was short.
The master did not feel quite well, and
Cosima his wife babe Betty Burket, the
faithful servant, take her work and not
leave the ante-room, in case her master
should call or ring.
The faithful creature seemed TO have
some presentiment that all was not right.
She listened hour after hour-heard the
master striding up and down, as was his
wont.
Wife Cosima cane in from time TO time.
"The master works ever" said Betty,
"and has not called for anything now he
walks to and FRO"
Att O'Clock Wagner rang his bell and
asked, " Is the g0nd0la ordered at O'Clock
Good; then | will take plate Of soup up
here, for don't feel very WELL"
There was nothing unusual about this,
for when absorbed in work he would often
thus have his light luncheon alone.
The servant brought in a plate of soup
To-
time. Then suddenly hurried pacing up
and down the room was heard. The foot
steps ceased-a sharp cough checked.
Betty threw down her work, walked on
tiptoe to the door, and listened with all her
ears. She heard one deep groan; she stood
for moment divided between resolve ia
call Cosima or break through her masters
order and 20 into his room at once. The
suspense was soon over. - Betty " II
was Wagner's voice, very faint. Betty
rushed in. Wagner was leaning back on
his soia-hls fur coat was half ofl-his lee
rested on "a footstool-his face was fearfulN
changed-his features cadayerous anC
drawn down with pain, evidently; will
the utmost difficulty he cOntrived to muir
muir, but almost inmdibly, "Call my wlf'
and the doctor!" He never spoke again
The terrified Betty rushed of 10 tell wifi
Cosima. The instant she saw him sh'
cried, 'To the doctor, Betty fetch DIR
keppler!" DIR. keppler was sent 70
three times; at last he was found just fin
ishing an operation. Meanwhile Madam
Wagner had sat down by her husband. III
Immediately laid his head on her shoulder
groaning, but speechless, and she place,
her arms about him, and with one ham
rubbed his heart, an act which had some
times eascd him when in pain. His breath
ing grew softer and lighter, and PRESENT.
he seemed 70 subside into quiet, motion
less sleep. She thought II good sign.
30 About half an hour afterward the docto
came. One glance was enough. lie foun,
Madame Wagner still holding her husban,
in both her arms, with his head resting OF
her shoulder. - He sleeps" she said, am,
The good doctor, suppressing his emotio,
with great effort, did not tell her that |
was the sleep OF death. and that now ant
Tor long time she had been embracing
corpse.
Dr. keppler. after feeling for the puls,
that was never to beat again, gently tool
the BODY OF Wagner in both his arms and
u carried IL 10 his bed. Ii could not be called
MS death-bed, for Wagner died as he had
meu, working-the table before him wa,
MFewn with books aud MSS, with the inL
scarcely dry upon the last page.
Dr' heppler then turned to Cosima and
said, with irrepressible emotion, ole !.
dead The poor wife, who had been 81
absolutely one in body, soul. and mind
with her husband, fell PROSTATE with !
great cry upon his lifeless body. nor for
some time could any persuasion induce her
70 leave the corpse, which she continued e.
embrace