The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-01-18
At last, nine years after Miss Dilling

At last, nine years after Miss Dilling.
HAMS death, the final blow came. Poor
Miss Curtis having nursed a patient
| happily through fever, succumbed to
! it, and was taken to a hospital
! There in the delirium of fever, the
! cabinet grew to be of immense import
! ance.
She talked of it, raved of it, accused
herself of theft, and finally opened he1
heart to the old clergyman who had been
called to inquire into her troubled con-
science.
The delirium had passed and she was
very feeble, but she managed to tell heI
! tale.
'.You see," she said, II thought dear
Miss Dillingham; would have liked me
to have it. but after while | began to
| feel that it was Mrs. Spear Shat | was
a thief. It's worn on me, and lately
I've dreamt of Miss Dillingham;. She
comes and says: why did you do it,
| Theresa? She comes and says: Unlock
the cabinet Once she said only: What
pityr What pityn L feel as if I'd
lost my soul. Dr.. Good, won't you help
ME to undo what I've done? Won't you
have the cabinet brought here and ask
Mrs. Spear to come over, and I'll give
/ it back"
THAT may perhaps be the best way,
if it troubles you so,n said the old man,
''if you think you did wrong"
And he hurried away to see that what
she had asked was done.
He brought her the cabinet, and he
summoned Miss Dillingham's heiress,
who arrived fatter and joliier than ev-
er.
The old clergyman told the story tend
erly, and Mrs. Spear listened, wiping
her eyes.
''Why, Theresa Curtis, I'm sure you
We're quite welcome" she said. Il
missed the cabinet, but Isupposed Cous-
in Dillingham; had givenit to you. Keep
it; keep it,"
No; take it." sobbed Miss Curtis. 81
know l stole it. say what you may"
She pushed the cabinet feebly toward
the lady in her velvets and brocades,
and the latter took it.
why, now, how particularly said
she. 'Tll do it to please you. And
when you get well you must make me a
visit. / declare I've got the key of that
cabinet onsmy key-ring. Never knew
what it belonged to. There's something
in it. Let's see what it is.
She unlocked the door of the shining
little case, taking the key from her pock-
ct to do so, and little letter case fell
ont, and it was n letter. 1t was address
ed to Miss Theresa Curtis.
''Why, you've left letter here, said
Mrs. Spear cheerfully. ''Have you got
another key?"
"a letter." cried poor Theresa. turn
ing frightfully pale. Read it to me,
Dr. Good"
The clergyman opened the letter.
''DEAR THERESA,'' it began, II feel
strange presentment that shall die soon. If
should not leave will you'll have nothing
as well as | knew how. All is left 10 You. !
have nobody else, and do not love Sally
Spear. II this queer feeling passes off III send
for lawyer i'll the morning. If not, goodbye
You're a dear soul, and I'm glad TO leave you
comfortable"
1T is perfect will,' remarked the
clergyman, looking on the other side OF
the paper. 'Doubtless it would have
been sufficient
Mrs. Spear sank into chair. There
sa Curtis tried to lift herself on her ell
bow.
1--WE been rich all this weary time"
she said, land if I'd left the cabinet
alone the will would have been found.
See what l did Take warningr' Take
warningr'
She sank back.
''Why, the money and everything is
yours now," said Mrs. Spear dolefully.
'1'm not one to go against the will OF
the dead. Though why she disliked
me l don't know. It's startling. but
-rll give up everything why, Their
esa Curtis, what is it?''
Miss Curtis was pointing straight be-
fore her.
Don't you see her?" she said.-
''Don't you hear her? She says: Tve
come for you, Theresa always told
you what a goose you We're rve-yes,
Pm coming, dear, I'm coming
She paused. An utter silence follow
ed, and the nurse stepped forward soft
ly and laid handkerchief across he,
face.
She was dead