The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-03-07

Ndns WERE all dppdrenJ' hatuer ulUer-
ent from the bare walls of the hospital
ward were these beautiful reaches of
landscape and rare interiors in their
rich frames but, all the same, as on
the hospital cots. here among the ruff
fles and lace of downy pillows was a
human sufferer, glasses and towels and
sponges, and all the appurtenances for
surgery were about-means for reliev.
ing the terrible agony which in hospit.
al or palace pursues its victim.
With note book and pencil, vials aud
written orders, Miss Stanton took her
place at the bedside. The sufferer was
asleep, his face hidden in the clothes.
Strange to say, she had not asked his
name. Why was it that in this silent
watch her thoughts returned to her
girlhood, to the far off home of her
youth, which she had left when a hap
py, thoughtless child for the abode Of
wealth and luxury, from which she had
been thrust forth as unworthy and dis.
obedient? How long the years of
study and disappointment and hard
work seemed! And how we'll she re-
membered all the chilling rebuffs she
had met from the day her aunt had
spoken those cruel words, and she had
taken refuge with her old friend, Mrs.
Russell, whose influence and interest
had at last secured her position in the
training school for nurses All, it was
no easy task she had taken upon her
self but how tranquil and assured now
her life had become since she had been
her own mistress, and filled the hours
with useful work To be sure, her
aunt had renounced and denounced
her, and her cousins never even spoke
to her Frank only was her friend.
just then with moan the patient
awoke and fixed his eyes upon her.
What shock thrilled her as she look
ed and looked again ! How we'll she
knew those eyes! Though years and
his deep slumber had disguised him,
she now was conscious that she was in
the presence of the man who had once
offered her his love. Why had Frank
sent for her What was the meaning
of this meeting? Did he know her
Should she flee? All these questions
rushed for an answer but long habits
of self-restraint calmed her, and with
a gentle touch she assayed some little
movement for his comfort, hoping he
would not recognize her. But she was
mistaken hot hand was laid on hers,
and familiar voice said: "You have
come | knew Won would -
eyes, am a nurse. Come in re-
sponse to your physicians order"
'No; you put it wrongly; you are
Teresa Stanton, come because |, Leroy
Jones, sent for YOU"
"Not at all l would have come to
an utter stranger. did come jus,
that way. Now let me quiet you"
81 have you at last; that is all
want. Do you know have meyer low
ed anyone else-never. You were quite
right not to marry me ; deuce of 6
life you'd have led !"
"Hush hush you are injurine
yourself she said softly, trying tc
stop his impetuous talk. But he was
not to be stopped. He had graspet
her hand and was kissing it.
"Nonsense As if didn't know
had come to the end of my rope. Pu
your hand here on my heart How il
| it going fast, like a trip hammer
1t will stop soon. But have you t.
look at again. See," and he drew ou
little locket from beneath his pillow
where it lay beside his watch ant
trinkets; this is all l have had thes,
ten years. Do you know yourself t,
be that girl? Isn't she beauty? Blu
let me look at you. Turn on the gas
No, don't leave me, either; yov
might not come back. You are alter
ed, Tessie; but you are lovely woma
still You were wise little thing
you saw what poor stuff there was i
me; but I loved you, Tessie, and now
Oh, I've no pain! Don't look 80 di'
tressed. l fear my time has com'
Nervous shock you know. l feel yer
y weak. Give me some brandy. XII.
me, Tessie."