The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-22

agYoU held sneh1 in your left handP =
-HI burned al that rubbish when Tbegan
life seriously replied Agnes, with a curling
lip. "F1ower painting is all very well for
school girls"
Humphrey continued to study the design
attentiyely. II SUPPOSE the uprooted -plnnt
signifies the human body after death, and the
sunshine, Christ in resurrection. The flower
will bloom again." he said slowly.
"Yes,n replied Agnes. Then she added in
q musinc tone, unmindful that her compan-
ions would not understand her words; ut Is
the sole commem grafton of the poor plant
cast out in the cold Nobody else missed it,
The conservatory is so full" -..-.
"You'll win the price, affirmed sister
Anne, the practical.
"If do, / shall buy baby new cap and
muff," said Agnes merrily. ........
A month later the little clerk brought home
n letter, II was tempted to open It, because
it bears the stamp Of Lang &, Co.," be said.
Agnes took the missive; her fingers trem-
l,led. and the color rushed to her cheeks.
aAccepted,n she said, after pause. !
"We were sure Of it." responded sister
Anne and Humphrey in unison.
On Easter eve the snow Of a late and severe
winter still fingered about little town q the
far west, noted for the purity Of q dry at
mosphere.
The young wife, May Hartwell, put eside
the book she had been reading aloud, Tor her
listener had fallen asleep. Her fair face was
unclouded by anxiety or trouble. She sniiled
as she looked at her husband. She had de
veloped the qualities Of good wife and nurse,
thus tested by experience, although her
patient gave her little trouble, except to
amuse him. Suffering had not marred him;
no painful cough racked his frame. he! was
fatigued, Istleso, and preferred the sofa where
he rested while making plans for the future.
Now he slept, with the light touching bis
graceful head, the rich colors Of his dressing
gown, and the gray fur Of tho rug spread
over him Certainly he was trif1e delicate,
and it was wise to cure symptoms Of Illness
in time. Had she not added her solicitations
to those of his family by hastening her mar.
riage in order to take care Of himl
She left her seat and went out noiselssly. II
was the hour when letters were distributed
in the hotel; at the stairway she paused and
looked down into the lower hall. Half an
bour earlier the doctor-a cheerful presence
in the lives of the two young strangers-had
called, bringing with him friend, quite by
accident, as he happened to be in town. This
friend, an older physician, had conversed
chiefly with May, and about the east. She
now perceived the latter standing beside the
great stove In the hall, warming his hands,
and while she hesitated about descending tho
staircase in consequence, he was joined by
the other physician. The illness Of the land
lords baby explained their detention in the
house. 'a@
"Well, what do you think Of the young
man above stairsl" inquired the resident doc
tor, in q low tone.
-. aQuick consumption, as you say. He may
last q fortnight, and he may be gone To-
morrow" was the grave response
May drew back, shocked end grieved, and
returned to her rooms. Who was the young
man above stairs2 She did not know. To
morrow she would ask the kind doctor about
him. Perhaps he was poor and aloha Harry
still slept, and she resumed her seat Then,
with her chin resting in her hand, shssuffered
thought to bear her back to her distant home.
The clock struck eleven. Decidedly her in
valid should be in bed, but she was reluctant
to disturb his refreshing slumberS 3Safa she
rested her dimpled chin in her palm; her own
eyelids closed
A sensation of cold and fear awakened her.
Harry! where are you, dear?" she said, be-
wildered by sleep and fright.
The lamp was burning low; the clock struck
one; and the luminous whiteness OF the out
side world, where all nature was yelled N
snow, invaded the silent room. May ap-
preached the sofa Harry still slept. His
lace was pale and his features appeared
sharper, pinched, as If the cold Of the nigh!
had chilled them Midnight had sounded,
and it was already Easter day, May kncl:
beside the couch ana softly cna1ed rne coiu
hand as gentle means Of awakening him
Then he opened his eyes and looked at her.
There was something so profound, steadfast
and strange in this gaze that her heart ceased
to beat; words of endearment remained frozen
on her lips. Suddenly an awful change swept
over the young mans face; terror dilated bis
beautiful dark eyes; quivering light irTadi-
ated his pinched features.
May" he gasped, threw his arms about
her neck, and leaned his head on her shoul-
der.
Silence succeeded. The lamp waned; the
white arctic light invaded more boldly the
chamber. What had happenedl What
dreaded presence and power was here' The
head on Mays shoulder became heavy, inert;