Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1886-05-07
A BRIGHT ENDING.
A Story of Injustice, Hunger and
Death,

had risen penny loaf; Goals i've shil-
lings a ton, and there were strikes all
over England Long before the usual
time the singing birds were flying sum-
wards and numbers Of small animals
were stocking their cupboardS and get
ting their winter nests ready. In tho
first week OF December there was q
heavy fall Of snow, aud in Chester tor
race the aspect was bright and beauti-
full. Stars and moon were shining on
1t, and the fresh, crisp air was thronged
with white wings floating and falling.
Upon Mr.. Evcrsole. this beauty-sweoi
to some. cruel 10 more-produced no
impression. Indeed, winter was shut
Out. It was night Heavy curtains
shaded the windows Of the luxurious
study in which nothing was lacking that
could contribute to the enjoyment Of
material life. From ceiling to tioor were
shelves lined with books; there were
btsts OF great men in suitable places;
there were pictures on the walls, the
most conspicuous being portrait Of Mr..
Evcrsole b mself. hung where the light
fell on il night and day. It was a curl
ously unilattering resemblance. Some
men would have had the hard lines and
lights Of the features soitened. but Mr..
Eversole seemed to take pride in them.
Books, manuscripts and wine were
on the study table; q cheerful fire was
blazing; soft and soothing light was
dilIused through the room. Despite
these evidences Of comfort, Mr.. Ever
sole was disturbed in spirit He ex-
pected visitor and he glanced impa-
kently al the clock. His thought was.
"Shiftless, lost, with no sense Of rcspon-
sibility." And further. why are they
permitted"
The minutes passed. The silvery
tongue Of the clock, on the summit Of
which was represented gloomy figure
Of Timo. proclaimed the passing OF
another hour At each strobe the
soythe rose and descended with the air
Of an avenger who took delight in slay-
Ing the record. When the sounds
ceased servant made his appearance.
aud saying. "Mr. Richard, SIR" admit
ted man covered with snow.
His clothes were shabby and denoted
poverty, but he bore himself In thepres-
ence Of Mr.. Eversole IS an equal would
have done. He was tall and spare, his
hands were finely shaped, and in his
face gentle nature was portrayed.
4 .aXan ahNt.lA hasa akaEa. 70 or n,,k
side" said Mr.. Eversole IN q tone Of
displeasurc, pointing TO the snow on his
visitors clothing.
ut did not occur 70 me-" said Mr..
Richard, "Ihave other matters to think
Of"
"Weighty matters. doubtless" said
Mr.. Eversole, with o sneer.
Very weighty," asSented Mr.. Rich
ard. gravely.
You have kept me waiting. made
the appointment for eight 1t is now
nine.
Indeed! But you may guess have
no watch"
There are churches"
"rrue, there are churches. A mo-
ment, please"
lie pressed his hand ON the table to
support himself through ct OF terrible
coughing, which almost tore him to
pieces.
Pardon me-" he said, presently,
with laboring breath. This sort ol
thing must be very unpleasant TO you. "
at is-eminently so"
'But It happens, fortunately or un.
fortunately to me, to be unavoidable.
Tell me the object Of this meeting, and
remember It is not who sought It.
''You would have come to me sooner
or later"
Never. told you so when we las,
met. But Il will be profitless 10 band,
words. What is your object in bidding
me come herep"
at is for your good, not for mine.
thought one last appeal from man IL
ny position to q man so low as yor
might not be thrown away. Understand
Il will be the last time we shall speal
together"
apart from any resolution you hav,
formed" said Mr.. Richard, and ther,
vas in his voice q touch Of scornfu
sweetness, ''it is more than likely tha
aftsr this night We shall meet no more
Be sure that shall not seek you out
Como, strange as it may sound in you
ears, my time just now is Of infinitely
morc value than yours. ! can not af
ford to have It wasted. Disclose wha
Is in your mind and end the farce. Yol
have wearied me already"
Unbidden, he sank into chair, no
from WEAKNESS, but from physics
weakness.
'Iprefcr. said Mr., Eversole, mot +
be brutal"
THAT is a good hearing"
Sand l shall state, in my own way
how the account between us stands,
"Ah!'' said Mr., Richard, simply; bu
there was u glitter in his eyes as he pre-
pared to listen.
You and have known each othel
now" said Mr.. Eversole, making a
arch OF his fingers and thumbs, "fc
some eight and twenty years"
"lil the art Of reckoning you were a
ways master Yes; was scarcely tw
years Of age when you married m