The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1886-08-12

IN a 0dZeQ manner anu IeeDiy inquirer,
"am l still alive?"
Yes" replied the attending physi-
clan, although you can live but short
time. Is there anything you wish done
before you die?"
Yes; send for George Hilton, l wish
to speak with him"
A messenger who was Immediately
dispatched soon returned with Mr. Hill
ton.
II have but short time to live, and
much to say. Colonel, must be alone
with you and Hilton. Anna, what |
have to say must be said otherwise |
should prefer being alone with you and
Eva; so good bye; you have been to me
a better wife than my conduct merited
yet it was ignorance, not malicious
ness, which actuated my injustice. Do
not let little Eva know that her fathers
life was to humanity as a dark cloud
passing through the heavens. l am
growing weaker; good bye; God bless
you; may the woes. of your life be as sun
shine to the misery have endured.
The scene was very affecting-Anna,
folded in the embrace of the dying man,
sobbing Historically, and-but | must
hasten on. Alone with the Colonel and
Hilton, Sutherland told of his misfort-
unes; how in his efforts to outstrip Fort
une he had fallen far rbehind-appropri-
ated Hilton's money, and, in despera-
ton, sought relief in suicide.
Il see now" said he, his voice grow
ing weaker with every sentence; that
if, like Anna, | had looked upon the
bright side of my misfortune | could
easily have extricated myself. The
steps l have taken were caused by an
avariciousness which seemed to blind
my sense of honor. This | implore of
you-never let the world know of my
disgrace. l leave Anna and Eva to
your care, Colonel; do all you can for
them, and-and-" and all was over,
and one more self-destroyer stood before
the throne of mercy.
The funeral was an imposing one
and Mrs Sutherland felt deeply the loss
of her husband. Yet as she became
reconciled she was conscious of an un-
definable contentment she had failed to
experience during her welded life. Al
though she knew she had never loved
Lawrence Sutherland yet he was her
husband, the father of little Eva.
She gradually sank back into the life
of her girlhood. Little more than a
year had elapsed ere she seemed to have
recovered her wonted cheerfulness, and
it pleased her father to hear her sweet
voice singing through the house as of
old, and he fondly hoped there might
never a shadow cross her bright young
life again. Her little daughter was the
idol of his heart the sunshine of the
household.
Among the many friends who fire.
quently called upon them none were as
warmly welcomed or accorded as inti-
mate place in the family circle as
George Hilton. Business was the OBJ
iect of his first few visits, but when bus
mess was no longer an excuse, he, at
their cordial invitation, continued his
calls. for his genial manners and kim
dred tastes soon won for him a warm
place in their hearts, and the evenings
spent at Col. Richardson's were always
happier when Hilton was present.
When they were seated in the cozy
sitting-room, chatting familiarly, all
felt the warmth of his amiable ways
Through his connection in the unhap-
py death of Mr.. Sutherland he was
looked upon as sympathizing friend.
Good evening, good evening"" said
the Colonel, heartily, as he opened the
door in answer to Hilton's rap; more
than usually glad to see you tonight
Anna has gone out to spend the even
ing and | am left alone. | find that
amusing ones self is rather an uphill
business" he continued as they seated
themselves.
POSSIBLY you may not be so well
pleased when you have heard my er-
rand" Hilton replied with a smile.
Never fear, Hilton; the good opinion
ance with you justifies me in the belief
you to tip it all over"
"What | am about to say / consider
the most sensible act of my life. You
may have OWNED the object of my fire.
quent visits of late. | am deeply enam-
ored of your daughter and / do not
think she is Indifferent to me. What |
desire is your consent to my suit You
may consider this premature. but /
wish that when | have learned your
daughters pleasure it may be final"
You have my consent - nothing
would please me more; but | wish you
to consider me as having nothing to do
in the matter. Listen, and | will tell
you why: In regard to matrimony |
think parent should have very little
to say; this conclusion has been forced
upon me by sad experience. l have al
ways considered myself instrumental in
bringing about Anna and Sutherland's
marriage. We both knew it was mes
alliance. There is an old proverb, OPP
posites attract, that / was just foolish
enough to believe, but it's false. Some
times it appears to be true, but it's just
like oil and water; as long as you stir
them they appear to mix, but when you
stop the oil will invariably come to the
top.
II considered wealth as paramount
to affection. never stopping to think
that when | went a-wooing | scarcely
gave money second thought.
81 think Anna cared for Sutherland,
but it was more admiration than love.
How can affection exist where there are
no kindred tastes.
Il can now see where | have made
one mistake, and as l am not quite
positive as TO my competency, want
but little to do in the matter, but as |
said before" said the Colonel in con-
clusion. nothing would please me
more"
Her married life is a sad story"
said Hilton, land did not think that |
could offer a happier one l should
never ask her to be my wife. Our
tastes are similar and our temperaments
compatible But | am speaking as
though l had but to ask and l would
receive. 1t seems that when one so
ardently wishes an event its consumma-
ton seems only question of time"
There were many subjects to con-
verse upon and they were yet talking
when Anna returned. A sort of intui-
ton seemed to actuate the Colonel, for
he retired, leaving the young people
alone.
Well, that story so very old, yet al
ways fraught with charming newness,