Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1886-04-25
The flowers will bloom again" he said

slowly.
Yes" replied Agnes. Then abe addet
in musiDg tone, unmindful that her com
psnions would not understand her words
1T is the sole oommemoratiou of the poo
plant cast out in the cold. Nobody els,
missed it! The conservatory ia SO full.
You'll win the prize" affirmed sis,el
Anne, the practical.
IF l do, shall buy baby new cap and
mufr," said Agnes merrily.
A month later the little clerk brought
home letter. II was tempted to open it
because it bears the stamp of Lang & Co. ;"
he said.
Agnes took the missive; her fingers
trembied, and the color rushed to her
cheeks. Accepted" she said, after q
pause.
I'VE were sure Of it," responded sister
Anne and Humphrey in unison.
On Easter eve the snow OF q late and
severe winter still fingered about q little
town of the far west, noted for the purity
of dry atmosphere.
The young wife, Mary Hartwell, put aside
the book she had been reading aloud, for
her listener had fallen asleep. Her fair face
was unclouded by anxiety of trouble. She
Smiled as che looked at her husband. She
had developed the qualities Of good wife
and nurse, thus tested by experience, al.
though her patient gave her little trouble,
except to smuse him. Suffering had not
msrred him; no painful cough rocked his
frame. he was fatigued, listless, and pre-
terred the sofa where he rested while ma.
king plans for the future. Now he slept,
with the light touching his graceful head,
the rich coioEs -ot~kis dressing gown, and
the gray fur of the rug spread over him.
Certainly be was.s triAe delicate, and it was
wise to cure symptoms of illness in time.
Had she not added her solicitations to
those of his family by fastening her mar
riege in order to take care of him?
She left her seat and went out noise
lesssly. 1t was the hour when letters were
distributed in the hotel; at the stairway
she paused and looked down in the lower
hall. Half en- hour earlier the doctor-a
cheerful presence in the lives OF the two
Young rangers had called. bringing With
him friend, quite by accident, as he hap
pened to be in town. This friend, an older
physician, had conVsrsed 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 hes
itsted about descending the staircase in
consequence, he was joined BY the other
physician. The illness of the landlords
baby explained their detention in the
"Well, what do you think Of the young
man above s:airs% inquired the resident
doctor, in q low tope.
"Quick consumption sS you say. He
may last fortnight, and he may be gone
tomorrow" was the grave response.
May drew back, shocked aud grieved,
and returned to her rooms. Who was the
young man above stsirs2' She did not
know. To morrow she would ssk the kind
doctor about him. Perhaps he was poor
and alone. Harry siIl slept, and she re.
sumed her seat. Then, with her chin rest
Jog in her hand, SIZE suffered thought to
bear her back 10 her distant home. The
clock struck eleven. decidedly her Invalid
should be in bed, but she WAS reluctant
TO disturb his refreshing slumber. Again
she rested her dimpled chin in her palm;
her own eyehds closed.
A sensation Of cold aud fear awakened
her. Harry where ore you, desrf she
said, bewideted by sleep and fright.
The lamp was burning low; the clock
struck one; and the luminous Wilderness OF
the outside world, where all nature was
yelled in Snow, invaded the silent room
May approached The sofa. Harry still slept.
His face was pale and his features ap-
peared sharper, punched, as if the cold OF
The night had chilled them. Midnight had
sounded and it was already Easter day.
May knelt beside tie couch and softly |
chafed the cold hand 90 gentle means OF
awakening him. Then he opened his eyes
and looked at her There was something
so profound, steadtsst and strange in this
gaze that her heart ceased 10 beat; words
Of endesrment remained frozed on her lips. |
Suddenly an awful change swept over the
young mans face; terror dilated his beau
tiihl dark eyes; q quiVering light irradt-
a.ed his piuched features.
May" he gasped, threw his arms about
her neck and leaned his head on her shout
der.
Silence succeeded. Tue lsmp wsGed;
tie white arctic light invaded more boldly |
the chamber. What had happened What
dreaded presence aud power was here2
The head on May 8 shoulder became heavy,
inert; her lover, bridegroom, husband
wss dead.