Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-24
FORGED APART
By W. CLARK RUSSELL.
Author of the "Wreclc of the Grosrenor,n
 A SaiLoT's Sweetheart" Etc.

That's news indeed!" exclaimed Mrs Mead. very pale, and catching up her dress IT It's true, it's as strange visitation as any that iver read of in Holy Writ. Good oy to ye You've put me in a hurry, Mrs. Bruh Lord save usi what wonderful things happen in this lifei"
 She was limping rapidly away before Mrs. Bruf could return her farewell
 She was too experienced gossip herself to believe In the accuracy of any story related i; but then, likewise, she well knew that almost never does any story get abroad without foundation. They may say there's flame where there is only spark; but be sure there is fire of some kind
 Hastily down the street she went Ar rived at her home, she washed her face, brushed her hair, dusted her bonnet and shoes, and, glancing at the cupboard, to make sure of a bit of dinner to be cooked on her return, she sallied forth once more and walked direct to Strangfeld's house.
 No outward and visible sign there was of nything being amiss.
 Mrs. Mead knocked softly, and, with un- easiness bred in her by the dislike bore her by the Strangfelds, kept herself close, that she might not be spied by any sideways glance from the window. No one respond ing, she knocked again loudly. and presently the door was opened by Mrs. Strangfield herself.
 The deso1ate white and grief of the poor woman's face was indeed something heart moving to behold The utter forlornness of the eyes, the piteous droop of the mouth the dishevelment of hair and attire, which into grief throws violent dramatic element, were beyond expression. She looked at Mrs. Mead, while the old lady bobbed courtesy, person to whom every thing that offers has meaning cruelty hard to master.
 God forbid, mistress" said Mrs. Mead, "ye should think 1 am come out of evil curi- osity. They say the deacon hath been stricken i'll, and positively would I know this from one who hath the truth"
 "Why do you come here for newsa This is a house of mourning now. am desolate, lonely woman. Heaven help me-" replied Mrs. Strangfeld in broken voice.
 "So, indeed, ye be, if it is only for your daughters leavin' ye." said Mrs. Mead, with deep compassion. "But what hath happ'd to the deacon? For the Lords sake let me hear it of you, ma'am"
 "He hath been struck with paralysis, and lies dying and calling for his daughter. That is the truth And now must go to him, for your knock has brought me from his bed, and the maid is away on an errand, and l am alone in the house."
 She spoke with stolidity of exhausted grief, and was stepping back to close the door.
 "stay!" cried Mrs. Mead, q bring thee news of thy child"
 The mother wheeled round with shriek, and with both hands seized her arm.
 "What of her? Is she living?"
 diving and we'll Not an hour ago left her."
 Mrs. strangaeld had no words. The sudden aE &1,o L heart was a moral convulsion that deprived her of speech. She stood with her fingers clutching hard the old woman's arm. Then incoherently she spoke
 Sweet girl! How hath she been wrongedl l My pretty onel Alive, indeed, and l have been praying for thee. Oh, what a sorrow to befall the pure in heart! God forgive us!"
 She dropped and leaned toward Mrs Mead, and brought up the old hand to her mouth and kissed it, weeping the while such tears as only mothers weep
 "Alive and well!" she burst out again. "Dear heart, to bring me such good tidingsl Come in, come ini God is good to send thee! Dear heart, what joy you give meT
 With drops trickling down her furrowed cheek, Mrs. Mead suffered herself to be drawn into the house by the passionate mother.
 Quick, now, dear friend" cried Mrs. Strangfield, feverishly. "Ten me where my girl isl Is she in Greystones- Oh, my poor heart!"
 "She is at Winston, at the Greyhound there, and you nun go and fetch her, and tell her what blow hath fallen on thee, or she will not reborn. Oh, she is bitter-and rightly sol" quavered the old woman, in a voice strangely composed of indignation and sympathy. "Niver, she swears, will she come to her home again, to be despised and thought vilely of. For her dying father she may come-but you must fetch her, mis- tress."
 "Comel Oh, she will come when she sees my face, and hears that her father lies moan ing for her. Besides hath not Dr. Shaw proved her married wonans Ay, this very morning, Mrs. Mead, he came to bring us written proof of my Jenny's marriage with Cuthbert Shaw! But how can I leave my husbandF' she cried, distractedly. "The doctor says he must be watched And how can I fetch my Jenny and be with my poor Michael7"
 "Well, welll truly proved married! And she hath told no lies, thena" gasped Mrs. Mead "The Lord forgive ye for all the pain you have given her. What didst thee saya- thy husband wants nursing? While we're gone I'll watch by him. I've nursed a many I my time. Hath he his mind!' "Yes; he lies still-he has no power in one armand he groans sadly. He calls fol Jenny, and Oh, Mrs. Mead! if am not quick he may never see her again in this world. Dear Mrs Mead, since you will stop run up to him now, dear heart, while ge' my bonnet. I will be very quick. Do yor mind, I have courage to be quick since she i: living. Straight up, Mrs. Mead, to the right Stay, will show thee. Oh, God grant hin a little lifel"
 1 She ran upstairs swiftly, yet with light feet, and Mrs. Mead went laboriously, quiv ering and stumbling after her. Outside the door quite clearly was the grooming of thu man heard He lay on his back looking to ward the wall, and in the gloom of th' room his face was scarcely distinguishabl from tho pillow for the whiteness of it
 With finger on her lip Mrs Strangfeld mo tioned to Mrs. Mead to take the chair by tn bedside; and, nimbly appareling herself, sh came to the old woman's ear and breath lessly delivered instructions They wer simple enough, and to Mrs. Mead's discretion was left the explanation of her presence Strangfeld should observe her. But, truly there seemed little chance of this; neve once, since lifted from the parlor floor am laid upon the bed, had he stirred, and tha