Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-09-26
CHAPTER XII.


All day the storm had ragged end battered
and shook the windows with angry hand,
but now there had fallen somewhat calm
er hour.
From the window of residence, a beauti.
full country seat, near the shore, a pale, sad
face peered out into the sullen eventide. The
house and grounds gave evidence Of taste
and wealth, coupled with an inviting air OF
welcome hospitality, that seemed very
everest at the close of such an uncharitsbIe
day. The sun now lay low on the sea, and
the breakers dashed high up against the
rocky sea-woll, falling back with thunder.
Gus moan, as if disappointed that in ali
these thousands of years they had not been
able to scale the height and break over their
irksome boundary. Heavy clouds bestrewed
the horizon, and shut out the blue zenith as
with curtain of sorrow. Only in the west
lay long, calm rift of sunset sky, through
which shone softly the sunlight, as il
washed with tears.
But the pale, sad-faced woman looking
from the pane saw nothing of the evenings
promise; she only noted the darkened east
and the dim sunlight's last smile PLAYING
dtfully on the black sea-world beneath.
Tears had been exhausted and the soul
fountain had become dry, but the wild, hot
eyes roved abroad over the cherries land
scape, or sea view rather, aimlessly, really
taking note of nothing; while the weary
brain almost reeled beneath the awful shock
IL must endure.
In the next room man lay dying The
physician was bending over him with DO
ton calculated TO case and soothe the last
few moments of his patient, while the at
PENDANTS stood wistfutly, silently by.
They had done all they could, all that
human agency and affection could devise.
but the fiat of death had gone forth and
now, in the prime of young manhood.
Arthur Fairfax must die.
He had lived to see his dream fulfilled.
however. He had gained wealth and found
bis beautiful home by the sea that he had
planned TO have on his wedding day.
Yes, il had all been realized, but what a
fearful price was asked Overtaxed, HIS
system gave out, and he was now ready.
after months Of decline, to leave it all.
Months ago he felt strange sense Of en-
haustion stealing over him, but he thought
il mere lassitude which by and by would
wear of. So paying but little attention 20
natures warning he toiled on with almost
superhuman effort to complete this domes-
tic paradise so dear TO his heart His plan,
were about completed, and Miriam should
have her beautiful home as they both had
planned. Miriam, who had given ND e~ery
thing for HIM and his love and who had al.
ways been the same sweet, unchan geabIe
wife, should now be happy in her own ele-
CANT establishment
And their boy-the bright, winsomo lit
tie son, inheriting his mothers dark eyes
and the blonde curls of the Fairfax family.
should never know a want, never have 4
wish unsatisfied. If money could fill the re-
quirement. he had wealth now. The world
had gone well with him, turning steadily
meath fortunes smile.
This he had SAID to himself on that last
day up In the mines while closing out his
sales and getting rid of shares ia the stock
he was very fatigued that day and mors
nervous than usual, and Uncle Benton had
made q note Of it by saying: .You look bad
on the verge of a severe illness, Arthur. on
I'm mistaken. It's good thing thai yoU
retire from business to-day, my boy
He was aware of il himself, 10 some ex
tent, but months actual rest at The Rest
the name Of his country seat, would be suit
fcient TO throw of this WEAKNESS and he
would be himself again
These, then, had been his plans. but tbs
best laid plsRs aft gang aglsa" And asw