Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-08-19
glorious light of loving caro over his dark

glorious light of loving care over his dark day.
 Miriam looked at him, Q hope kindling within her bosom. If he only could live. She had wealth enough for both, and to
 spare. She would tighten any financial burden he might have and send him on his
 way rejoicing.
 II believe you will recover" she made answer, assuringly, while pleased ex- presslon came into her white face. 'tOnly live, Cousin Allan, and we will at least have each other. We can each say T have a | cousin which to mo will be great happi- | ness, knowing that we will always be friends"
 A mist obscured her vision, and she put
 out her hand toward Allan with 0 gesture ot deep emotion. His thin, trembling fin- ] gers closed over it in silence. Neither of them were able to speak for some minutes. Then Miriam spoke
 'Iam glad," shc said, ''so glad to have found you in time. When I was bowed
 down with grief and sorrow for the dead;
 when my heart ached because of the cruel decree, separating mo from my house; when l prayed for friend, I found onei
 Hencetorth we are friends. inseparable, whether you live Q week lifetime" 'Amen amen" responded Allan. "And | now shall live," he continued, in assuring tones; "instinctively feel that shall out live my lonely, troublous existence and en- joy life. I am only thirty years old, cousin,
 and it seems as if I ought not to give up life so soon, especially with 8 sworn friend at my side, and she Percival" A faint smile lighted up his wan face and
 his fine eyes shone like stars. ''God be thankedn' he said, fervently. "I know what 1t is to be hopeful and happy at last. 1 believe have groped out from under the curse, Cousin Miriam, and trust 1t will lift from both lives as well; it must" "Ihave no hope for myself" said Miriam; ''but if you are only from under the maledic- | tion am content"
 ''Don't, don'tl" pleaded the sick man, visibly distressed, and he turned away his l head so that the eyes resting on him might l not detect the gathering tears. The physician came in and noticed tho change. "Much better, much betterl" he said, encouragingly. II am hardly pre- pared to say why or for what reason this happy change has taken place; but could shrewdly guess," and the little old man glanced meaningly about the room, and then at Miriam, who was looking out of the window.
 "Yes," nodded Allan, with happy smile,
 ''she has come and wrought the trans 1 formation. Tho tonic of her presence and kindness of her care havo helped you, doc | tor, to effect this marvellous change" "Certainly, certainly" fussed the little l old physician, spreading out and counting
 the powders he had been dealing. "I have l no doubt now but that you are on the mend, l finely, sir, finely. Now have a little care, 1 sir, little care," emphasized the precise l doctor, with his hand on the door, ''or you
 may havc relapse. Don't get too ambi- tious, sir; remember you have been very 1 ill, very i'll, sir"
 The little nervous physician nodded in | emphasis, little jerky mods, meant to convey | authority, and the convalescent listened re- 1 spectfully, although he knew the better | physician of the two was over there by the window, where the dim sunlight sifted over her becoming coiffure.
 "When am able to be about, cousin, | will you go back to the Rest9"
 Most likely, for awhile at least"
 "Allan, l have favor to ask of you; will l you grant itl''
 "Certainly, if possible will be glad to, Cousin Miriam" His eyes held in their l depths such glad light of anticipation now that he might do something to reward l and please one who had done so much,for him.
 "1t isn't much," she said, half in apology, coming near and taking seat by the couch. But as yet you know nothing of my plans. You have asked mo where then,' or words l meaning the same If should tell you that l in Q very shoft time will leave for Ameri- ca, what would you saya" ''ro live there; make the Western conti- nent your home, Miriaml" asked Allan, all | the eagerness dying out of his face be- clouded by gravest apprehension. Was he 50 soon to lose her, his regal cousin2 ''To reside thcre," answered she, an odd little shadow passing over her countenance. "Oh, should say, please don't go; what earthly good can there be in that, Miriam" "1 want to forget" she answered, sad ly. "I have a friend over there, at least a l friend of my dear dead mothers, who has
 written me to come. l should have been gone ere thS had 1t not been for a severe illness directly after the receipt of her letter."
 "Then would have missed finding you | and - died" He turned his head away | once more to hide his tears. "I am glad did not go," she replied. "And you will be glad second time if | you glve up your plan now,' he ventured. "Oh! not when you get we'll and strong, | and do not need me.''
 There never will be day again that
 will not need you. Oh! Miriaml' Then as | If shocked at his untimely confession, he l buried his face in the pillows and lay quite still. Miriam went back to the l window, without gainsaying this outburst of her cousins. Poor, lonely, sick man, she l thought, he hardly knows what he is say ing. will not chide him. When he will
 have fully recovered this thought will have passed. No; she will not say any thing now to hurt him. Doubtless her kindness had almost turned his brain, in his weak l state, and as he convalesced he would for get. The attendant came and thinking the
 sick man asleep, went quietly out again. ! The silence was growing irksome. Miriam looked at her watch and then glanced
 furtively toward the couch. Allan Percival had not stirred.
 "Allan," she said, softly; Git is time for
 another powder, I believe. Jack would have given it to you, but he thought you were asleep. Shall give 1t to you!" Her cousin took his face from among the
 pillows and looked up. "Yes, if you please"
 His face was very pale; all the vivacity | of hopeful convalescence had fled, and even ! his lips wcrc white and trembling with | emotion.
 ! Miriam thought best not to notice it, and