The Red Cloud chief., 1889-11-15

without grieving to make it worse. Where
did uncle die!" she asked, changing the
drift of conversation.
'In Trouville, France; my mother, also.
Is buried there. After their demise / came
back to London to-be ear YOU"
"Me!' asked Miriam. ssHow did you know
I was even in England?"
"Oh! l knew" replied Allan, Frightening
visibly. 1.-THE Montcalms are old friends Of
my relatives ON my mothers side, and
Hollis engagement te Miss Fairfax led the
way to several other connecting links,
whereby I traced you to the Rest, that
lovely home by the sea. By inquiry l found
that you were my cousin, Uncle Rupert's
daughter. I wrote to you because I counted
it q heavenly privilege II haply I might
see face to face q genuine relative once
more" =
He reached out his hand and touched her
sleeve significantly. .NIourning," he said,
sadly; %''mourning for Aunt Percival-sweot
Lady Percival, as I have heard, and your
husband, Arthur Fairfax. All! well, wear
a little knot of Grape for me, after awhile,
won't you"
His dark, serious eyes turned with plead
ing look wlstfully on the handsome face Of
his cousin for q reply.
eyes," she said, tearfuny. Then deep
silence reigned in that gloomy apartment
where death and despair were preying re-
lentlessly each upon their respective victim.
Outside the rain came in Rusty dashes
against the pane, and in the corners Of the
room the deep shadows were already gath
ering.
1t was evening. Hollis had taken his
leave and was now with Patricia, enjoying
the luxurious warmth and elegance of the
MOntcalm residence in the aristocratic West
End.
She, with her proud soul almost rent in
twain, was sitting there in the close, unpleas-
ant rooms of Q dlngy establishment in the
busy, restless central part of the city by
the bedside Of her only living relative, ex-
cepting her unnatural father, who would
not recognize their relationship.
The sick man shut his eyes and remained
quiet; he felt c0ntented to find he had .
friend with him at the last. The physician
had said he could not last many days now,
and she, Miriam, his regal cousin, would re-
main until the end came. He had not asked
this of her, but he knew by the deep, grieved
expression on her beautiful face that she
would grant him this priceless boon.
The attendant brought in lights and, un-
~derstanding that this woman was the ex-
pected relative, show ed her to her rooms in
the adjoining suite. Iiriam's rich apparel
and costly belongings set the servant to
wondering why she had not come before
and helped her relative financially before
he lay down to die.
The next day Miriam set about In earnest
to make tho sick-room a cheerful As posi-
BILE. He did not dare to be moved,'' the
physician had said when she suggested
living in pleasanter apartments. That be-
ing SO he should have all the comforts and
Injuries money could bring into this stuhy
place, Miriam decided, and forthwith the
changes became % numerous and 30 happy
| that the servant who felt that the fine lady
| had been neglecting this sick relative be-
gan to believe she had . heart after all
But after q feeble protest from Allan,
that sit wasn't necessary to waste 20 much
| attention on . dying man." that very
| thankful fellow looked on in silent wonder
| to see such bliss Il Transformation.
81 believe" said Allan one afternoon ss
Miriam sat by him, 81 believe that Efeel
better. There II . change for the better, !
am sure, although I can not explain it ex-
actly. / feel % IL I wanted to live now; BE-
fore I only wished to die, with . friend
near me-"
He sought her face again with those visit
full, magnetic eyes for an Affirmative. Al
Ian had wonderful, clear, expressive eyes.
and now they were continually filed with Q
happy t~hankfulness toward this refined
and cultured woman who bad flashed tho
glorious light Of loving care over his dark
day.
Miriam looked at him, . hope kindlne