The Springdale news., 1889-12-13

without grleving to make 1t worse. " here did uncle dieta she asked, changing the drift ftofeouversation.
 "In TrouviHe, France; my mother, also. is buried there. After their demise l came back to London to-be near you.
 Me = asked Miriam. "How did you know I was even in Englandt"
 "Oh l knew, replied Allan. brighteuing visibly, "The Montcalms are old friends of my relatives on my mothers side, and Hollis engage ment to 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 1 found that you were my cousin, Uncle Rupert's daughter wrote to you because counted it heavenly privilege if hapIy l mght see face to face genuine relative once more.
 He reached out his hand and touched her sleeve significantly. Mourning he said, sadly; mourning for Aunt Percival-swe2t Lady Pcrciyal, as 1 have heard, and your husband, Arthur Fairfax. An! well, wear little knot of crape for me, after awhile, went youh'
 His dark, serious eyes turned with plead ing look wlstfully on the handsome face of his cousin for a reply.
 "Yes," she said, tearfully. Then a deep silence reigned in that gloomy apartment where death and despair were proving re- lentessly each upon their respective victim.
 Outside the rain came in gusty dashes against the pane, and in the corners of the room the deep shadows were already gath ering.
 It was evening Hollis had taken his leave and was now with Patricia, enjoying the luxurious warmth and elegance of the Montcam residence in the arlstocratic West End.
 She, with her proud soul almost rent in twain, was sitting there in the close unpleas- ant rooms of q dmgy establishment in the busy, restless central parto 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 contented to find he had a 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, buthe knew by the deep, grieved expression on her beautiful face that sho wodld grant him this priceless boon.
 The attendant broughtin lights and, un- derstandng that this woman was the ex- pectcd relative, showed her to her rooms n the adjoining suite Miriams 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 the sick-room as cheerful as possi- blo. "He did not dare to be moved.0 the physician had said when she suggested living in pleasanter apartments That be- ing so he should have all the comforts and IuXuIies money could bring into this stuify place, Miriam decitied, and forthwith the changes became so numerous and so happy that the servant who felt that the fine lady had been negieetiug this sick relative be- gan to beheye she had a heart after all.
 But after q feeble protest from Allan, that it wash necessary 10 waste so much attention on q dying maa,'' that very thankful fellow looked on n silent wonder to see such bIissfuI transformation.
 'I beheye,n said Allan one afternoon as Miriam sat by him, T believe that I-feel better. There IS a change fer the better, 1 am sure, although 1 can not explain it cx- actly l feel as if I wanted to live now; be fore l only wished to die, with friend near me. /"
 He sought her face again with those wst- ful. magnetic eyes for an affirmative. Ai- an mad wonderful, ctedr, expressive eyes, and uoW they were continually filed with happy thmEfuueas toward this refined and cultured woman who had flashed the glorious light Of loving care over his dark day.
 Miriam looked at Aim, hope kindiIns