The Irish standard., 1889-08-31

Ing SO ne SHOULD nave dill GAAS CUu1lOiGS 61AI
]uxuries money could bring into this stuffy
place, Miriam decided, and forthwith the
changes became SO numerous and so happy
that the servant who felt that the fine lady
had been neglecJing this sick relative be-
gan to believe she had a heart after all.
But after q, feeble protest from Allan,
that lit wasn't necessary to waste so much
attention on dying man." that very
thankful fellow looked on in silent wonder
to see such blissful transformation.
II believe" said Allan one afternoon as
Miriam sat by him, II believe that I--feel
better. There IS chan &c for the better, /
am sure, although / can not explain it ex-
actly. I feel as if wanted to live now; be-
fore only wished to die, with a 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 filled with
happy thankfulness toward this ref,sed
and cultured woman who had flashed the
! glorious light of loving care over his dark
day. ...
Miriam looked at him, 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:-
preston came into her white face. "Only
| live, Cousin Allan, and we will at least have
each other. We can each say Il have
cousin which to me 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 gesture
! of 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,'' she said, $50 glad to have
| found you in time. When l was bowed
| down with grief and sorrow for the dead;
| when my heart ached because of the cruel
decree, separating me from my house;
when prayed for a friend, I found one !!
Henceforth we are friends, inseparable,
| whether you live week or 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 uE
life so soon, especially with sworn friend
| at my side, and she a Percival.'
| "A faint smile lighted up his wan face and
his fine eyes shone like stars. ''God be
thankedr' he said, fervently. II know
what it is to be hopeful and happy at last.
| I believe have CROPPED out from under the
curse, Cousin Miriam, and ] trust 1T will ILL
from both lives as well; it na,sst.'
"Ihave 40 hope for myself said Miriam;
"but if you are only from under the maledic-
ton I am content"
ssDon't, don'tl" pleaded the sick man,
visibly distressed, and he turned away his
head so that the eyes resting on him might
not detect the gathering tears
The physician came in and noticed the
| change. s'Much better, much better!' ne
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 ODD man
| glanced meaningly about the room, and
then at Miriam, who was looking out OF the
| window.
eyes" nodded Allan, with happy smile,
sshe has come and wrought the trans
| formation. The tonic Of her presence and
kindness Of her care have helped you, doc
tor. to effect this marvellous change"
"Certainly, certainly" fused the little
old physician, spreading out and counting
/ the powders he had been dealing. 81 have
i no doubt now but that you are on the mend,
finely, sir, finely. Now have q little care,
| sir, little care" emphasized the precise
| doctor, with his hand on the door, '.or you
may have relapse. Don't get too ambi-
tious, sir; remember you have been very
/ iii, very i'll, sir"
The little nervous physician nodded in
emphasis, little jerky mods, meant to convey
authority, and the convalescent listened re.
specially, although he knew the better
physician Of the two was over there BY the
j Sindow. where the dim sunlight sifted over