The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1889-08-17
CHAPTER XII.
storm had ragged
, windows with
had fallen q so1

and shook the windows with angry hand,
but now there had fallen somewhat Calm
-sr hour.
From the window OF a residence, beauti-
sul country seat, near the shore, a pale, sad
lace peered out into the snllen eventide. The
house and grounds gave evidence Of taste
and wealth, coupled with an inviting air of
welcome hospitality, that seemed a very
everest at the close Of such an nncharitable
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 all
these thousands of years they had not been
able to scale the height and break over their
irlsome boundary. Heavy clouds bestrewed
the horizon, and shut out the b: ae zenith as
with curtain OF sorrow. Only in the west
lay along, calm rift of sunset sky, through
which shone softly the sunlight, as if
washed with tears.
But the pale, sad-faced woman looking
from the pane saw nothlr gof the evening s
promise; she only noted the darkened east
and the dim sunhght's last smile playing
ftfully 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
it must endure.
In the next room 81 man lay dying The
physician was bending over him with DO
ton calculated to ease and soothe the last
few moments of his patient, while the at
PENDANTS stood ,vistfully, silently by.
They had done all they could, all that
human agency and affection could devise,
but the fat 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 foun d
his beautiful home by the sea that he had
planned to have on his wedding day.
Yes, it 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 a strange sense Of ex.
haustion stealing over him, but he thought
it mere lassitude which by and by would
wear off. So paying but ittle attention to
natures warning he toiled on with almost
superhuman effort to complete this domes-
tic paradise so dear to his heart. His plans
were about completed, and Miriam should
have her beautiful home as THEY both had
planned. Miriam, who had given up every
thing for him and his love and who had al
ways been the same sweet Interchangeable
wife, should now be happy in her own ele-
CANT establishment.
And their boy-the bright, winsome lit
tie son, inheriting his mothers dark eyes
and the blonde curls Of the Fairfax family,
should never know want, never have g
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 in the stock
He was very fatigued that day and more
nervous than usual, and Uncle Benton had
made d note OF it by saying: 'sYou look bad
on the verge Of severe illness, Arthur, OF
Pm mistaken It's good thing that yor
retire from business to-day, my boy.''
He was aware Of it himself, to some ex
tent, but a months actual rest at The Rest
the name Of his country seat, would be SUI
hcient to throw off this WEAKNESS and he
would be himself again.
These, then, had been his plans, but the
best laid plans taft gang aglea." And nov
it had come to this, after weeks Of hope
less battling with stern decree.
The dav had now.Gone put on the water.