Iron County register., 1889-12-05
sThe old pb

1--WE had thought of spending CaHsthas
in New York; replied Mr.. Falconer, 9but,
perhaps, that visit can be deferred in favor
of this"
ST should like to have you see our Christ
mas festivities, though, of course, the
plantation life is not what it once was, yet
we keep up the old customs as far as pos
sible.''
ssMy wife and daughters will be so anx-
ious to meet you," he Continued, turning To
Isabel. I'VE have so often speculated in
regard to the little babe of our dear sister
Alicia. Her mother is still living, and will
welcome you with open arms. l made one
trip to the North in the hope of finding
you," resumed the Major, seeing that she
was too near to happy tears to reply. 1t
was so sweet to her to hear of these family
ties, so new and unexpected. But 1t
seemed as hopeless quest as if the earth
had opened and swallowed you up. l even
hunted rural cemeteries in the hope OF
finding some humble stone to mark our
sisters grave, or some trace of old Chloe"
"Your search might be more successful
now," observed Mr.. Falconer, s'as Isabel
caused small monument to be erected over
her mothers grave. in the hope that some
of her family might lind it, as well as
tribute of affection from herself"
s'I am glad; it has been q source of sor-
row to US all that one so dear should be ly-
ing in neglected grave so far away, and
poor old Chloe!' he spoke interrogatively.
sWas buried near her,'' replied Isabel,
sshe begged to be buried near her dear
young mistress; placed a small stone at
her grave also"
The Major smiled at her kindly. 81 see
you are true scion of the old stock; the
Pembrokes are family of rare sympathies
and generous tendencies, and l am happy
to see that you have these qualities which
made our Alicia so dear to us.'
The Major took his leave in the evening,
and Isabel began to look forward to her
Southern trip with happy antlcipatlons.
Mr.. Falconer had written to Mrs. Stanford
explaining their reasons for the change in
their plans, and had received from her
hearty congratulations and commentator
of the proposed visit. The time was Low
near at hand, and the preparations nearly
completed for the trip, when Mr.. Falconer
came home with a deeply flushed face, and
with a wild, restless look in his eyes, very
unusual with him; for some days past Isa-
bel had noticed that he did not seem in his
usual spirits, but had attributed the fact to
some slight indisposition.
care you sick, MIR. Falconer," she said,
IN alarm, as he sat looking moodily into the
fire; it was now November.
hand over his forehead YEARLY. 81 have
had headache for several days, and it
feels so strange to-day; as if there were a
humble bee in it.''
''Let me bathe it for you," she said, bring
ing bottle of cologne.
She stood by his side and bathed his head
in the refreshing liquid until he fell into
restless slumber, and she noted that his
breathing was hurried and uneven.
''It is a severe cold he has taken,'' she
whispered to herself, endeavoring to 1uiet
her own uneasmess; his entrance into his
home was always SO genial and kindly that
she was the more alarmed by this strange,
moody arrival.
he cried, wildly.
"Here, my husband, at home,' she replied,
gently.
'Oh! yes, at home; home is where love is
Isabel" he cried, more wildly than he had
yet spoken, 'do you love mes have loved
you with all the strength of my strong man.
hood, and waited patiently for your love-"
In her terror and excitement Isabel's In
herent truthfulness was still predominant,
and she answered him gently: ''You wish
me to tell you the truth, do you not!"
Eyes, yes, the TRUTH he said, fretfully.
"Then will say that do not know" she
answered, still smoothing his hair and brow
with her white hand; ''my feelings are SC
mingled with gratitude and respect that ]
actually can not tell whether love has en-
tered into my heart or not. / honor and re-
spect you above all men, my husband"
"Yes, always honor and respect" he
Snuttered, irritably, in a tone so foreign to
any that he had ever used toward her that
her alarm increased every moment; tire
spect End gratitude, but no love-" and even
as he .,oke he settled back into doze.
Isabel flew to the hall, and calling Mrs.
Montford, begged her to send Tom for DR..
Conroy at once
MY DEAR" she said, soothingly. placing
her hand on his arm as he again awoke
with nervous start, ''you had better go
to bed and rest, and you will feel better III
the morning.
He brushed her hand from his arm with
a gesture of repulsion. "Don't call me dear;
1 want no hypocrisy" he said, harshly.
''But you are dear; the dearest friend
have in the world,'' and the tears almost
choked her as she spoke.
''Oh, a friend, ehr' He spoke sneeringly,
with bitter laugh, the terrible laugh of
man who is not himself.
"Won't you go to beds" she asked him,
pleadingly.
ITO bcdp' He looked at her with his heavy
fast departing. ''What should I go to bed
fora A business man has no time for day
snoozing. Where's my hat!'' and he strug-
gled to get away from her detaining grasp.
Happily, DR.. Conroy was near at hand,
and with Mrs. Montford now appeared liz
the door, to Isabel's Intense relief.
The Doctors experience taught him how
to deal with the sick man, and he soon sue
ceeded in getting him into bed and under
the influence of powerful remedies.
"What do you think of hims'' said Isabel
as she followed DIR. Conroy into the hall, hef
eyes moist with tears, and heart sinking
with apprehension.
He is a very sick man, Mrs. Falconer,'
he replied, gravely; sit would be a useless
kindness to pretend any thing else He
shows every indication of having entered a
fierce struggle for life, and all we can do is
to hope and pray tor the best" and pressing
her hand in his with unspoken sympathy,
he turned and left her, the hot tears stream
ing from her eyes and her heart lifted in
prayer as it never had been before for help
in this her hour of urgent need.
[To BE CONTINUED.
MASCULINE WSEACRES.
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