Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-14

NuNi anu W tAt ululuB INoUls anu LOefe
Capt. Lane bowed gravely to "My sis
ter, Mrs. Lanier-Mr. Lanier," when he
was presented. The lady seemed dis
tant and chilling. The man held out
his hand and said, I'm glad to know
you captain. wish you could dine
with us But Lane had dined and was
going out"
The third day came and no Reginald.
Expecting him every moment. Mabel
decliped to go with her friends on a
shopping tour, and was seated in her
room thinking, when there came tap
at the door; card for Mrs. Noel, and
the gentleman begged to see her in the
parlor Her color heightened as she
read the name Her heart beat flutter-
ingly as She descended the stairs. He
was standing close by the door, but he
took her hand and lead her to the win
dow at their right.
You have news from mammal she
cried. Tell me-inStantlyw
"Mr. Woodrow thinks il best that you
should come, Mrs. Noel; and she has
sent for me. Reginald went directly
west that night. VIII you trust your
self TO my care and can you be ready for
the next train in two hourS?"
Ready. She could go instantly. She
implored him TO tell if her mothers i'll
ness was fatal. He could only say that
Mrs. Vincent had been quite suddenly
seized; and yet they hoped she would
rally. Mabel wept unreStrainedly, up
braiding herself bitterly for her dilatory
Journey; but She was ready and had
gained composure when il was time TO
start. Mrs. Lanier's farewell was some
what strained, but the Captain seemed
TO notice nothing.
UnobtruSivcly, yet carefully he watch
ed over her ON the homeward way.
Tenderly he lifted her to the pavement
of the familiar old depot, where Regy
met them. Mamma was better, but
very feeble. She wanted to see them
both
Three days the gentle spirit fingered.
Thrice did the loving woman send for
Lane, and, holding his hand in hers,
whisper blessing and prayful charge rs
TO the future. Regy wondered what it
could all mean. Mable, on her knees in
her own little room, pleading for her de-
voted mothers life, knew well to the
the very last that mother chung TO him,
but only vaguely did she reason why.
At last the solemn moment came, and
the hush of twilight, the placid, pain
less close of pure and gracious life
were broken only by the Sobbing of her
kneeling children and of the little knot
of friends, who, dearly loving, were
with her at the gate into the new and
radiant world beyond.
One soft spring evening a few weeks
later Mabel stood by the window in the
old library an open letter in her hand.
Twice she had looked mt the clock upon
the mantei, and 10 was late when Fred
erick Lane appeared. Mr.. Woodrow
had UNEXPECTEDLY detained him. he eN-
planned. bus now nothing remained but
to say good-by 20 her. His leave was
ap. The old troop was waiting for him.
..Wil YOU try To do as | asked You
and write 20 me once IN while? he
said
Il will. 1t was mothers wish But
her head sank lower as she spoke.
Il know" he replied. For almost a
year past she had written regularly to
me. and l shall miss it-more than can
say. And now-it is good-by. God
bless Won, Mabel
And still she stood inert, passive, her
eyes downcast, her bosom rapidly rising
and falling under its mourning garb. He
took her hand and held it lmgeringly
one minute. then turned slowly away.
At the portierc he stopped for one last
look. She was still standing there.
dropping The fair head seemed bow
ing lower and lower. the white hands
were claSping neryouSly.
DO YOU know you have not said
cood-by. Mabcl?'
She is bending like lily now. turn
ing away TO hide tie rush of tears. Only
family does he catch the whispered
words:
"Oh. l cannot