The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1890-03-01
HOW THE FEUD ENDED.
They Became Friends at tho Bed
side of the Dying Girl


"You are better to-day, my darling?"
Mr.. Hillborn asked the question in
that tone OF forced cheerfulnrss that
tells SO quickly tho despair it tries to
hide. His darling" fair girl of nine
teen, exceedingly beautiful, with that
glory of transient lovclincss in which
consumption robes its victims, looked up
to meet his tender loving eyes.
Easier, she said, gently my
cough was not SO troublesome last
night
She was sitting in a deep armchair,
part of the furniture of luxurious
room, and her dress Of dainty white
suited we'll her golden hair and soft
blue eyes. Mr.. lLillh9gn drew up another
chair and sat down. Not a morning
passed now that he did not give one
hour to his only child before going to
his place OF business.
"Dr. Greyson thinks trip to Florida
-" he said. but stopped. for Amy's face
was full Of dismay.
FLORIDA. oh, no; Not exilcd to die"
she said, putting little wasted hand
on her fathers. Let me be at home,
then"
'But, my darling, VIC hope"
"No, papa, there is no hope. We
know that If | were poor girl. not
the child of a wealthy man, Dr. Greyson
would not speak of Florida"
but, Amy. we must try any thing
every thing-my child. | can not lose
you"
He bowed his head upon the arm of
her chair as he spoke, trembling with
emotion Very softly she strokcd the
gray hair, and presently, low but clear,
her voice stole into his ears-into his
heart:
Papa, you love me SO much, you are
SO ready to do any thing to make me
happy that you tempt me sorcly to ask
q gift from YOU
AS If you could ask any thing would
not grant" was the quick reply.
But this-this, and a deep feverish
flush rose to the girls fair cheeks is
TO ask you to give up "a lifelong -"
There she paused. adding, presently: Il
will tell you the only secret ever kept
from you
Gould you keep a secret from me-"
he asked, rcproachfully,
81 would not grieye you; and yet, now,
j dare even that, because hope YOU
will grant my wish-the last shall
ever make. You remember when went
to Fairhaven, two years ago, to visit
Aunt Rachel? 1t was my first summer
of young lady life, of parties and atten-
ton, and was very happy, because
Aunt Rachel's great house was always
full of pleasant company. Papa, one
day, at a garden party at one of Aunt
Rachel's friends, met George Lawson. ="
'iour Aunt Rachel permitted that
"She could not avoid it, papa She
could not dictate To her friends who
their guests should be-
True. Well?"
Il knew that-you were not friends
with his father
Amy, my child said her father,
hoarsely, you do not understand. His
father was my enemy for years, trying
by every mean device to ruin me, because
he was jealous of my success never
wronged him, but he he tried to de-
stroy my business credit: he nearly Scpa-
rated me from your mother before we
were married: he prosecuted me in every
way until at last his venom carried him
too far, and held the power to punish
him by lawful Intervention. Then |
held him in my grasp, threatening legal
measures if he again annoyed me. lie
is dead, but can not forgive him in his
grave for some of the deep injuries he
has done me-
II did not know all this, papa, but |
knew you looked upon him with great
dislike, and so | avoided his son. But
We were thrown together constantly.
George was visiting Aunt Rachael's
most intimate friend, and neither she
nor auntie seemed TO think there was
any need to set any barrier between us.
Auntie trusted me; Mrs. Hughes knew
nothing of the reasons for our not meet
ing. And do not think George knew
what you have told me-"
'.George?" said Mr.. Hillborn, re-
proachfully.
Forgive me, papa. Only hear me
PATIENTLY We were, as | said, much
together. and he was man | could not
help respecting, a perfect gentleman,
upright, honorable in every word ard
action. You guess my secret?"
You loved him?'
81 loved him; and he loved me-
"Wen9r
"Do not take your hand from mine,