St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-02-17


man, with features once soft and tender,
but now, even as he lies there uncon-
scious, harsh and dissipated in vice
FEATURES that strangely resemble those
OF the figure In the chair, only distorted
and CHASTITY, with small crimson stream
trickling down his forehead and stain
ing the green grass beneath.
And over yonder, from whence the
W0man's scream has scarce died away,
a few yards distant. several tiers up in
the ladies' stand, lOvely-faced, golden
compani OnS. Her features are peace
fully set, as il in slumber, the eye
lids. with long silken lashes, half
closed, only disclosing streak of rich
est blue through their wavy meshes. A
small hole is near the left shoulder.
From it issues, as if reluctant to leave
such a beauteOus form, a small stream
OF blood, making a crimson wake in
its path.
Two lives are trembli ne in the bal
ance-the sDotless soul of one of heav-
ems lovelilest creations and another
darkened by the shadows of vice.
The embers in the gate are fading,
but still the figure gaZes intently in
their depths, as the glowing pictures
come and go. He recognizes in the two
lifeless forms the young girl and the
PROSTATE man the same who short
while ago plighted their troth beside
the sparkling brook of a distant
grassy green meadow. He follows
the course of the youth, as he
starts out into the world full of
hope, ambition and love, through his
temptation, fall and degradation. He
sees him, in his own esteem so low, as
to be ashamed to answer the loving
loci ~ hac -, ls,
tant, humble cottage home. He sees
him at last, as living upon the ground
with bullet in his head, a dissipated
brawler. in the spirit of passion and
revenge, he aims the fatal pistol at his
assailant, and then again as the ball
speeds past its mark and lodges in
the breast of the innocent girl; when
the smoke clears away and the shrek
rings out OH the stiffness. He hears the
grOan of recognition as the wounded
man inVOluntarily casts last conscious
glance in the direction of the female
voice, and then sinks to the earth. His
bullet had found its resting place near
the heart that had promised to be true
TO him-that was true to him.
The little toDgue-flames grow smaller
and smaller. and as the last phantom
pictures pass before him. the hard lines
about the gaZer's features begin to
soften up, and when the final visions Of
Jail, trial and release pass in review,
the strained look slowly vanishes from
the imtently fixed eyes, while a great
thickness gathers at his throat, almost
choking him, and, as If overlooking all
restraint, long, unshed tears we'll up to
cool the burning lids, and flow in great
drops down the pallid cheeks. His
whole frame is shaken with emotion,
n nd CTR inn fcn TO-
with them the pictures of the past,
leaving in their place realities of the
present. With deep sigh the gaZer
lifts his eyes to the little clock as it
tinkles another mourning hour, and
when they again trace their course back
to the dying embers, the great high
mantel has vanished; mother, father
and little sister are but visions. and the
seething kettle and huge andirons are
not there.
"Dying? No. Dead? No." muses.
the figure. ut cannot be so. I shall
know"
Rising he takes up the unfinished let
ter. and without pauSing to read its
wording, lays it on the burning Goals.
the hand grip is filed and closed, and
Pearce Hamilton taking up his coat and
hat, passes out into the street. The
night clerk wonders at his guests early
leaving. but is even more perpleXed at
his changed agitated appearan ce as ne
settles his bill. The clerk knows not of
the sleepleSs night he has spent. but
droWsily allows him to pass unQu es-
toned.
A neighboring clock rings the hour
OF as the tall form of Pearce Hamilton
steps into the street:
1t is early morning. In another room
on another street. not far distant from
that which Pearce Hamilton has lust
left, pale, sweet-faced girl lies on
bed of pain.
''Auntie, feel very strong this morn
ing" she is saying to the Watchful little
lady who is busy arranging bunch OF
flowers on the table near the bed.
eyes, dear; | am so glad"
do you think can get up soon? DR..
Gray thinks l can," and the face on the
pillow chances up appealingly to the
kindly eyes above.
eff you really feel strong enough, I
think you might, my dear"
'To-day~
POSSIBLY"
"N0w?''
"Wait till I fix up first; the doctor
will be here soon, you know. Now. lie
still little longer; that's good girl"
The head on the pillow turns aside,
and the eyes glance toward a bandaged
arm that lies above the covers. She
half rises, as the aunt's back is turned"
"Ohr'
"Wh. t's the, matter, dear? lie still
till help You."
''Nothing, auntie; only was just
thinking"
By and by the room is straightened
up. and soon. with few "ohSm from
the pOuty lips. and many remonstrances
from 'tauntie," the form on the bed is
transferred to great comfortable arm
chair. almost buried in mountain of
pillows and cushions.
Presently there is knock on the front
door.
There's the doctor, now, auntie;
won't he be surprised?'
Maybe he won't be pleased" say s
the good lady, as she rises to open the
door. In moment she returns.
ut isn't the doctor, Eva; it's a tall
gentleman. a stranger. He asked how
you were. and says he would like very
much to see you"
ME! What for2'
"I'm sure l don't know. Shall let
him come imp
'But-if he really wishes to, auntie."
Confused, and with strange feeling
or excitement ana emOClOn tnrllIlng MIN,
Pearce Hamilton pauses as he is hidden
to come in. Through the half-open
door he has heard the musical melody
of voice that stirred in strange agita-
ton thousand memories of violet blue
eyes and sunny golden hair, With rosy
cheeks and cherished lips; of blissful
hours and happy days; Of plighted
word and broken VOW.
"Just step IN, sir"
He scarcely hears the words, as the
door gently opens, and he catches sight
of pale, lovely face-the face of his
early memory-little older appearing,
perhaps, but yet sweeter and more
beautiful than ever-half turned toward
him, peering round the back of the
great armchair. The rosy lips part, the
crimson color rushes to the pale face,
and suppressed exclamation reaches
his ear.