The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-06-28

81 was in the hall wandering aimless.
ly around, anxiously watching for Ar.
chie's return, when they brought him
in. After one glance, fled to Twick-
hams room, and paced the floor and VI
tered such strange heart-broken cries
that she almost lost her self-control
They sent for her Immediately. She
was gone for long, long time. As the
afternoon wore on and she did not re.
turn, l thGew myself, face down, on her
bed and mutely struggled with the ter.
rible aching of my heart, that threat
ened to stifle me. l could hear hurry.
ing feet in the hall, the opening and,
closing of doors, and then, all silenee
again.
"'My poor little grip and father bent
over me. i have come for you. He
asked for you with his first conscioH
breath And then in answer to nv
mute, questioning look: Yes, he has
told me all. And is freely forgive.
Come DEAR
81 never knew how got to the ROOF.
But remember father whispered as I
entered: Call me, dear, if he gros
worse The door opened, and tho
closed behind me. And l was aloH
with my poor, dying brother. He "
with his face toward me, and his eys
fixed upon me so wlstfully! In n
moment 1 was by his side.
"'Oh Nan! My own darling siste
do not tremble So The great
welled up in his eyes and rolled SLOWLY,
down the pale cheeks. 1 was dumb
struggling with the terrible choking in
my throat. The window curtain fut-
tered idly in the breeze. The warm sun
fell across the foot of the bed. A tiny
bird perched on budding bough and
trilled agladsome song. twas mockery!
Bitter undergraduates indications OF
the coming spring. How could the
world be bright, with this young life
ebbing out SO fast! Oh, so fast!
"'Nan, I've told father all. He is SO
kind, so kind! You will be lonely, Nan,
yes, so lonely without your Archie!
But | shall be safe with mother. Dear
mother, how anXiously she is watching
for me! Oh! the joy and peace when
my tired head can rest IN her arms once
more! How happy we will be, mother
and ]. And we will watch for you and
father, Nan. Yes, we'll watch for you all.
See the sun yonder. How warm it is!
Spring is so near. How l long to stay
and see the flowers, Nan. But mother
is waiting and l must soon be gone.
The sun will soon set. See tits nearing
the horizon now! And night will soon
come. But 1 will not be here. Sc
different from last night" A spasm OF
pain crossed the pale face.
"'You must plant a white rose over
my head. Nan, l was always so fond OF
them, you know. Come and see the
roses when they nod above me. There's
the terrible pain again. Call father
quick
Father was bending over him be-
fore the sound left his lips. In few
moments the pain left him and he
opened his eyes again.
"'There, it is gone; but has left me
very weak. Come nearer to me, all of
you. Father, lift me higher. lean not
breathe. Father, dear, you will be
good to Nan when l am gone. She. has
| haon tho dearest sister in tho worgd.
Always so kind and good to me, father.
| was so easily led astray! Dear cid
Twickham, forgive your boy for the
pangs he has caused your faithful heart
to feel. Now, Nan dear, sing to me.
just once, Nan. This will be the last.
The very last'"
''Oh, how could 1 sing! The words
would choke me. But his eyes were
fixed so yearningly on my face that
could not refuse. And l sang; family
at first, but gaining strength as l pro-
ceeded.
"'Tired oh, yesi Sc tired, DEAR
The day has been so very long;
But shad'wy cleaning draweth near,
IT'S time for the evening song.
"1m ready for blest rest, at last;
Ready to say good night
The sunset glory darkens fast,
Tomorrow will bring light.
"'Sing once more, abide with me,'
That sweetest evening hymn.
And now good night" can not see.
The light has grown so dim!
"'Tired! ah yes! so tired, dear!
shall soundly sleep tonight,
With ne'er a dream nor quaking fear,
To wake in tAe mornings light
GAIL was silent as death when I
ceased. Then with gentle sigh he
spoke:
kiss me, Nan, father and dear old
Twickham. Mother and l will watch
for you all. And now goodnight We
bent over him to catch the whispered
words.
"'And now goodnight, I can not
see. The light has grown so dim!'-
Ellis head fell back on fathers arm.
Our erring boy was dead"
The dying embers fell apart, scatter
ing shower of sparks upon the hearth.
The sad voice ceased, and deep silence
fell upon the room. Without the snn&
fell soft and still. The night was dark
and the hour was late.
"Tired! ali, yes! so tired, dear!
shall soundly sleep tonight
With ne'er dream nor quaking fear
To wake in the mornings light"
AGNES ROGERA
The Secret of Happiness.
CLEANLINESS comes most to neonla wh n