The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1890-03-07

fountain had become dry, but the wild. hot
eyes roved abroad over the cherries land
scape, or sea view rather, aimlessly. really
taking note Of nothing; while the weary
brain almost reeled beneath the awful shock
IL must endure.
In the next room a man Law diving Tba
physician was bending over him with DO
ton calculated 70 ease and soothe the last
few moments Of his patient, while the at
tendants stood wistfully, silently by.
They had done all they could all that
human agency and affection could devise
but the fat OF death had gone forth and
now, in the prime of young manhood.
Arthur Fairfax must die
He had lived 10 see his dream fulfilled.
however BE had gained wealth and found
his beautiful home by the sea that he had
planned TO have on his wedding dav.
Yes, IL had all been realized, but what a
fearful price was asked! Ovcrtaxed his
system gave out and he was now ready,
after months Of decline, TO leave il all
Months ago he felt a strange sense of ex-
haustion stealing over him, but he thought
10 mere lasslJude which BIZ and by xvonld
wear OF. SO paving but little attention 70
natures warning he toiled on with almost
superhuman effort to complete this domes-
TIC paradise so dear 10 his heart His plans
were about completed, and Miriam should
have her beautiful home as they both had
? AIMED Miriam, who had given up every
thing for hlm and his love and who had al
ways been the same sweet, Interchangeable
wife, should now be happy in her own eIe-
CANT establishment.
And their boy-the bright, winsome lit
tie son, inheriting his mothers dark eyes
and the blonde curls of the Fairfax farniIy
should never know a want, never have a
wish unsatished, If money could I'LL the re-
quirement- he had wealth now The world
had gone Wei with him, turning steadily
meath fortunes smile.
This he had SAID TO himself on that last
day up IN the mines while closing out mis-
sales and getting rid Of shares in the stock
He was very faugued that day and moro
nervous than usual, and Uncle Benton had
made note OF il by saying: You look had
OF the verge of a severe illness. Arthur or
Pm mistaken It's good thing that Won
retire from business to-day, my bow,
He was aware Of it himself TO some ex-
. tent, but a months actual rest at The Resi-
the name Of his country seat, would be suf
hcient 70 throw of this weariness and he
would be himself again.
These, then, had been his plans, but the
best laid plans ''aft gang aglea-" And now
It had come to this, after weeks Of hope
less battling with stern decree
The day had now gone out on the waters
and the blackness of night and despair had
settled down over Miriam. She tottered
across the room and into the next, and with
clasped hands stood helplessly gazing down
on the beloved face on the pillow.
light broke over the face as the fast
glazing eyes met her wild, yearniue lool,
and he beclIoned her nearer. She leaned
over him fondly and kissed his brow where
the death oamps were gathering and he
whispered: Bring baby TO me, dearest
Below stairs the nurse-girl was ltaIllup
the child TO rest with a sweet cradle song,
He had been kept quiet all the long, dreary
= > ct
amused with fairy stories unfolded to his
credulous mind by the nurse who loved 10
revel in these pleasing fancies herself.
ARTHUR wants the baby" said Miriam
breaking in on the edge of dreamland. and
ciasping her boy with a sudden tenacious
movement born of grief.
+ The nurse resigned her sleepy charge
with frightened glance of inquiry into the
"hlte face of her mistress. She ueeded no
words TO veil that at last the agony of death
and parting had come, for the look on Miri-
ans face was plain Of Interpretation
The mother bore away the little son, so
soon 70 become fatherless, and the tender
hearted nurse-girl, turning away, burst
into tears.
"Oh! it must be an awful thing 10 die
and leave ones friends she moaned TO
herself, going about the room, picking up
mechanically the toys Of little Arthur
winch in his gres. giee at playing Aladdin
he had scattered about. "Poor little one,''
murmured she, "his tender heart doesn't
understand it, and it is well enough it
DOESN'T
kiss" but the lips failed to utter the
rest
Love papa said Miriam, and the child,
putting his chubby face down caressIn gly,
kissed the pale, paternal lips. my papa is
cold, so cold, =" he said, wonderingly, LOOKING
up.
The attendant took him away then. at 4
sign from the mother. and kneeling by the
couch Miriam drew the death-damp brow