The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1890-08-30

81 was in the hall wandering aimiess-
ly around, anxiously watching for Ar
chie's return, when they brought him
in. After one glance. bed to Twick.
hams room. and paced the floor and ut
tered such arrange heart broken cries
that she almost lost her self-ccntroi.
They sent for her Immediately. She
was gone for long, long time. As the
afternoon wore on and she did not re-
turn, threw myself, face down, on hes
bed and mutely struggled with the ter
rible aching OF my heart, that threat
ened to stifie me. ! could hear hurry
ing feet in the hall. the opening and
closing Of doors, and then, all silence
again.
"sMy poor little grip and father bent
over me. 4 have come for you. He
asked for you with his first conscious
breath And then in answer to my
mute, questioning look: Yes, he has
told me all. And is freely forgiven.
Come DEAR
II never knew how got to the room.
But remember father whispered as I
entered: Call me, dear, If he grows
worse The door opened, and then
closed behind me. And I was alone
with my poor, dying brother. He lay
with his face toward me, and his eyes
fixed upon me so wlstfully! In .
moment was by his side.
".Oh Mani My own darling sisterl
do not tremble so.' The great tears
welled up in his eyes and rolled slowly
| down the pale cheeks. / was dumb
struggling with the terrible choking in
my throat. The window curtain ffut-
tered idly in the breeze. The warm sun
| fell across the foot of the bed. A tiny
bird perched on budding borgh and
trilled agladsome song. TWAS mockery!
Bitter mockery!-these 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
morel 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 isl
Spring is so near. How l long to stay
and see the flowers, Nan. But mother
is waiting and / must soon be gone.
The sun will soon set See tits nearing
the horizon nowl And night will soon
come But l will not be here. So
different from last nightp A spasm of
pain crossed the pale face.
".You must plant white rose over
my head. Nan, 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
lquick-
"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 am gone. She has
been the dearest sister in the world.
Always SO kind and good to me, father.
was so easily led astray! Dear old
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 lastr"
ssOh, how could l 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 pro
ceeded.
"'Tiredl oh. yes! 50 tired, deari
The day has been so very long;
But shad'wy cleaning draweth near,
IT'S time for the evening song.
"Tm ready for blest rest. at last;
Ready to say goodnight
The sunset glory darkens fast,
Tomorrow will bring light
".Sing once more, "Abide with me-"
That sweetest evening hymn.
And now goodnight can not sea,
Il The light has grown so diml
"Tired, ali, yes! so tired, dearl
shall soundly sleep tonight,
With meier q dream nor quaking fear,
i To wake in the mornings light
!, "All was silent as death when
! ceased. Then with a gentle sigh ht
spoke:
> kiss me, Nan, father and dear old
Twickham. Mother and / will watci
: for you all. And now goodnight w
bent over him to catch the whispered
words
"'And now goodnight, can no
see. The light has grown SO dimr--
.His 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 silenc'
fell upop the room Without the snow