The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-01-26

rays over the kneeling crowd, and bending
over the bed an aged priest ministering to
youthful female.
Soon the crowd dispersed and again Euds
was left alone with Emma, but the interview
was not long. Her last look her last prayer
her last sigh were for tho only one she had
ever loved, and death seized his prey.
Did Eudor display grief at her mournful
endi
lie gazed at her calmly; but now and then,
as if TO quiet some importune thought, he
repeated:
"She wished to die The worst can only
be that her wish has been granted" He
called the count and led him 70 the bed
"You are the person 10 close her eyes"
The despair Of the old man was heart rend
ing He fell senseless by tho body Of his wife
When the count was come from the cham
Der Eudor returned TO the bedside. lie
seemed to feel an exquisite pleasure in watch
ing the body The closed eyes, the stiifened
limbs, the features once so beautiful, now
pale and sunken. He gazed and murmured
with q smile:
"'Tis right, no breath, no life-cold-rigid
-deod"
The room soon filed with domestics, all
with tears in their eyes and grief at their
hearts and on their lips; oil prayed for the
soul Of the deceased-sho viii 80 straight to
paradise said they, she was so good.
without reckoning that she had her pur
gatory in this world half murmured the
doctor, who alone did not bend bis knee OF
pray for her who had died. There was IN
the room an old relation Eudor addressed
her;
"Shc must be buried as soon Us possible
said he; "her disease is contagious, and if you
wait more than two hours, your lives will all
be in danger" Half frightened to death, the
old woman gave her orders, the church bell
began 20 toll, the crosses were raised, the
lights prepared, the rooms hung with mourn
ing, and slowly the funeral procession came
from the church.
The body had been dressed in her handsom
est garments-a dress Of brocade with pearl
necklace. rich lace around the neck, and her
feet covered with stockings Of silk and gold
and shoes Of white velvet.
1T is her bridal dress said some one e.
Eudor.
THAT is right, for the same occasion, same
dress"
The coffin was there but the countess was
still on her bed. The old aunt approached
scissors in hand One would have thought
her the representative Of fate severing the
thread Of life a golden tress was already
between the instrument-Eudor rushed for
ward
Are you madi D. you wish to Join heri
This hair, still wet with the death sweat
bears the seeds Of death Leave it alone, or
rather, think Of burning the bed, tho gar
ments, all that she touched. Relics, indeed
remember her words and her deeds"
He then placed it in the coffin; four men
lifted it on their shoulders, and Che funeral
procession moved
AT church the service for the dead was per
formed, long and sad service composed OF
cold and grave words, and Of solemn aud
melancholy chants A priest then gave
sponge dipped in holy water 70 each Of the
mourners, the assistants one by one sprinlaed
.n,. collin. ano. noi vita tns sacred dew, II
was taken 90 tle tomb
Three hour. had elapsed since the last ccie
monies had been performed. and The church
presented O striking and imposing scene cai
culated 10 impress on weak and "aVerine
minds the terrors Of religion TIE rays oil
the moon striking on the painted window
oanes threw strange figures over the white
and lofty walls, while the different effects OF
LIGHT and shadow gave 10 the images Of the
saints a fantastic and unusual appearance
The altar was still hung with black; IN the
middle of the church yet stood, covered over
with black cloth sprigged with silver the
stools on which the coffin had been placed,
and from the pillars around still hung the
escutcheons of the late cou'~sss 1t was
solemn spectacle. and occasionally the moon.
hidden by a cloud, left the whole IN dark
ness. which was only relieved 10y the flicker
inc and uncertain fame Of the lights around
the altar
Suddenly a slight noise was heard, foot
step. a man carrying a lantern and long ex
tincuisher appeared Il was the sexton. He
went his rounds In silence, and as he returned
suddenly dropped his extinguisher and uttered
a loud exclamation
The cause Of his surprise and alright was
man leaning against pillar, immoyable' and
so weak, SO suffering, that apparently he had
not strength enough TO drag him from the
church when the last bell bad tolled, his dry
and s,inken ewes were fixed on the face Of the
sexton, and bis right hand supported his
aching brow.
"Bountiful providence Is It ghostf SAID
Noitre Arnoux, the sexton; and as he pro
noupced these words ho let his lantern SHINE
full upon the stranger
what are you doing here, sir =" SAID ne
when no found ho bad to deal, not Win
ghost. but with young and handsome nian'
She church is closed.
The person TO whom these words were al
dressed answered only by half suppressed
groan; his limbs gave way, ana he zen on lne
pavement ri,
cle. ~ exclaimed Maitre Arnoux; what am
10 do with this man : l verify believe he
half dead" A..
AS he uttered these words, he shook nun
violently By the sleeve, and filling ms nasH
with holy water, bathed bis temples lno
yonng man opened his eyes
"I Am very weak indeed" said he, IN 10"
aud ALTERING yoioo. "My suferings nave
oyer,,1elmed me. Have you no cor
dial. good man :" 49, ~.oo
which IS excellent for recalling one 70 sensS
good wine" -. .o.,ore
me-" ,.,
"Well. then, my friend, you must cra raw
mn 10 nav cell; for II would be Offending We
saints 10 drink here"
Assisted by Arnoux, the young ma"
reached a little door that opened into .ue
church. and, having assembled ~ino.ns
staircase, found himself in the rooms OF 'no
sexton. who Immediately poured out S0ne
wing for hiEl. .
Wei. friend, do you feel better nowr -.
"Mucb much better raDliad Endor. "hiie