The Louisiana Democrat., 1891-03-25

shrill and angry voice, Il am to under.
stand you prefer beggars to your rela-
tions-in-law?"
"You are to understand" averred
Mrs. Bassett, with calmness that
seemed to be absolutely unruffied by
the wrath of her visitors, that l only
give my flowers to those who are other
wise unable to procure them.'
1t was with black frowns and indig-
nant mutterings that Mrs. Vandelour
and her daughter took their departure.
Indeed, the latter brushed SO rudely by
the tiny child of their hostess. she sent
the baby staggering against the wall.
Luminously blossomed the Easter
dawn. Mrs. Bassett dressed herself
somberly, as was her wont of late, and
went to early church. On her return
she cut her lilies. There were twenty
eight in ALA sheaf of marvellous
beauty. Leaving Annie with Mrs. Del
amere's children, she went to the hos
pital There she was known and well
coined. AS she passed into. the main
ward where white cots We're ranged,
the nurse accompanying her pointed
out one particular bed.
''That is new case since yeu were
here. An odd one, too. The man is
suffering from prostration, physical
and mental His mind is almost gone.
He can recall nothing, remember no
one"
A few words of pity passed Laven-
der's lips. She went on down the ward,
leaving on each bed a lily and a mes
sage of cheer or comfort. She reached
that indicated. She glanced at the pa
tient-leaned forward, looked more
searchingly. Her eyes dilated-dark.
ened Her whole face grew white as
death. She trembled soSviolentlY the
lilies she held fell to the floor. Sud-
denly, with cry of the most piercing,
delirious delight, she reeled forward,
fell against the low bed, and flung her
arms around him who lay thereon.
Jack! Jack! Oh, Jacl!'
Worn, haggard, bearded, changed,
still she knew him.
That cry! That voice! 1t recalled his
dormant faculties, his benumbing brain.
He strove to sit erect. The light of con-
sciousness, of intelligence, of recogni-
tion came into his countenance.
''My wifer' he murmured.
The attendants came hurrying up. All
attention was given the invalid. 1t was
several hours before weak, dazed, bliss
full Lavender could return home. The
news of Jack Bassett's return was soon
public property. His recovery was
rapid and complete. And, to the furious
disappointment of the Vandelours, his
claim to inheritance of the disputed
estate was admitted and established.
He could not recall much from the hour
he had been beaten and robbed in Da-
kota to the moment of his recognition
in the city hospital. But little by little
the story of his sufferings, of his sad,
half-senseless wanderings, transpired.
1t is with feelings'of the most mex
pressible content that this Easter Sum
day Jack Bassett and his wife hear the
Abells of JOY peal out.
"Oh, darling he says, drawing her
to him. ''if you in your sweet charity
had not gone to the hospital to gladden.
some sorrowful ones, we might never
have met. But your face, your voice,
had power to draw me back from the
verge of insanity. from death to ffel
But you are crying, dearest!'
1t is true. But through the tears her
face is radiant with love, gratitude,
gladness.
ssListenw she murmurs: "let another
speak my heart for me.'
And then she softly quotes:
There's not foolish flower i the grass,
Or bird through the woodland calling,
So glad again OF the coming of rain
AS OF these tears now falling
These happy tears down falling
Kate NJ. Cleary, in N. Y. Ledger.
The Punishment Fits the Crime.
Il see that husbandry is suffering a
great depression in Portugal. = said Mrs.
SY,or1oy