The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-06-03

he found his patient 90 much worse that
be no longer held out any hope, and
considered IL his duty 10 warn the old
man or the dangerous state that he was
IA. lest there should b. any arrange
ments he might neglect before HE death.
To his surprise, Mr.. Bowyer evInced
neither grief nor fear. His only anxiety
ives lest he should die before he could
make . new will; and 1t his own desire
o telegram was at once sent on 70 Mr..
Levison requesting his presesce 1t once.
This was about his last expressed wish.
Aiterward he seemed 10 sink rapidly !;
and neither Elaine nor Colonel Severn
left him through that night.
When daylight dawned, they were
watching still; and Elaine FIRST became
conscious Of an anxious glance that now
and then was directed 70 her face. Il
was as though there were something
weighing on his mind Of which he longed
to disburden himself.
The girl knelt beside him, and laid her
head close TO his.
!. Is there anything you wish mo to do
for you n she whispered.
Still the dumb beseeching gaze, but no
spoken reply.
" ls It anything about Mrs. Priolo r.
she hazarded.
But the sick man shook his head, and
something in the satirical expression Of
his mouth reminded her OF how he had
so often looked when she had first known
him. The tears came into her eyes, and
her fingers frightened in their clasp OF
his thin hand as she remembered all the
cause she had to feel both gratitude and
love.
Severn rose softly from his chair and
left them alone. As he did so the sick
man motioned to Elaine to come nearer
nearer still. His voice was so weak
and broken that, even with her ear al
most touching his lips, she could scarcely
comprehend his meaning.
& Tell mel am dying-it can do no
harm now TO you or me--were you really
guilty-really guilty Of your sisters
death ?"
The momentous question at last put
into words that so often had trembled on
his lips during the last three years, he
lay quite exhausted and still upon his
pillows, but with his eyes still fixed
tenaciously on the girls white startled
face.
You thought 1t possible-you thought
] could !" broke from her at last, In un-
controllable surprise and indispensable
reproach.
Her earnestness was SO clearly sincere
that he could not doubt. He knew then
that from the first he had never done
her justice.
Forgive-forgive me |" he implored.
~ was wrongall wrong Can you
forgive ?"
For answer she stopped and kissed
him affectionately as his own child might
have done, no trace Of resentment on her
face or in her heart. All his faults and
mistakes were wiped out OF her memory
forever; she thought now only Of his
goodness to her-his love.
Presently he fell asleep from sheer
weakness and Colonel Severn, coming
In, insisted ON her going down to get q
cup OF tea. As she reached the foot OF
the stairs, the hall door, which stood
ajar, was pushed further open. and some
one entered rapidly in . heavy coat, with
o small black bag In his hand.
TWAS Mr.. Levison, arrived some hours
before they had thought 1t possible he
could come. He advanced hurriedly
with outstretched hand.
How Is he p he asked, eagerly.
Very weak; he can not live till
night, the doctor says. We never
thought you could be here in time"
" Did ! not tell you that when you
summoned me should be here as soon
as human agency could bring me? lust
caught the night-mail, and walked, or
rather ran, from the station
She looked at him gratefully, appre-
chatting his wish to be kind, though really
caring little for the pecuniary advantage
which might accrue to her from his
promptitude.
" He is asleep now" she said, gravely.
Then will go upstairs and wait till
he awakes."
Won't you have some tea first ?
You must be exhausted after your long
journey"
He smiled and shook his head.
:" Business first" he replied, decisive
ly. By and by there will be plenty of
time for refreshment."
But, when she persisted, he swallowed
q cup Of tea hastily, hurrying upstairs
Immediately afterward, as though grudg-
ing even that slight delay on her account.
Elaine remained alone. She took
something to eat and drink in mechani-
cal obedience to her lovers behest, AZ
she would have done anything, however
difficult, that he had commanded, then
drew nearer to the fire to warm herself,
for she was cold and numb with fatigue.
Half an hour later she was called up
stairs, and answered the summons with
beating heart, for she guessed what it
portended.
When she entered the room, she saw
George Severn standing by the bed !;
while tina lavvvar With ~ axora.,,o. -