New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-23

thought, and the doctor confirmed his opinion
when he came for the '.a s ,e ar ral as he
took leave of Pietro in the hail. :" have no hope
of his recovery. and doubt whether ne Will last
until tomorrow night
This was no surprise to Gbiser. who knew how
little strength of resistance lay in the crippled
frame He bent his head in silence a. the ply.
stefan went out, and he almost shivered as he
tbouoht of what was before him. He knew now
that he must stand by Laura's side at the near
last moment of great suffering when SHE was to
sra the one being sine loved pass away before her
eyes He was more than ever glad that he mad
induced her to rest. irdens mind was stu wander
inc. and she could be Of no immediate use.
80 the day ended at last and the night began
and wore on much like the previous one, saving
that the anxiety Of all was trcbed. Inc other
sister had %cn ana WIFI the saw sams aats
regularity she performed her duties through tho
long hours. c,.,., 49,. &, ~.
Toward midnight Laura and Ghissr met met IN n,1 1ns
in silence before th. fire. Pietr0 could see that
her lips trembling as though she were on tns
point Of bursting int" tears ny y taward the door
She heard his step behind her. and without turn-
ing round she beckoned TO him with her mana di 20
STAY He came back and stood at n littie u.s.
tance from her Still she was silent Tor mo-
ment then sh" spoke. 80 .v.
:" 1t is coming she said unsteadily. You must
Il viii do my best answered GhiserI. earn
cstly ,.
|
+, leave her. before he could reach the door ne
heard her first sob and az he closed it behind him
the storm Of her passionate GRIEF broke upon Jns
| moved TO any outward demonstration OF feeling,
Int the tears stood in his eyes as he went back
10 Arden'S bedside. and they were not Tor inc
friend he was so soon 10 lose.
! The sick man was unconscious and lay quite
still on his back with closed lids The sister
| her head sadly when Ghiseri looked ut her. The
end was not far off, she in her great experience
well knew. In hot hast" Pietro sent for the
| doctor with n message saying that Lloyd Herbert
was diving But when Inc came he admitted ~
mrf,ntIv that he could do nothing: there was
no hope even of prolonging life until morning
! LADY Herbert shonld be told the truth he
said If you wish II will wait in another room
until the end
knows that there is no hope bur she will feel l'ss
ncrvous if You are at hand. How long do You
"Xpect--r
! to himself should say. The little strength there
was il all gone. There will he lucid int'rval
e few moments, and then the heart will stop.
| II WIS always detective
Then Lady Herbert ought 70 be with him now
| in ease il comes said Ghisleri.
lie left the doctor in the little room which
Arrl,n had used as a study, and went back to tho
drawing room. feeling that one OF the harl"ss
moments of his lif" had come. Laura was seated
in deep chair. leaning back, her eyes half closed
and her cheeks still Wet with tears She stirteu as
| Ghisleri entered. %
The doctor has seen him again. he said II
| You are able II would be bettcr-- lie stopped,
| for he saw that she understood
They went back together. As they entered the
room they heard Ardens weak voice,
! Laura, darling. where your he was ask
ing. Ghislcri saw that he was quito in .pos~s-
sion of his faculties and went quietly out, leaving
him with his wife and the sister.
swiftly ND to his side and supporting him as he
! tried TO sit up.
. it was SO long," he said family. 81 am 80
glad you have come. dear.
| "Nou must not try to talk You must not tire
| yourself"
Ut makes no difference now he answered,
! letting his head rest upon her shoulder Y must
speak dear one-this once before die Yes, l
| knew am dying. II is better so. | have had
in you all that God has TO give, all the happiness
! of long life in these short months"
| He paused and drew painful breath Lanras
face was like alabaster, but she did not break
down "saa now y, until all WSI G NSn yo h,vs
given me SO much and have given You 80 little.
But God will give 1t all back 10 YOU. dear. some
day. -, There is one thing must say-oh' my
lie gasped in an agonized way, and almost
choked. Laura thought it was the end. but he
"Onc thing. darlington must remember, II
you have loved me-ah, and sou have, dearIthat
no promise binds you You must try and think
that if you forego any happiness for the memory
Of me- you will he taking that same happiness
from me "a we'll from yourself. II will be
right and just that you should marry II you wish
"Oh. Herbert! Herbert cried Laura. pressing
| him to her, do not talk sou
Promise me that you will never think yourself
lonnd." he said earnestly, speaking with more
and moro effort. :" l shall not die happy I'M
less you do"
Laura bowed her head.
81" promise it; dear, because you wish it."
Thank you. love"
He was silent for some time He seemed TO be
thinking at least trying to collect his last
| thoughts.
"If it is little girl, call her Laura" he
| said, in breaking voice. Then l shall know
| han in Ion sla
"Or else Herbert" said Laura, softly.
lie moved his head little in assent.
Der that my last breath j. a blessing for yon."
Very tendrry she pressed him TO- Mr. ID he Gf
end. nor how every word PAINFUL spoken
was meant to forestall and soothe her coming
Saw PRAYER for me, darling-it ~ not far
off. Say something in your own words-they will
| b., better heard"
raised her. Smpp eyes hcavenward The sister little
used to seeing men die without comfort Of Holy
Church. knct down ly the table Then Iaurs
Almighty God, beseech Thee TO receive tho
soul of this pure and true-hearted man amongst
the spOtcss ones that are with Ihce, 10 fors.c
all his sins IL any are yet unforolven. and 10
render t. him in heavenly joy all the happi-
ness he has brought her who loves him, on earth,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
She ceased forcing back the tears lie moved
his head little and kissed III" hand that sup
ported him. A long silence followed .,..
vou and went ont again." he said very fecbly.
Would Won like to see him. darling
Yes lie is dear friend-betfer IN every
way than any one knows: 81,
A. n word from Laura the sister rose and calrd
rictro lie was waitins in the passage lie
c,,rc 10 thc bedside and stood opposite to Laura,
hcnlinr down and pressing Arden's wasted hand:
he was pale -,
" "Ghi.lcri-dear old friend-good-by-l am going:
Take care Of hcr-you and Harry" lie gasped
for breath. an -, s
l Piotro sOlcmnly "a,
last effort he drew Laura's face to his and
! kissed her once more.
"TOvc-lovc-love--' u..
Arden was dead dying he had lived OK
htc and perhaps all his life, unselfsh in every
ihought and deed. -,
| witI n cry tint seemed 70 break her heart,