The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1893-04-08

Inc DbJltub nlluSblI KNEW uOJnlng
about it; he lay in the lethargy that
precedes death; and was only family
conscious at intervals. There was
very little chance that he would be
aware of Dorothy's presence in his
room. Indeed, when she entered it she
stood by his side for full minute
without his stirring. She was calm;
not even the keen-eyed doctor was able
to do more than guess at what was in
her heart. The girl herself seemed
scarcely to feel at all. Before her,
senseless, dying, lay the man she had
loved passionately through all her
angry mistrust and injustice, as truly
struck down by her hand as if she had
used an actual weapon; yet never a
quiver came over her beautiful face,
and she turned away with dry eyes,
She went through the painful opera
tion without a murmur-nay, with an
exultant smile. Each drop of her blood
transfused into the veins of the dying
man was so much towards atom ement.
Yet DIR. Hall doubted if the truest
atonement would not have been a
frank confession of wrong-only there
was no accounting for the intrusion of
that woman's shame.
~ don't think we would misunder-
stand her, though" said the doctor,
when it was all over, and Dorothy had
been carefully conveyed home. He
was watching his patient, for whom
incessant care was more then ever nee
cssary; and his eyes rested tenderly on
tha Fnpn ,.,lA Ia, Co..
had not marred, but etherealized. 81
must see the child tomorrow. l have
promised to tell her myself how he
goes on"
"Still living" was his report to
Dorothy the next day; and he went
back to Devereux, at whose side ke
almost lived. The woman. healthy,
vigorous, recovered rapidly; the man,
who, besides anguish of SOUL had en-
dured enough cold and famine to shat
ter less fine constitution, struggled
painfully with death though he did
not care for life. For two days, hour
by hour, the fight went on; and Dor
othy passed those terrible hours in
frantic prayers.
Then life conquered. "But after all
she has done him cruel Kindness"
thought the physician. 'What has
life to give him? If had not passed
her my sacred word l would tell him
that she has saved him"
$50 we are not going to lose you
yet" he said, cheerfully, coming to the
young mans bedside one morning;
though you have not had as good
night as hoped"
DevereuX's only answer to this
promise of life was to look up in the
kind face with eyes full of pain.
Don't you care to live?" said the
DOCTOR, husliily, you are young
you have friends-position-
DevereuX silently turned his eyes
away. They wandered over the room
as if they sought something. An odd
feeling crept into the doctors heart
What is it you want-or is it that
you miss something's" he said.
Nothing" DevereuX murmured; but
constantly the doctor detected that
searching, wistful glance. He began
to understand. The young man grew
stronger in spite of his apathy-the
physical need of life triumphed; and
one day he began to ask questions:
What had he talked about when he
was delirious? Who had been with
him-only the doctor and the nurse?
mo one else, and we don't notice
sick peoples chatter" said DR.. Hall,
smiling.
81 thought there was some one else"
said DevereuX, with a sigh; perhaps
it was Dreams
II dare say. Who did you dream of?"
II don't know when it was-Tve got
SO confused about time. l didn't see
her--I thought she was in the room.
Did you let her come? She might if
were dying"
The doctor, startled, did not immedi-
ately answer, and Devereux went on
softly to himself:
''She was here-I felt her. l don't
think 1T was a dream. Doctor" lifting
himself and looking eager, you don't
answer me-did she Gomez"
"Hush!" said the doctor, soothinglv.
eyes, she was here-Dorothy Clifford"
81 knew it! 1 knew itw Devereux
whispered, trembling like child. "Did
she come to say goodbye"
"DevereuX, said the doctor, ~
made her a promise, and l dare not
break it; cannot answer you; put that
question to her"
"She will not come" Devereux said,
hopelessly.
''She will know the whole story,
never mind how. | will send for her:
you shall ask her that question. You
are puzzled Well, sleep now if you
can-I will wake you when / bring
ner."
DevereuX, too weak for anything
5ut mute wonder, obeyed The doctor
left the house and drove rapidly to
Dorothy Clifford. She thought he had
come to give his daily report, and
waited, pale and silent, till it came. 1t
was just so silently she had heard the
reprieve of death.
'IIe goes on slowly but WE'LL" said
Dr. Hall. 81 have come to fe tch you to
him."
"I!' she started back, crimson, quiv-
ering "Impossiblel You have not
told him?"
You must come" said the doctor,
sternly. II have told him nothing
somehow he has found out in part"
She went TO get ready, sat silent in
The carriage, and crept upstairs behind
The doctor like a guilty thing, to the
SICK room. There was no need to wake
DHTereux; he was lying back amongst
the pillows, looking at the two as they
came l3to the room.