Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1893-03-03

Beautiful as IL seldom falls to the
lot of invalids to be, her deformity
seemed all the more pitiful.
She was slight as a child, and
through the day when her hair hoated
round her in golden masses, she
looked like child indeed.
Now this shielding veil of hair was
carefully braided by loving fingers,
and there was no disguise.
A fall down stairs, wheh she was
scarcely more than babe, had done
the mischief. and, delicate from
birth, had rendered her a hopeless
invalid.
1t was with fears for her that their
mother had closed her eyes on this
world while Dora was yet child.
But all that mothers love could
do Margaret had done, and she only
felt the need of that tender parent and
sympathizer.
All, how sorely she needed her now.
/ But, putting all thoughts of self
aside she soothed her sister into COM
parative quiet before she prepared
for her own rest.
"Madge, did you see Dane this eve
ning?"
.'Yes, for little while"
"Did he say as what time he was
coming tomorrow"
''No, dear, don't think any more
about it tonight; wait until to-mor-
row comes" and she settled Dora's
pillows with sigh.
1t was long before sleep came to
; Madge's relief. Thoughts of what
the day had brought, of what the
morrow might bring, crowded
through her mind. If Dane would
only stay, have given Dora due
warning OF his going; but she feared
he would be off without a word, and
she knew the effect on her sister
would be of the worst. What bur-
den for those young shoulders to
bear; now could she ever do itP II
must be strong" she thought; and
with her duty was always done.
| Dora seemed so bright and happy
in the morning that her own spirits
were affected, and she hoped that all
would go on as usual; but as the day
wore away with no sign of Dane,
Dora grew restless and Madge's heart
sank within her. Toward evening she
learned that he had returned to town
at noon. How could she tell Dora?
II will not tonight" she thought;
and she took her for drive, hop
ing to take her mind off the sub
iect; but she saw her efforts had
been useless, by the brightness of
Dora's eyes, and crimson cheeks as
they neared home.
"Madge," she exclaimed, as soon
as they were in their room again,
"What has become OF Dane Forces
ter? / am afraid he must be i'll,
for he never let's a day pass with
out at least inquiring for me?
Won't you send and askP'
"Not tonight"
"Why not tonight Why waltz"
alt would be useless"
Useless! Madge, you are keep
ing something from me; l see it..
Tell me what is the matter; has any
thing happened?"
"Dora, dear child, do not excite
yourself so. II you will know to-
night, Dane returned to London to-
day."
"Gone! Dane gone! And you
never told me-" cried Dora, in ter
rible excitement. You knew it all
the time; you knew last night he was
going, and you let him; without one
word, Madge," she exclaimed, in
rising passion. 81 believe you sent
him away, sent him from me, because
you were jealous of me, a cripple"
Madge put out her hand to stay
the torrent of words, but the fit of
passion had done its work, and Dora
lay white and rigid. 1t was hours
before they could restore her to con-
seriousness, and days before she left
her bed again. When she did it was
evident to all that she was failing
rapidly, and in alarm Madge called
in the first physician of the day.
Danes name had never been men
toned since that night. When Madge
saw that Dora was failing she wrote
to Dane, asking him to come to them,
and resolved when he did come to tell
the truth. To that letter she re-
ceived no answer, and with breaking
heart she learned that few weeks al
most would close Dora's short life.
'And shall be alone, utterly alone;
why, cannot die too?" Madge
moaned.
In October it happened.
One cool, bright morning, with
Madge's hand clasped in hers, Dora
lay, to all appearance, unconscious,
the seal of death upon her face.
Suddenly her eyes opened with such
look of joy that Madge started,
thinking Dora was going indeed, but
she only said, "Dane is come at last. u
with such conviction in her voice
that Madge commenced to weep,
thinking her sister past recognizing
her.
just hen the door softly opened,
and wiz a cry that told more than
words, Dora found herself in Dane
Forrester's arms. His eyes were
opened, and with one arm around
Dora he gave his other hand tc
Madge.
Il understand now" he said, and