The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-06-27

footman who opened the door was in
tears "Old Bulpett's not dead then, -
was Sydney's immediate deduction.
'Who is dead?'' asked Sydney Of a
blubbering maid servant. Neither of
them. yet, sirr' replied she, and so hard
ened was Sydney to mortuary reflections
that her remark seemed quite natural.
Here comes poor master"
Sydney's heart jumped-as it always
did at the sight of his tyrant.
Forgive me, my boy, I've done you
injustice" sObbed the old gentleman.
1T was all pride-all Internal pride.
I'm dying man, and beg you to for
give me-"
Where is Sylvia? Is she well?" ex-
claimed sydney
Buipett burst into tears. She's very
ill-very ill-dying, too, we are afraid, ="
he exclaimed, and that's why | want
you to forgive me. / never really dis
liked you. I'd rather have seen her
marry you than anybody else. But you
were too independent-and l meant TO
have you on your knees before but
there, what does it all matter now"
hip gasped Sydney, "since when?
What has happened?"
Mr.. Bulpett drew him into a reception
room, and then, mastering his grief
somewhat, poured out his tale.
She went to see a great doctor this
morning, for what she thought a mere
nervous ailment, and ] allowed myself
to be examined. too. as l was there. My
boy. I have not a year to liver
"And Sylvia?" cried Sydney, impa-
tfentiy.
sylvia! Oh, Sylvia is in the last
stages Of consumption, and cannot last
six months half a lung. You have come
to house of mourning. indeed
1t was we'll that old Bulpett should
mourn for himself-nobody else would.
but Sylvia. the bright-the beautiful
Sydney sank back upon a sofa and
buried his face in his hands; he was in
capable of thought. and he felt nothing
but a burning desire to see her again
TO be with her. if only for moment
May lean will she?" he began.
\ confusedly. but he was interrupted by an
imperious peal of the bell.
Here he is at last" cried the agOn-
lied father. I sent Tor our little doctor
DR. Eliot-directly we got home, but
he was out. / have been expecting him
these two hours
Your message was urgent" he said
to Mr.. Bulpett; Il am sorry | have been
delayed so long but / was called away
to a most extraordinary case. My dis
tinguished cOnfrere Or. Keth-Jefferies,
was brought home from Harley-st. a
couple of hours ago, having attempted
to commit suicide in a sudden access of
mania He has been very odd for some
time; 1t appears that he has been SEN
fencing his patients TO death for days.
''Keith-Jefferies? ?" exclaimed Mr.. Bull
petit TO the Doctors boundless astonish-
ment. why, that's the very mani Mad:
Why. that explains everything, Doctor
that fellow has nearly frightened us all
out of our wits Look at me. doctor; dc
] look like man i'm the last stages OF
disease? ] shall live to
Plague every one vet" subjoined the
litCle doctor. who knew him of old. as
he was led To see Sylvia up stairs, where
she was sitting crying. her pretty head
buried in her knees, rocking herself to
and fro
Sydney had taken a piece of paper
from his pocket and was tearing it into
minute pieces. 1t was the prescription
which had cost him a couple of guineas
a few hours before.
There was a brief interval and then
the door slowy opened. and Sylvia stole
into the room. half laughing, half cry
ing. Il have come to tell you, darling
that DR.. Eliot says there is nothing
whatever the matter with either me-OI
papa" she cried. and then, starting back
Why, Sydney, you look ten years older
than when l saw you this morning, and
l declare your hair has turned gray
And all on my account! My poor dar-
ling. Black and White.