The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1894-03-16

| WlUn J0aJ tlre0 ana weary look pecul-
lar to confirmed invalids, her mother
stopped and kissed the pale forehead
atfectiOnately.
You have had nice, long sleep,
dear" she said gently, "nearly four
hours, and l think you look better for
it. Had you pleasant dreams?"
Dreaming of Claude, as usual
mamma" replied the girl in low
voice. "YOu must not be angry with
me, i cannot forget him either wax
have almost forgotten how l ever
looked"
IF you will promise me to be calm
and not get in the least excited. | will
show you how you looked not long
ago" said Mrs. Blythe in an affection
ate tone.
Constance gazed on her wonderingly.
Mrs. Blythe met the questioning look
with maternal smile.
You must promise me-" she said,
as she pressed a fervent kiss upon
Constance's lips, otherwise l won't
show you"
"All right l promise willingly" re-
piled the girl, with a puzzled express
sion.
Mrs. Blythe moved the ornamental
easel close to the bedside and drew the
curtain away.
An involuntary start, an exclama-
tiOn of glad surprise, slight flush of
color in the cheek and then the inva-
lids face became fixed upon the pic
ture. There was a few minutes of
complete silence, which Constance
broke by saying:
Mamma, Claude painted that"
"How do you know, dear?"
81 know he did-he must have done;
nobody else in the wide world could
have donel Did he send it to you,
mamma, tell me, did he?"
Remember your promise, dear
child, or | shall give you no informa-
tion at all, answered the mother with
a playful laugh. "Now, just keep per-
fectly quiet, and I'll tell you little
secret. have sent for Mr.. Reming-
ton to come back"
Sent for him, mamma? How could
you be guilty of such an indiscretion?"
mo indiscretion about it, my dear
child. L sent him away from you and
it was my place to recall him." Mrs.
Blythe put her arm around her daugh
ter's neck and kissed her. AS she did
so Constance felt the warm tears drop
OH ucI CucCh anu SdN UlldU ucl lnOUlleI
was crying.
"Oh you dear, sweet, kind mamma,
how good of you TO do that when you
don't like Claude"
Il do like Claude, and l admit that
/ have made foolish error. | thought
pride was stronger than love, but l
find that am mistaken"
"When did you send for him? 1t is
a long way to New York. Constance
spoke eagerly, y,-questioningly.
"He is on his way here now, darling,
and want you to try and get strong
again before he comes, won't you?"
Il am strong, mamma, quite strong,
and your blessed words give me extra
strength. already feel much better"
would you feel well enough to see
Claude if he should arrive tonight,
dear?-remember, the doctor cautions
you against the least excitement, and
he would not let you see him unless
you promised to be calm"
But am calm, mamma. 1t would
not injure me. L feel it would give
me strength if l could see Claude
again"
"Then, Constance, prepare to have
your wish gratitled at once said Mrs.
Blythe softly, as her finger pressed
the electric bell.
There came an old time sparkle in
the eyes of the sick girl as she heard
her mothers words, the cheeks flushed
again, her bosom heaved perceptibly.
Mrs. Blythe whispered a few words to
the servant who answered the bell.
Then she returned to her daughters
bedside and took the invalid's hand.
Constance" she said, in a some
what broken voice, 81 must ask your
forgiveness for the shortsighted cruel
ty was guilty of when l sent your
lover away. L have done what l could
to repair the foolish act and have
brought Claude back again to your
side; May God grant that he is not
too late
A slight tap at the door and Sir Will
liam Jowitt entered quietly. A shade
of disappointment passed over the
face of Constance.
The physician walked forward and
felt the pulse of the invalid.
"YOur mother has told you who Is
here, 1 presume he said seriously.
"Now tell me, Miss Blythe, do you
think you are able to bear an inter
view?"
"Oh yes. Don't you see how calm l
dIlj uoCVol' ny iCoi duloO ooioh6
again, and could almost cry for JOY"
Eyes, but you must not cry" said
the doctor warningly. Then, as he
took his leave, he said to himself,
chuckling, "Just as / thought! medi-
cines in her case would not be worth
a-a-continental as the Americans
say"
AS Claude entered the room and al
most rushed to the bedside, Mrs.
Blythe crossed to the window and
looked out The tears were falling
from her face, but they were tears of
Joy, not sorrow. When she walked
back to the lovers she took hand of
each and joined them, saying to Con-
stance, "Today is the anniversary of
our Saviours resurrection. Let us
hope that it may also be the day of
your rising from sickness. 1t certain
Iy is fitting occasion, for to-day my
own love has risen far beyond my for
mer pride"