The record-union., 1894-09-04

81 ana dying; that is the reason 1 sought
you. Before the spring blossoms are
fully out l will be lying beneath the
ground. Nay" noticing Nestora's head
shake, why disguise the truth?''
Nestora takes one of the transparent
hands within her own.
shall write 10 Manuel, dear?''
No, no." she shudders violently,
''he must not know-not until / am dead.
1nen, perhaps, he might try and think
more kindly OF me. l have done him an
lrreparabie injury. Still, it is not so hard
to forgive the dead. My punishment has
been great. have suffered"
Thus two weeks passed, Helen growing
constantly thinner and weaker. And
one night Nestora wrote to Manuel, I'M
piorlng him to come. He came conclud-
Ing the child was ill. He had aged
greatly within the past two years. There
were numerous wrinkles around the sad,
dark eyes, and the brown curls were
plentifully streaked with gray.
| Nestora took his hands. Now that he
was here her courage almost deserted
her. What would he do? What would
he say?
Come" She leads him into the house.
The child?" quickly.
rs well; l sent Tor you III regard to
Helen"
swift flash of anger sweeps over his
face, yet he does not answer, merely
waits tor her to proceed.
she is ill-dying."
$50 much the betterr'
ON, Manuel, do not be so cruelty
heartiess. remember she is your child's
mother. Cousin. speak one kind word to
| her Manuel, she is dying. She is
here.''
He turns to depart. She springs frantic
ally to detain him.
Mop excitedly. passonately, "You
shall see and speak to her. You must
anu shall sooth her last moments"
she Is trembling with terror lest he
shouId go without doing this which
would brighten the few remaining hours
OF the poor creature within,
Come, come," she inlpIores. ''rhe
sinful Magdalene. who kissed the dear
Chrlsps feet, who sought forgiveness. was
forgiven; why not she?"
Inc tears are streaming from Nestora's
eyes. BY main force she drags the man
onward until they reach the darkened
chamber. She draws him towards the
bed. The little child is seated upon one
oI the pillows playing with a Iapiul of
faded flowers. The thin hand of the in
valid is raised aud rests lovingly upon
the bright young head.
Helen 20
she turns wearily, as Nestora speaks:
Dear, here Is someone to see you.p
slightly pushing Manuel forward.
The large eyes open wide with incredu-
lous surprise and JOY.
Manuel I"
"Helen! He takes her trembling
| hands, and sinks upon his knees bv the
bedside.
Nestora softly withdraws, a silent
prayer lowering upon her lips.
Another year has rolled away bringing
lew changes to Santa Barbara. Again The
white mpet-fiowers swing lazlIv To
and fro, swept by the sweet, light breeze.
once more the mum OF insects and twitter
OF nesting birds till The fioWer-laden air.
A little lady is proudly promenading
up and down the graveled walk. encum-
bered somewhat with the weight of A
large white paraSol, which she is holding
ior Aunue," and nugging fondly within
her dlsengaged arm an immense gaudilv
dressed doll of decidedly rakish appear
ance, 10 whom she whispers confidently,
! Papa Is coming on the steamer And
for the hundredth time calls to Auntie.
is 1t not yet time TO start? As papa
might get lost if we do do not meet him.
! Not yet, darling; plenty time,U an
swers the tall, nobie-looking woman. in
! her low, sweet voice.
few hours later baby is tucked snugly
| in her bed.
Through the dusky garden two figures
pace slowly amid the trees and flowers,
| their shadows falling distinct and sepa-
rate upon the cool, short grass, until by
degrees they seem to blend and merge
into one. And Manuel's arm encircies
her waist, drawing her closer, closer:
their lips meet. And now, dear reader.
we must watch no longer, nor listen to
that which is not intended for us to hear.
Thus we will leave Nestora and Manuel.
with best wishes for their future happi-
neSS and prosperity