New-York tribune., 1896-04-05
truth--had her brother really made that re-


Lotus had come from somewhere and was
dately following me- I walked slower and
slower as came near Miss Cobb's house
That lady was in her kitchen. There was the
smell Of boiling sugar in the air, and dish Of
currants was standing the table. Miss Cobb
was flushed as 4 from some recent excitement
On my appearance she instantly told me in
high voice that she hoped I'd never let young
man into my house matter If he had broken
every bone in his body
And then her eyeglasses fell Off and mar
rowly escaped going into the syrup on the stove
| passed on to the bedroom. Mr.. Hildreth's
face was toward me- IT changed greatly when
he saw me- and I thought he must be very
grateful TO any one who would come to see him.
He tried to raise himself higher.
When l entered | that the nurse was sit
ting in large rocker by the one window. She
rose and said she would go and about his
broth" Bathsheba had told me that the nurse
never spoke of her patient by his name. but
always He and Him just as If, said Bashy
shed been his wife"
Shut the door," said the man on the bed
Il don't want those creatures to look at me-
didn't like to obey him. 1t seemed so ridic-
ulous to do as he ordered.
swung the door little.
"Now come here"
1 advanced to the bed and put my hand in
his extended palm.
You see l can't be polite" he exclaimed
"Oh, how good it is Of you to come. lie here
day after day with nothing to do but look at
those two women and think how might De
out Of doors-perhaps with you-and I'm afraid
I shall swear my soul into hell. Oh. 90 forgive
me. Sometimes l try to think a few good
thoughts, but I can't do tim like that man
.bo bless
because it Seemed more fittn"
The speakers face, now that it mad grown
thin and pallid, brought out his noteworthy
eyes still more; and what have called his ior-
eign look was emphasized.
"Sit down in that chair" said he, you look
now as If you were going directly
sat down in the chair. l was uneasy, and
had a very strong feeling that Miss Cobb
might be listening behind that half-shut DOOR
suppose l glanced that way. for my companion
Immediately asked do you think that pig
woman is lstening?
observed that she might do such thing
"Might, She would know she would we'll
sinca Won won't shut the door. I'll see If can talk
50 that she can't possibly hear me- It's so soou
Of YOU to come You're regular missionary.
aren't you? And l Always ""'eu
Thank you
"Never mind thanking me. since don't hate
you. Are you happy"
didn't quite like to answer this question: ou'
did say "yes"
"My aunt is good to you?"
"Oh. yes. yes"
"Ah! Then know your voice Is coming oi, a"
right Won't you move your chair up niue
nearer this cursed bed-no-no mean THIS We'll
this blessed bed?'
obeyed him.
Now please let me hold your hand. IL IS as
r. when you touch me, stream OF heai'n oa'''e
into my poor veins. Thank you You are
missionary, surely.
Sometimes hear you good ways OIL pi"'"'
ing. Sing the scale TO me-
Gang the scale don't know how sang IT,
for Vane was looking steadily at me. In my
beart called him Vane for heard his sister
continually speaking Of him by that name.
He groaned
And to think shant be the tenor this fal!"
| he exclaimed.
would no. respond that should not be the
| soprano. I only made the remark that he was
50 much better that he might sing before the
| season out.
What come In on crutches and hobbie about
the stage? Besides. my voice is as lame as
| am. Just hear it.
In half voice he sang, ITO you. my love. TO
you"
7 felt myself blushing and then blushing yet
| mora hotlv with rage that had done So
| Certainly this mans eyes were more effective in
his white. hollow face than they had been when
| he we'll
At this moment the door was pushed slowly
open. and Miss Cobb asked, did you call:
| mo" snarled Vane.
| saw Rachel's eyes dart to our clasped hands,
but I sat quiet without starting IN the least
| though my impulse was to spring away
wondered where would be the next visiting place
of our hostess. for there would she tell 'aie
about me and this sick man.
| The door was drawn back to precisely the posi-
tion in which had placed It, and Rachel re-
| tired.
| "you are ever so much better" I repeated,
hardly knowing what said
| "Am I? Yes l know that am. But he
| paused gazing at me. His look was so wistlul'
so piteous that something seemed to melt within
| mo II was as II his dog had looked at me
| thus
"You are sorry for me-" he whispered, and
whispered back. Yes. am sorry
| I did not understand why this whisper inter-
changed should have such an effect OF intimacy;
syen more than our mutual handclasp had pro-
| duced
well" he said, drawing a deep breath. "its
something to have you sorry for me. Please
| dop,t 90 vet" as ] withdrew my hand sat
still.
"I'ye almost made up my mind TO tell you
| something" he said, still In a half whisper. III
I were sure that woman wouldn't come In ia
| trv n tell vou You would let me?" eagerly.
Certainly" l replied. promptly. And then 1t
almost seemed as If my promptness annoyed him.
| He turned his head restlessy on his pillow. lie
looked at the door.
|
81 suppose you don't want to smut that door
| and latch IT." he said.