The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-01-28
light night, to be my wife. We came south together, and married her. 1

was successful in obtaining a clerkship, and after my work at the office was done, my wife would sit in the little chair by my side, whilst l sat writing at my desk. For had the gift of writ ing bits of stories, and often when the night had drawn on, and work was put away, Flora and would sit talking Of the future, of the day when I should be a famous author, and the drudgery of the office should be thing of the past.
 But our happiness was too great to last. The roses on my darling's face began to fade, and, though she tried to smile away my fears, felt sure she was going to be ill.
 "Then one night when came from the office l found her ill in bed. In despair sat down to write story, which, If accepted, would enable ma to get her away into the country, or to the seaside. l worked at it all night, and finished it. Then week later l received letter at the office from the editor telling me that my story had been accepted, inclosing check, and asking for more stories.
 "Flora had been growing worse each day, but now, l thought, she should soon be better. cashed the check and bought some luxuries for her, and, passing a fiower-shop, went in and obtained a spray of lilies. They were her favorite flowers.
 "Then hurried away home. Icould hardly walk fast enough, but at last reached my little house, and entered 1 ran upstairs, and threw open her bed room door.
 "'Flora,' cried. Success at last, my darling. You shall go away for few days now.'
 "She did not answer me. She must be asleep,' thought, and noiseiessly I walked across the room.
 "I stood over the bed, looking at my sweetheart's lovely face. It was sc calm, so beautiful, so pure. There was sweet smile on her lips, and her hail was hanging down, framing her face in gold. My thoughts wandered back tc that day in June, and the words Of that song came back to me.
 q knelt at the side of the bed, and placing the spray of lilies in my Flora's little hand, waited in silence, watch ing and praying-praying that she would soon be restored to health again
 "She awoke with little start.
 "I am so glad you have come. Rob in,' she said, as I kissed her. I have had such glorious dream. was dreaming that you had written book, and that the world was ringing with your name.
 q interrupted her.
 "'Perhaps that day is not far off. love See, my story has been accepted. anc the editor begs that will send hin some others
 "She did not speak, but the proud look in her eyes told me what hel thoughts were. Then she saw the lilies and she kissed me for them." Robin covered his face with his hands and sob shook his frame. He rose from his chair and walked round the room. Then he stopped, and. with hil face averted, he finished his story: "In less than a week she was dead She died in my arms. I thought sht vas better, but it was not to be. Sht was too good to live. We were to' happy for this world. Heaven would have had no meaning could we have lived together longer. And when he, last breath was gone I laid her bacl gently on the bed, and covered her fact from my sight. Iwent on my knees ant cursed-cursed my fate and everything else.
 "Now, perhaps. you understand my fall. Why work thought, when have nobody to work for?' My literary work was neglected. lost my situa ton at the office, have sunk deeper and deeper, until now," he paused fo' awhile, "now I am Rambling Rohin.' Then he came across and stood by the fire.
 "But the innocent prattle of that lit tie child Nf yours has brought me te my senses. As there is God above, will yet make the world ring with my name. Even if I cannot work for mA dead Flora, I can work for her mem orys sake. And so will. I start to night on the SC cond part of my life. IT two years will let you know the re suit. I will come and zee you. Good by"
 I pressed him to stop the night, bu' he would not persuaded, him, how ever, to take the loan ot few pounds and as he walked to the door slipped note into his hands.
 And last Christmas Eve he kept hi. promise. He came to see me carrying small parcel under his arm. It was l>ooL--the hopk of fhe vaar Ha hof