Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-30

JeileS ana lemonade"
You have come quickly, Mr. Egerton
and that was well DONE" said John Ark
wright looking very white and worn, prop
ped up with pillows. IT have much to say,
and I'll take cup O. brandy; them that
never touches drink when they're well get
the good when they're ILL.,
That gives me the strength that 1 need
for the time, and my work Is nearly done.
Don't go away, Laura; 1 want you to hear
what say to the pastor.
The doctor says at ma days are few,
mayhap only tomorrow, and it's best to
speak when mans head is clear. and 1
thank God mine is that, though my BODY
be clemmed by this Sickness"
His wife stood one side of the bed,
now and then rearranging the pillows at
his back and bathing his forehead with
vinegar-for scent he would not have-and
ESerton stood on the other, refusing to
sit down while she stood, and watching her
strong white hands at their service but
only once did he look her straight in the
face.
and I'm ovid, seventy-two this month,
and havena known you long, but there's
no mon I've liked better could trust
more" And he looked steadily at Eyer
ton with certain softening of expression.
You've been very kind to me and to the
chapel, Mr.. Arkwright, and 1 hope it may
be Gods will to spare you and raise you
up again. and, although the words were
formal, the accent was tender and moving
NO, no. lad; our times are in His hand
and I've received the summons, and so we
i'll go to business. And first about ma nf-
fairs. l wish we to understand everyt hing
widow
Egerton was conscious that Mrs. Ark
wright Strengthened herself, and could feel
the silence in the room, but the dying man
thn To
phere.
1T may be that 1 was too ovid for mar
rying, and ma ways too old-fashioned.
Ma house has not been very bright for a
young wife. and ma conscience did not al
lew me liberty in worldly amusements.
But according to my nature 1 can say be-
lore God that loved We. Laura, and have
tried to do ma part by ye."
on married Inc a poor girl, and have
been most kind to me. John. Why
speak of such things?" and her voice was
proud and panied.
You have been faithful wife to me-"
ne went on. as one fulfilling a plan, land
nave put up with my peculiarities
for 1 know you do not think wiz me in
things. and do not like some of the men
at came to the house. Oh, 1 said nowt, but
/ saw aal'
Mrs. Arkwright laid her hand On her hus
bard's and it occurred to Egerton from a
slight flush on his face that she had never
done this before.
Ma will has been made for a year'-it
was plain that Mr. Arkwright was to 60
on to the erd. and Egerton could not have
I1ted his eyes for ransom-"and 1 have
left all to ma wife without any condition
with Just one legacy. 1t is to you. Eyer
ton, and / hope you'll not refuse it-iust
something to remind you of me and
get you books
II was very good of you, sir
ana l. am most grateful. but 1
really can't accept your kindness It IL
not likely that 1 will ever marry, and I've
got enough for myself" -
AS he spoke. Mrs. Arkwright shook ND
the pillows hastily, and went to side ia
BILE for glass.
Well, If you will not, then there's an
end OF 1t. but you will grant me another
favor which may be harder" and for a
minute Arkwright seemed to hesitate
Ma Wife will be left young and rich
and although 1 have never said it to YOU
ma lass she IS beautiful
John. this is not seemly" Her voice
was vibrant with passion
Blame me not for saying this once and
III another be present he is our friend
and l am coming to my point; the brandy
again. and I'll soon be done
You nave no brother. and l have no
person OF my blood to guide you, ma lass
ye might be prosecuted by men at would
bring you nowt but trouble and vexation
OF heart You need an honest man to be
your guardian and give you advice.
:. re may never want to marry again. for
1t may be We have had little ;oy these
years. or We may-peace. lass, till | be
zone, was ever rough and plain-and
some one must see that your husband be
right mon.
SO L turned it over in ma mind and /
sought for friend at was sound O. heart
and faithful. This speaking is hard on me
but it ill soon be done" And as Mrs Ark
wright stopped to give him brandy once
more Egerton saw hat ler cheeks were
burning.
An older mon might have been letter
but ye're old for your years. pastor. and