The record-union., 1899-06-25

sorbed appearance All through the
evening he seemed unable to leave her
side; he even forgot his cigar, forgot
his friends and everything and seemed
dominated by but one inpulse-to fol-
low and be with her.
We were all greatly interested in this
little romance. Ben's devotion to
Eleanor Walton from that on was
charming to witness. forgot to men
| ton that, Miss Walton's given name was
Ben after this; as they were quite
| friendly with me.
looked for greater developments of
her character and lova5le traits, which
/ felt sure she possessed, but was dis
appointed. Instead of growing merry
and bright under his attentions, she
seemed to droop and fade. Every day
she grew paler and thinner; and her
great eyes grew larger and darker, and
more unfathomable. We all noticed the
great change in her for the worse, and
made remarks. about it: but strange to
say Ben was entirely wrapped up in
her. They were always together; he
seemed to exist only when in her pres
ence; but he was absolutely blind to the
fact that she was fading before his
eyes. 1t was pitiful and very myster-
ious- Oh! how sorry I felt, and wished
more than once that things might be
as they were before that eventful after
noon.
One morning Ben was called away on
urgent business. The summons was
important and he dare not disregard
it. He went in search of Eleanor. She
was sitting on the same bench where
he first sought her, looking paler and
thinner than ever. She started and
trembled as he approached, as if she
could feel the bad news that was COM
ing.
He took her in his arms and held her
close to his heart; her head fell on his
breast andta sigh. escaped her thin lips
She raised her eyes to his face; they
met his with a long earnest look, and
smile that was almost heavenly fitted
across her face.
He strained her once more to his
heart; and gently unloosening her arms,
from round his neck where they had
found their way; he imprinted kiss
on her pale brow. and bidding her good
by, came over to where sat
II positively hate to CO." he said, as
was bidding him good-by, something
holds me here. something that seems
to. tear my heart in two, when I at
! tempt to leave. 1t is the strangest sem
sation I ever experienced. cannot at
tempt to explain it. Yet go I must,
even though 1t tear my heart from my
body
From a hitherto cool, sensible young
man of the world. such language in
deed sounded queer: though viewed by
recent actions, it did not seem SO
strange after ALL
Two weeks had passed quietly by
since Ben had taken leave of US, and we
were about to sit down to dinner, when
we were startled by a sudden sound as
of fall in the corridor; we rushed
out and near the door lay the slim form
Of Eleanor Walton. We tenderlv raised
| the slight figure. and carried her into
the parlor, gently laying her on the
lounge.
/ Our landaady hastily brought some
wine. After forcing a little down her
throat and bathing her paid face in
cold water, the poor girl soon regained
consciousness. was sitting beside her
chatting her thin hands. I had not
noticed until that moment, how thin
and white they were: What could It
mean. what could be the matter with
this dear child. Some unaccountabla
disease must be eating her life away;
something that none Of US could pene-
trate.
You are most kind. she murmured
h