The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1899-12-30
CHAPTER NH

CHAPTER Mi.
The last autumn flower had died. and
over the earth had fallen the white robo
of winter. Sir Basil was busted with the
coming election, his marriage and his es-
tate. Leah was also engrossed in preD-
arations; while the general rejoiced to
see his niece so active and happy.
One morning the general came down
full of bright plans and anticipations. 1t
was one of the rules of the household
at Brentwood that the letters should new
or be opened until after breakfast, the
generals idea being that, if they contain
ed bad news, il was better to DELAY IT,:
if good. it would be the better for keep
ing. He took the bag in his hands. all
unconscious that it held for him and for
others n certain doom.
w have numerous correspondents
this morning" he said, turning out the
contents.
Some Of the letters contained invita-
tons and news from friends; others were
circulars and charitable appeals. At last
the general came to one envelope that
seemed to puzzle him. He looked at the
postmark and saw the word South
wood"
Leah" he cried, here is a strange
thing letter from Southwood, That is
the place by the sea, is il mott"
yes" she replied but have never
been there. | did not know that you
had any correspondents in that part of
the country, uncle
Nor did H. he said. This letter is
written by lady, | am sure. 1t is an
easy. elegant, flowing hand"
r -,
letter and read it. As he did so. ali the
from his lips. He parused it slowly and
carefully, then looked at Leah.
This concerns you, Leah" he said. 1T
is written by your sister Hettie"
by Hettie, Oh, uncle. what is il?
Tell me what il is about?" she cried, in
distress.
This letter IS from Hettie; and she
says that your father is very i'll. and
wishes to see YOU"
Leah clasped her hands in dismay
''Oh, uncle" she cried. Il had so near
" forgotten that terrible past, that
dreadful Hfe.'
Your father is dying, Leah, and he
wants to see YOU
She hid her face in her hands, and he
saw that she trembled.
You shall not go unless You wish" he
said.
Il must 60" she replied, looking up at
him in troubled despair. DUTY. con
science. honor, all tell me l must go: hut
l shrink from it, Oh, uncle, hated that
old life 50 much
Sir Arthur took cut his watch and look
ed at il.
we can catch the midday express" he
said, IF We lose no time"
But Leah seemed hardly conscious CT
his words.
Uncle" she said there was 4 time
when Hettie and l had but one heart and
one life between us. How strange that
we We're SO near. with only the great
green hill dividing US. I wonder what
Hettie is like"
She was 4 very sweet girl said the
general Il wish she had chosen to come
with US; but l admired then. as do now,
the faithful, tender heart. We must not
lose time. Leah" he added.
They reached the station just in time
to catch the midday express that would
enable them TO arrive at Southwood long
| before night
But, speedily as they had set out, the
angel of death had been swifter. and
they arrived at Martin Rays cottage
only to find him dead and Hettie lying
in a faint on the floor.
When Hettie opened her eyes it was
Leah who held her in her arms. One
minute had passed, yet to Hettie it seem
Cd many hours.
Too late" she heard someone say.
/ Then Leah placed her gently in the chair
! and went over 10 her father. She knelt
/ down by his side. and bitter cry cauie
/ from her lips.
/ Il am too late" she said. 'too late. Oh.
/ Kettle. he has never taken that cruel
curse from me, | am too Late
! She took the cold. motionless hand in
hers. and the silence in the room was
/ broken only by her sobs. All the pas,
/ with its great dread. and her great horror
/ Of it. passed over her as she looked at
/ his face-the face that would never smile
/ or frown upon her again.
/ The general. watching the scene, assur-
1 cd himself that il was better father and
daughter had not met. There could nave
/ been nothing pleasant in the words they
! would have exchanged; there would haze
| been no real affection. Yet lie had ia
/ gerins, -supersJi;ious wish that the