The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-12-28

Jectlng all offers OF help from her hus-
band, who stood watching her with an
anxiety upon his face that might have
surprised one who knew that stern face
: we'll, for seldom, indeed, had it been so
moved.
At length, and just as the dawn
came stealing grayly in at the eastern
window, faint flutter of the heart. a
slight warmth under the arms, showed
that life still fingered in the beautiful
body, and Mrs. Morton, redoubling
her efforts, had the happiness after
some longer time, to set the eyes open
slowly and very languidly, and rest
upon her face with an expression of
gratitude.
''Thank God-thank God! | thought
that her death was to be added to my
punishment; exclaimed she, sinking
upon her knees and covering her face.
"It would not have been your sin,
Mary, but mine, if she had died. God
be thanked that ths burden has been
spared to u.s." said John Morton, in Il
deep and earnest voice; and then he
went to summon servant to take his
wife's place, and with tender authority
not exercised in four years, he led her
upstairs and sent her to bed for the re-
pose she so sorely needed.
1t was afternoon when Mrs Morton
came downstairs, and she found the
Italian girl seated in an easy chair be-
side the dining groom heater, her baby
asleep upon her knees, and looking
pale and languid, but otherwise recov-
cred from her close conflict with death
She rose, in some confusion, as the lady
entered the room, and Fastening to kiss
her hand, said:
pardon if l am here, dear lady; but
the signor himself told me here to stay
until the lady should me see again, and
to sleep in the house this night. An
other morning l will 60 early
I'VE shall see" replied Mrs Morton,
cheerily. "Perhaps we shall keep you
with us until the weather is warmer,
and you can travel more comfortably"
"The signora is very good, and so is
the signor," said the girl, fervently.
"But must go soon as the strength
comes to me, for l am in haste; have
message to give quickly. l have
come all the way from my own dear
Naples to this cold and dying country,
in three little months"
"And where are you trying to
reach?' asked Mrs Morton, as look
of WEAKNESS and perplexity came over
the girls face.
"To large place called Lowell-in-
Massachusetts" said the Italian, put
ting the last three words into one.
Mrs. Morton smiled benignly.
"The city of Lowell, in the State of
Massachusetts,, and you are already in
Massachusetts," explained she. We
used to live there ourselves, and | may
know how to direct you farther if you
can tell me whom you wish to see
there, or to what part of the city you
wish TO go
1T is here" said the girl, drawing
little package from her bosom, and
taking from it a package sealed and
directed, which she handed to Mrs.
Morton.
"You are to deliver this let------
My God what is this?
And turning her wild eyes from the
letter to the girl and back again to the
letter, the astonished woman read
again that plain and clear direction,
written in the had she herself had
guided in its first attempts of penman-
ship.
"Mr. and Mrs. John Morton,
Lowell,
Massachusetts, L. S. A."
"What is the matter? Give me my
letter, lady, give me. 1t is for me, l
will keep it; give-give | say, or |
will be wildn'
But, unheeding the wild words and
tones, the halffrantic gestures of the
Italian, Mrs. Morten stood staring at tie
letter for moment, then, claspng it
to her heart, with wild moan, burst
into tears.
The outer door opened. and the
steady step Of John Morton came
through the hall and entered the room.
To him flew the child, already trusting
him to defend her even against his
wife.
"The signora has my letter; she
cries and will not speak: she holds it
close, and it is mine; it is my Art'ur's,
and it is for me to show them who |
am, and my baby, too. want my
letter, and to 60"
What is it, Mary? What does
she mean p exclaimed Mr.. Morton, be-
wildered; and placing the letter in his
hand, his wife fell upon his neck, and
the long frozen fountains Of the heart
broke up in passion of tears
"Arthur's handwriting - Arthur's
wife and little child,' sobbcd she, and
Mr.. Morton. hastily tearing open the
letter, read the first lines only:
beloved father, and oh, so beloved
mother,-I am dying in this far land,
and | have sinned almost beyond for