The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-29
XV.
Annals Wish.


 Anna. the forsaken one. was slowly dropping towards her grave. T could have gone in spring., she said to Manasseh. when. upor coming home after the long absence. ne pressed the dear creature to his heart, but I waited for you, I could not leave Blanca before you came Now I am only waiting until the leaves fali" What else could she expect? She had heard that in this fateful law suit Vajdar also had been accused of par ticipation in guilt. and this news was her passport into the other world. She had nothing for which to hope. When they accuse him, there Is certainly sufficient he will never again return to this house.
 From that time she grew rapidly worse; now she could not leave the bed. T now give you back your children, . she one day saia to Blanca; they shall be yours again.
 She was anxious that the children should not see any one die. She begged Blanca to take them out into the garden, ed to speak to him alone. When saying this. she displayed a smiling face. She wished the children to keep this in mem- ory. To Blanca she said that she felt very well that day.
 Manasseh came to her.
 Anna drew her brothers hand to her bosom.
 T had a strange dream last night, she whispered. "I dreamt that he had come home. He did not come alone. A policeman accompanied him. They said he had been banished hither into our ht- tie valley. None noticed 1t when he en- tered. He came in through the side door which opens upon the corridor: No one pied with urgent business. It was the preparation for our wedding. You stood opposite him. you, with your mild, earn est face. His look was ugly. full of spite anI A fr4 not reproach him with his sinful past. You said to him coldly and seriously: Stay here; will give you work, by which you may earn your living and gain the out. You did not turn the dogs loose up- on him nor did you mention before the people his worse name. You covered his sins with your mercy. Speak. Manasseh. are you angry with me because l dreamt this? Can this come true?'
 Manasseh. unable to answer her. softly shook his head and tenderly pressed the hand with which she had Erasped his. Will you not do so. Manassehf' stam- mered the dying maiden. even if should not live to see 1t? If he returns when am no longer here to wet your hand with my tears, will you still treat him as though ' were seeing 1t: will you still speak for him as though were hearing it?"
 Manasseh nodded silently. And this was as good as an oath
 And when I die. you will place upon my breast the wreathed picture, and will permit me and it to become dust togeth- CT, will you notT'
 A silent assent with the head was the answer.
 And if he should not return whis- pered the maiden. breathing laboriously, If the dream be only dream, will you promise me to have a space excavated In the vault large enough for him and me And when he dies-and he will die in a short time-you will have him brought hither, and place his coffin beside mine And if he die in prison or on the gallows, then also you will bring him here. and give him a resting place beside me, will you not?
 Manasseh turned away his head.
 Well. promise me this
 He kissed her. That was his VOW.
 The sick maiden put her arm around her brother. who was bending over her, and in the sisters kiss which she pressed upon his forehead she breathed the pur- est blessing of virgin soul.
 T have slept through the first morning red" whispered the maiden. Place my head a little higher. I would so much like to see the beautiful sun rise once more"
 And she saw 1t once more.