Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1903-05-16
CHAPTER xxi,


many weeks I had lain there In state OF
Inconsistencies, save at intervals when
l had dreamy realization OF what was
transpiring around me. The physician
who was called In DR.. Clayton's stead
had more than once limited OF continued
insanity, citing similar cases which had
come under his observation; but In spite
Of his opinion, l. that bright August
morning, awoke from refreshing sleep,
with perfectly restored faculties. AT first
I thought was alone. for there was a
deep silence In the room. and from the
hall below I distinctly heard the ticking
Of the clock. reminding me Of the time,
years ago, when once before had how
cred between life and death. Now, rs
then, experienced the delicious feeling
Of returning health, but I missed the ia.
nniliar faces Of my friends. and as I
thought how far I was from home and
oil who loved me, said aloud, II am
alone, alone"
"Not alone. Rosa, for I am with you. }"
answered deep voice near; and the next
moment the dark form of Richard Della.
field bent over me.
Eagerly scanning my face, he said. do
you know mel"
"Yes," I answered. "Mr. Delaaeld."
Then as dim remembrance Of the past
came over me, lifted my head and look.
ed round the room for one who knew
had not long since been there.
Divining my thought, he said very
gently, as Il the announcement would OF
course give me pain, He 10 not here,
Rosa. He was obliged to 20 home; but
! dare say he will soon return; meantime
will take care of you. Don't feel 40
badly" he continued, as tears Of genuine
JOY ut DR.. Clayton's absence gathered
In my eyes.
could not tell him the truth; and
when spoke II was to ask him concern
ing my illness. After telling me all that
he thought proper, he took the letter
from his pocket, and said. "Dr. Clayton
. left this for you. Have you strength to
read It now?''
"Yes, yes" I replied, eagerly, at the
same time stretching out my hand to
take Il.
There was blur upon my eyes as I
read. and pitied DR.. Clayton, who had
thus laid bare to me his wretchedness,
but mingled with this was feeling Of re-
lief to know that was free. He told
me what he had written to Mr.. Della.
field, and when came to that portion Of
the letter, l Involuntary uttered an ex.
clamatiOn Of delight while glanced tim.
Idly toward him. 1t he made no sign.
The letter which would have explained
all was safely lodged behind the bureau,
and with a gloomy brow he watched me
while ! read. Interpreting my emotions
Into the satisfaction he naturally sup.
posed would feel In hearing from my
lover. With me the revulsion was too
great, for I fancied saw In tho OK.
precision OF his face contempt for one
who had presumed to love him, and burst
Ing into tears, cried and laughed alter.
nately. while he tried to soothe me; but
would not be cOmforted by him--he
hated me, knew. and very pettishly
told him at Inst ito let me alone aud 70
away-I was better without him than
with him." ] said. land he would Oblige
me by leaving the ROOM"
The next moment rcpented my harsh.
ness, which I knew had caused him pain.
for there WINS a look Of sorrow upon his
face az he complied with my request. Rut
! was too proud to call him back. ind
for the next half hour cried and fretteti
alone. first at him for making DIR. Clay
ton think he loved me when he didn't !;
secondly, at DIR. Clayton for meddling
with what didn't concern him: md lastly.
at myself. for being no foolish a. to care
whether anybody loved me or not. At
the end OF that time Richard came back.
The cloud had disappeared. and very
good.humoredly he asked III had got
over my pet, and II I wanted anything"
Before night was NO much better
that Ada, Lima and Halbert came In to
see me. each expressing their pleasure at
my convalescence. But one there was
who came not to greet me. and at whose
absence greatly marveled. She had
ever been the first to meet me In the
morning and the last to leave me at
night. Why. then. did she tarry now.
when I wished 10 much o see herr
Alas! I did not know that never again
would her homo be gladdened by the
sunshine Of her presence, for II was Jes.
Gle whom I missed-Jessie for whom I
MISUNDERSTANDING my ear to catch the
sound Of her ringing laugh Or bounding
footsteps.
At last. ~ the day wore on and she
did not come, I asked for her and why
she stayed 80 long away. Wringing her
hands. Mrs. Lansing exclaimed. "Tell
her, Richard, I cannot. Il will kin me.
Oh, Jessie, Jessie"
But l had no need for further know,.
edge, saw what I had mot before an.
served. the mourning garments Of thoso
round me. md In tenrs ~ anuuish I
cried; "My darling IA deadv'
eyes, Jessie Is dead" answered Rich.
ard. 1--WE shall never see her again.
for she Is safe In the happy land of