The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1906-02-14

A' opeheu tle uOor, and commenced
MS weary ascent up four flights of
stairs. When he reached the upper
landing, he was exhausted, and almost
GREATNESS, yet with the aid of the
banisters he reached the door of his
apartments, opened it by an effort, and
staggered into the room.
"Johnr'
"Emily"
He had tainted. Exhausted nature
could no longer bear the terrible strain
Emily Washburn bent over him. With
woman's instinct she at once per.
ceived the necessity of immediate ac.
ton, and proceeded to take measures
to resuscitate him. She bathed his
temples and chafed his hands, and
her diligence and perseverance were
soon rewarded by signs of returning
consciousness. my poor brother" said
Emily. Il feared this. You have been
sadly overworked; your brain has been
tasked beyond endurance. You need
rest sadly, and you must have it."
Il shall have all the rest l need now.
my dear sister,"
"Oh! how kind of Lord & Co.," said
Emily.
"Yes, very kind" said John, sarcas-
tically.
why, John, what do you mean Z
Have they reduced your salary again ?''
Reduced my salary again? oh! if
that We're all 1 would not complain.
But worse, far worse than that"
"You do not mean to say that you
are"
discharged! Yes, Emily, discharged.
Turned out by those whom 1 have
faithfully served for years. 1 do not
care for myself, Emily; can bear the
WHIPS and scorns of life without q
murmur, but you, my dear sister-what
VIII become of you and your little
children?"
Never mind us, John. Cheer up! I
can battle with the world. I blame
myself for being a charge and care
upon you, for what would we have
done when my husband died but for
your kindness? You have given us a
home; you have not only been brother
but a benefactor and savior to us:
you gave up your little home and came
to us; your hard earnings have been
bestowed upon us; you denied us moth.
ing, and now, when the dark day of
adyersity comes, you are without
means yourself. Oh! why did 1 ever
permit you to share your hard earned
bounty with us?"
John Furlong was now reclining
upon the sofa. When he thought o.
his almost penniless condition and his
broken health, his courage seemed to
forsake him. He looked around him.
Ihe children We're playing around in
happy ignorance of the fate which
seemed lowering over their little
heads. Were they to be "cut down.
too, in the bright days of their infancy :
The end of the month was approaching,
and the rent had not been entirely
accumulated yet He knew his land.
lord well. He was inexorable. unfeel.
ing and eXacting; and If payment was
not promptly made, he would be dis.
possessed and turned into the streets.
The very thought seemed to drive him
almost to distraction.
Emily Washburn stood by the win.
dow, gazing abstractedly, but almost
distracted, into the street below. Her
eyes We're suffused with tears, and her
heaving bosom denoted the terrible
struggle that was raging within. and
Whlch she was endeavorlng with al.
most superhuman exertions to SUD.
press. 1t was not the discharge of her
Drother from the house of Lord & Co,
or any fear for her future welfare. OF
that OF her children, that affected her
Tor with woman's true heroism she
had already determined to work 70,
them-but the condition of her brother
his emaciated frame, and the knowl.
edge that his heroic struggles for her
and her little family had caused II ALL
The wheels Of an approaching car
riage were heard. As it neared the
mouse the horses heads were turned
in toward the curb, and it stopped in
front OF John Furlongs house.
John! John" cried Emily: "a car
riage has stopped in front of our door +,
Perhaps Mr.. Lord has relented and
sent for me-" said John, faint raw OF
hope illumining his pale face.
, There is lady descending from itr
exclaimed Emily.
"A ladyw echoed John, in a tone OF
) disappointment.
"She is approaching our door. and
there, John, she has rung our doorbell'
as the tingle Of the bell was heard il
the hall
What shall We do?" said John. vain
ly endevoring to sit upright on the sofa
but sadly failing in the effort.
What shall we do?' replied Emily
why, there's only one thing to do
l shall 60 down and admit her."
But surely, she must have made :
mistake. Our acquaintances are no
in the habit of calling upon us in theil
carriages" said John. smiling sadly.
well, John," said Emily. IF she ha,
made a mistake it will be very easy t.
f; correct It," saying which she descended
, to the door to meet the caller who's,
| advent had coucod cuob N e4fr T.