WEALTH WITHOUT WINGs. 25

 

the ashen countenance, all testified that the hour of
her departure drew nigh. How strong, we had
almost said, how beautiful, was the contrasted form
and features of her lovely child, whose face, so full
of life and rosy health, pressed the same pillow that
_ supported her weary head. |
_ __Feebly the dying woman extended her hand, as
_ Mr. Jasper came in, saying, as she did so—
‘ “T am glad you have come ; I was about sending
_ for you.”
_ A slight tremor of the lips accompanied her
_ Words, and it was plain that the presence of Jasper,
i whose relation to her and her child she understood,
_ caused a wave of emotion to Sweep over her heart.
> “Iam sorry, Mrs. Elder, to find you so very ill,”
_ said Jasper, with as much of Sympathy in his voice
ashe could command. « Has your physician been
_ here to-day ?” :
“It is past that, sir—past that,” was replied.
_ “There is no further any hope for me in the phy-
» Sician’s art.” ' _a

A sob choked all further utterance.

OW oppressed was the cold-hearted, selfish man
of the world! Hig thoughts were all clouded, and
his lips for a time Sealed. As the dying woman
Said, so he felt that it was. The time of her depar-
ture had come. An instinct of self-protection—

protection for his feelings—caused him, after a few
moments, to say, and he turned partly from the bed
as he spoke—

“Some of your friends should be with you, ma-
dam, at this time. Let me go for them. Have you
a sister or near relative in the city ?”

38

~~ SS: ae
Ba aa tasate tee ae Zotar ea

Bates

tenga