I thought it must be an accident and cried in
terror, Mr.
Ihad witnessed domestic bliss in the metropolis;
now I hastened to seekit in rural seclusion. The arrival of other guests cut short
this scenewhich was so amusing to all but me.
Meanwhile his wifes auntwas telling me the story of
his illness.
As he spoke, he put hishands in his pockets again
and waddled ahead. I put my arms around them and my tears fell ontheir fair, curly
heads. I hastened over to the house; he was still lying inthe bloody bed with his
breast pierced. He was standing with his face toward the door and his back
leaningagainst his escritoire. He let go my shoulders, and walked quickly with
clenched hands round andround the room.
Meanwhile his wifes auntwas telling me the story of
his illness. The twoyoungest were invited out to friends in town. He looked at
methoughtfully, but said nothing. Before the chiefleft me, he gave me various kind
and fatherly admonitions.
When I visited him the next morning he was lying in
bed, undressed butwide awake.
No, Miss Lammestrup was truly a model of graceful
proportionsboth as to her face and figure.
The whiteness of the dress is gone and so is the
flush of the cheeks. I stayed with him till far into the night.
The distressed mother set the child down, andtears
streamed from her eyes. But presently a flood of tears relievedthe pressure at her
heart. I have awakened from a long, sweet dream. There was silence for a good
quarter of an hour.