'I'm sorry I left her,' said he, in a vain effort to speak in his usual
tones. 'It was very hard that she should die alone. I acted for the best;
but d--n it, I'm always wrong!'

He dashed his fist across his face, walked to the window and looked out.

At that moment the door opened, and Harson entered, his face somewhat
attempered in its joyous expression; and close behind followed the
house-keeper with a large basket.

'How is she?' asked he, in a subdued tone.

Kornicker made no reply, but looked resolutely out of the window, and
snuffed profusely. It would not have been manly to show that the large
tears were coursing down his cheeks. Harson threw an inquiring glance at
the doctor, who answered by a shake of the head: 'She was dead when we got
here.'

Harson went to the bed, and put back the long tresses from her face. There
was much in that face to sadden the old man's heart. Had it been that of
an old person, of one who had lived out her time, and had been gathered
in, in due season, he would have thought less of it; but it was sad indeed
to see one in the first blush of youth, scarcely more than a child,
stricken down and dying in such a place, and so desolate.

'Was there no one with her--not a soul?' inquired Harson, earnestly, as he
rose; 'not one human being, to breathe a word of comfort in her ear, or to
whisper a kind word to cheer her on her long journey?'

The doctor shook his head: 'No one.' Harson's lips quivered, but he
pressed them tightly together, and turning to Kornicker said:

'Come, my good fellow, you must struggle against your feelings; you must
not be downcast about it. She's better off than if she had lived--much
better off.'

'I'm not in the least downcast,' replied Kornicker, in a very resolute
manner; 'I don't care a straw about it. She was nothing to me; only it's a
little disagreeable to be living in this world without a soul to care for,
or a soul that cares for you; and then there was some satisfaction in
being of use to some one, and in feeling it was your duty to see that no
one imposed on her, or ill treated her; but no matter; it's all over now.
I suppose it's all right; and I feel quite cheerful, I assure you. But
you'll look to her, will you? I can be of no farther use here, and I'd
rather go.'

'I will,' said Harson.

'You won't let her be buried as a pauper, I hope?'

'No, upon my honor she shall not,' replied Harry.

'Very well--good night.'

Harson followed