r, Linda."
It was a letter from executors
Of the late Arthur Kenrick, making known
That in his several large bequests was one
Of a full million, all to Percival.
The mother's heart flew to the loved ones gone;
She sighed, but not to have them back again;
That were a wish too selfish and profane.
And then, the first surprise at length allayed,
Calmly, but not without a natural joy
At being thus lifted to an affluent lot,
The three discussed their future. Should they travel?
Or should they choose some rural site, and build?
Paradise Found would furnish a good site!
Now they could help how many! Not aloof
From scenes of destitution had they kept:
What joy to aid the worthy poor! To save
This one from beggary! To give the means
To that forsaken widow, overworked,
With her persistent cough, to make a trip,
She and her children, city-pinched and pale,
To some good inland farm, and there recruit!
Many the plans for others they conceived!
Many the joyful--

Ah! a shivering crash!
A whirl of splintered wood and loosened iron!
Then shrieks and groans of pain....

A broken rail
Had done it all. Now for the killed and wounded!
Ghastly the spectacle! And happy those
Whom Death had taken swiftly! Linda's mother
Was one of these--a smile upon her lips,
But her breast marred--peacefully she had passed.
Percival's wound was mortal, but he strove,
Amid the jar of sense, to fix his mind
On one absorbing thought--a thought for Linda:
For she, though stunned, they told him, would survive,
Motherless, though--soon to be fatherless!
And something--ah! what was it?--must be done,
Done, too, at once. "O gentlemen, come here!
Paper and pen and ink! Quick, quick, I pray you!
No matter! Come! A pencil--that will do.
Help me to make a will--I do bequeathe--
Where am I? What has happened? God be with me!
Yes, I remember now--the will! the will!
No matter for the writing! Witness ye
That I bequeathe, convey, and hereby give
To this my only child, named Linda--Linda--
God! What's my name? Where was I? Percival
To Linda Percival--Is this a dream?
What would I do? My heart is drowned in blood.
God help me. Linda--Linda!"

Then he died;
And, chasing from his face that glare of anguish,
Came a smile beatific as if angels
Had soothed hi