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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15486-h.zip b/15486-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0f85e51 --- /dev/null +++ b/15486-h.zip diff --git a/15486-h/15486-h.htm b/15486-h/15486-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b91a2f --- /dev/null +++ b/15486-h/15486-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2294 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories, by Frances Henshaw Baden</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories, by +Frances Henshaw Baden</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories</p> +<p> Edna's Sacrifice; Who Was the Thief?; The Ghost; The Two Brothers; and What He Left</p> +<p>Author: Frances Henshaw Baden</p> +<p>Release Date: March 28, 2005 [eBook #15486]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER STORIES***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Diane Monico,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>EDNA'S SACRIFICE,</h1> + +<h2>AND OTHER STORIES.</h2> + +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h3>FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.</h3> +<hr style="width: 95%;" /> + +<h2>Table of Contents</h2> + +<p class="center"> + <a href="#EDNAS_SACRIFICE."><b>EDNA'S SACRIFICE.</b></a><br /> + <a href="#WHO_WAS_THE_THIEF"><b>WHO WAS THE THIEF?</b></a><br /> + <a href="#THE_GHOST"><b>THE GHOST.</b></a><br /> + <a href="#THE_TWO_BROTHERS"><b>THE TWO BROTHERS.</b></a><br /> + <a href="#WHAT_HE_LEFT"><b>WHAT HE LEFT.</b></a><br /> + </p> + +<hr style="width: 95%;" /> + +<h2><a name="EDNAS_SACRIFICE." id="EDNAS_SACRIFICE." ></a>EDNA'S SACRIFICE.</h2> + +<h4>BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.</h4> + + +<p>It was a cold night in September. For three days the +rain had fallen almost unceasingly. It had been impossible +for us to get out; and no visitors had been in. +Everything looked dreary enough, and we felt so, truly. +Of course the stoves were not prepared for use; and this +night we (that is, Nell, Floy, Aunt Edna, and myself) were +huddled in the corners of the sofa and arm-chairs, wrapped +in our shawls. We were at our wits' end for something to +while the hours away. We had read everything that was +readable; played until we fancied the piano sent forth a +wail of complaint, and begged for rest; were at the backgammon +board until our arms ached; and I had given +imitations of celebrated actresses, until I was hoarse, and +Nell declared I was in danger of being sued for scandal. +What more could we do? To dispel the drowsiness that +was stealing over me, I got up, walked up and down the +floor, and then drew up the blind, and gazed out into the +deserted street. Not a footfall to be heard, neither man's +nor beast's; nothing but patter, patter, patter. At length, +after standing fully fifteen minutes—oh, joyful sound!—a +coming footstep, firm and quick. My first thought was +that those steps would stop at our door. But, directly after, +I felt that very improbable, for who was there that <i>would</i> +come such a night? Papa was up north with mamma; +Nell and Floy were visiting Aunt Edna and me, the only +ones home, save the servants. Neither of us had as yet a +lover so devoted or so demented as to come out, if he had +anywhere to <i>stay in</i>.</p> + +<p>On and past went the steps. Turning away, I drew +down the blind, and said: "Some one must be ill, and +that was the doctor, surely: for no one else would go out, +only those from direst necessity sent."</p> + +<p>A deep sigh escaped Aunt Edna's lips, and although +partially shaded by her hand, I could see the shadow on +the beautiful face had deepened.</p> + +<p>Why my aunt had never married was a mystery to me, +for she was lovable in every way, and must have been very +beautiful in her youth. Thirty-six she would be next +May-day, she had told me. Thirty-six seemed to me, just +sixteen, a very great many years to have lived. But aunt +always was young to us; and the hint of her being an old +maid was always resented, very decidedly, by all her nieces.</p> + +<p>"Aunt Edna," I said, "tell us a story—a love-story, +please."</p> + +<p>"Oh, little one, you have read <i>so</i> many! And what can +I tell you more?" she answered, gently.</p> + +<p>"Oh, aunty, I want a <i>true</i> story! Do, darling aunty, +tell us your own. Tell us why you are blessing our home +with your presence, instead of that of some noble man, for +noble he must have been to have won your heart, and—hush-sh! +Yes, yes; I know something about somebody, +and I must know all. Do, please!"</p> + +<p>I plead on. I always could do more with Aunt Edna +than any one else. I was named for her, and many called +me like her—"only not nearly so pretty" was always +added.</p> + +<p>At last she consented, saying:</p> + +<p>"Dear girls, to only one before have I given my entire +confidence, and that was my mother. I scarce know why +I have yielded to your persuasions, little Edna, save that +this night, with its gloom and rain, carries me back long +years, and my heart seems to join its pleading with yours, +yearning to cast forth some of its fulness, and perchance +find relief by pouring into your loving heart its own +sorrows. But, darling, I would not cast my shadow over +your fair brow, even for a brief time."</p> + +<p>With her hand still shading her face, Aunt Edna began:</p> + +<p>"Just such a night as this, eighteen years ago, dear +child, my fate was decided. The daughter of my mother's +dearest friend had been with us about a year. Dearly we +all loved the gentle child, for scarcely more than child she +was—only sixteen. My mother had taken her from the +cold, lifeless form of her mother into her own warm, loving +heart, and she became to me as a sister. So fair and frail +she was! We all watched her with the tenderest care, +guarding her from all that could chill her sensitive nature +or wound the already saddened heart. Lilly was her name. +Oh, what a delicate white lily she was when we first brought +her to our home; but after a while she was won from her +sorrow, and grew into a maiden of great beauty. Still, +with child-like, winning ways.</p> + +<p>"Great wells of love were in her blue eyes—violet hue +<i>he</i> called them. Often I wondered if any one's gaze would +linger on my dark eyes when hers were near? Her pale +golden hair was pushed off her broad forehead and fell in +heavy waves far down below her graceful shoulders and +over her black dress. Small delicately-formed features, a +complexion so fair and clear that it seemed transparent. +In her blue eyes there was always such a sad, wistful look; +this, and the gentle smile that ever hovered about her lips, +gave an expression of mingled sweetness and sorrow that +was very touching. You may imagine now how beautiful +she was.</p> + +<p>"Her mother had passed from earth during the absence +of Lilly's father. Across the ocean the sorrowful tidings +were born to him. He was a naval officer. Lilly was +counting the days ere she should see him. The good news +had come, that soon he would be with her. At last the +day arrived, but oh! what a terrible sorrow it brought. +When her heart was almost bursting with joy, expecting +every moment to be clasped in those dear arms—a telegraphic +despatch was handed in. Eagerly she caught it, +tore it open, read—and fell lifeless to the floor.</p> + +<p>"Oh! the fearful, crushing words. We read, not of his +coming to Lilly, but of his going to her, his wife, in heaven. +Yes, truly an orphan the poor girl was then.</p> + +<p>"In vain proved all efforts to restore her to consciousness. +Several times, when she had before fainted, mother +was the only physician needed. But that night she shook +her head and said:</p> + +<p>"'We must have a doctor, and quickly.'</p> + +<p>"It was a terrible night. Our doctor was very remote. +Your father suggested another, near by.</p> + +<p>"Dr.——, well, never mind his name. Your father said +he had lately known him, and liked him much.</p> + +<p>"Through the storm he came, and by his skilful treatment +Lilly was soon restored to consciousness, but not to +health. A low nervous fever set in, and many days we +watched with fearful hearts. Ah! during those days I +learned to look too eagerly for the doctor's coming. Indeed, +he made his way into the hearts of all in our home. +After the dreaded crisis had passed, and we knew that +Lilly would be spared to us, the doctor told mother he +should have to prescribe for me. I had grown pale, from +confinement in the sick-room, and he must take me for a +drive, that the fresh air should bring the roses back to my +cheeks. Willingly mother consented. After that I often +went. When Lilly was able to come down-stairs, this +greatest pleasure of my life then was divided with her. +One afternoon I stood on the porch with her, waiting while +the doctor arranged something about the harness.</p> + +<p>"'Oh! <i>how</i> I wish it was my time to go!' she whispered.</p> + +<p>"'Well, darling, it shall be your time. I can go to-morrow. +Run, get your hat and wraps,' I said, really glad +to give any additional pleasure to this child of many +sorrows.</p> + +<p>"'No, no, that would not be fair. And, Edna, don't you +know that <i>to-morrow</i> I would be so sorry if I went to-day? +I do not mean to be selfish, but, oh, indeed I cannot help +it! I am wishing <i>every time</i> to go. Not that I care for a +ride—" She hesitated, flushed, and whispered: 'I like to +be with my doctor. Don't you, Edna? Oh! I wish he +was my father, or brother, or cousin—just to be with us all +the time, you know.'</p> + +<p>"Just then the doctor came for me, and I had to leave +her. As we drove off I looked back and kissed my hand +to her, saying:</p> + +<p>"'Dear little thing! I wish she was going with us.'</p> + +<p>"'I do not,' the doctor surprised me by saying.</p> + +<p>"I raised my eyes inquiringly to his. In those beautiful, +earnest eyes I saw something that made me profoundly +happy. I could not speak. After a moment he added:</p> + +<p>"'She is a beautiful, winning child, and I enjoy her +company. But when with her, I feel as if it was my duty +to devote myself entirely to her—in a word, to take care of +her, or, I should say, to care for <i>her</i> only. And this afternoon, +of all others, I do not feel like having Lilly with +us.'</p> + +<p>"That afternoon was one of the happiest of my life. +Although not a word of love passed his lips. I knew it +filled his heart, and was for me. He told me of his home, +his relatives, his past life. Of his mother he said:</p> + +<p>"'When you know her, you will love her dearly.'</p> + +<p>"He seemed to be sure that I should know her. And +then—ah, well, I thought so too, then.</p> + +<p>"Lilly was waiting for us when we returned. He chided +her for being out so late. It was quite dark. Tears filled +her eyes as she raised them to his and said:</p> + +<p>"'Don't be angry. I could not help watching. Oh, +why did you stay <i>so</i> long? I thought you would never +come back. I was afraid something had happened—that +the horse had run away, or—'</p> + +<p>"'Angry I could not be with you, little one. But I +don't want you to get sick again. Come, now, smile away +your tears and fears! Your friend is safe and with you +again,' the doctor answered.</p> + +<p>"Taking her hand, he led her into the parlor.</p> + +<p>"He had not understood the cause of her tears. Only +for him she watched and wept.</p> + +<p>"'<i>Do</i> stay,' she plead, when her doctor was going.</p> + +<p>"He told her he could not, then; there was another call +he must make, but would return after a while.</p> + +<p>"'She counted the minutes, until she should see him +again. Never concealing from any of us how dearly she +loved him. She was truly as guileless as a child of six +years.</p> + +<p>"From the first of her acquaintance with him, she had +declared 'her doctor' was like her father. Mother, too, +admitted the resemblance was very decided.</p> + +<p>"This it was, I think, that first made him so dear to her.</p> + +<p>"Several times, after the doctor returned that evening, +I saw he sought opportunity to speak to me, unheard by +others. But Lilly was always near.</p> + +<p>"Ah! it was better so. Better that from his <i>own</i> lips I +heard not those words he would have spoken. Doubly +hard would have been the trial. Oh, that night when he said, +'good-by!' He slipped in my hand a little roll of paper. +As Lilly still stood at the window, watching as long as she +could see him, I stole away to open the paper. Then, for +a while, I forgot Lilly, aye, forgot everything, in my great +happiness. He loved me! On my finger sparkled the +beautiful diamond—my engagement ring—to be worn on +the morrow, 'if I could return his love,' he said.</p> + +<p>"Quickly I hid my treasures away, his note, and the +ring—Lilly was coming.</p> + +<p>"She was not yet strong, and soon tired. I helped her +to get off her clothes, and as she kissed me good-night, she +said:</p> + +<p>"'I wish we had a picture of him—don't you?'</p> + +<p>"'Who, dear?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'My doctor! Who else? You tease. You <i>knew</i> well +enough,' she answered, as she nestled her pretty head +closer to mine.</p> + +<p>"Soon she was sleeping and dreaming of him. Sweet +dreams at first I knew they were; for soft smiles flitted +over her face.</p> + +<p>"I could not sleep. A great fear stole in upon my happiness. +Did not Lilly love him too? How would she receive +the news which soon must reach her? Was her love +such as mine? Such as is given to but one alone? Or +only as a brother did she love him? I must <i>know</i> how it +was. Heaven grant that joy for one would not bring sorrow +to the other, I prayed. I had not long to wait. Her +dreams became troubled. Her lips quivered and trembled, +and then with a cry of agony she started up.</p> + +<p>"'Gone, gone, gone!" she sobbed.</p> + +<p>"It was many minutes ere I succeeded in calming and +making her understand 'twas but a dream.</p> + +<p>"'Oh! but <i>so</i> real, so <i>dreadfully</i> real. I thought he did +not care for me. That he had gone and left me, and they +told me he was married!'</p> + +<p>"Telling this, she began to sob again.</p> + +<p>"'Lilly, dear, tell me truly—tell your sister, your very +best friend—how it is you love your doctor?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'How?' she returned. 'Oh, Edna, more than all the +world! He is all that I have lost and more; and if he +should die, or I should lose him, I would not wish to live. +I <i>could</i> not live. He loves me a little, does he not, Edna?'</p> + +<p>"I could not reply. Just then there was a terrible +struggle going on in my heart. <i>That</i> must be ended, the +victory won ere I could speak. She waited for my answer +and then said, eagerly:</p> + +<p>"'Oh, speak, <i>do!</i> What <i>are</i> you thinking about?'</p> + +<p>"Pressing back the sigh—back and far down into the +poor heart—I gave her the sweet, and kept the bitter part, +when I could answer.</p> + +<p>"'Yes, dear, I <i>do</i> think he loves you a little now, and +will, by-and-by, love you dearly. God grant he may!'</p> + +<p>"'Oh, you darling Edna! You have made me so happy!' +she cried, kissing me; and still caressing me she fell +asleep.</p> + +<p>"Next morning I enclosed the ring, with only these +words:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'Forgive if I cause you sorrow, and believe me your +true friend. I return the ring that I am not <i>free</i> to accept.'</p></div> + +<p>"I intended that my reply should mislead him, when I +wrote that I was not free, and thus to crush any hope that +might linger in his heart. While at breakfast that morning, +we received a telegram that grandma was extremely +ill, and wanted me. Thus, fate seemed to forward my +plans. I had thought to go away for a while, I told +mother all. How her dear heart ached for me! Yet she +dared not say aught against my decision. She took charge +of the note for the doctor, and by noon I was on my journey. +Two years passed ere I returned home. Mother +wrote me but little news of either Lilly or her doctor after +the first letter, telling that my note was a severe shock and +great disappointment. Three or four months elapsed +before grandma was strong enough for me to leave her. +An opportunity at that time presented for my going to +Europe. I wanted such an entire change, and gladly accepted. +Frequently came letters from Lilly. For many +months they were filled with doubts and anxiety; but +after a while came happier and shorter ones. Ah, she +had only time to be with him, and to think in his absence +of his coming again.</p> + +<p>"When I was beginning to tire of all the wonders and +grandeur of the old world, and nothing would still the +longing for home, the tidings came they were married, +Lilly and her doctor, and gone to his Western home to take +charge of the patients of his uncle, who had retired from +practice. Then I hastened back, and ever since, dear girls, +I have been contented, finding much happiness in trying +to contribute to that of those so dear. Now, little Edna, +you have my only love-story, its beginning and ending."</p> + +<p>"But, aunty, do tell me his name," I said. "Indeed, it +is not merely idle curiosity. I just feel as if I must know +it—that it is for something very important. Now you +need not smile. I'm very earnest, and I shall not sleep +until I know. I really felt a presentiment that if I knew +his name it might in some way effect the conclusion of the +story."</p> + +<p>"Well, my child, I may as well tell you. Dr. Graham +it was—Percy Graham," Aunt Edna answered, low.</p> + +<p>"Ah! did I not tell you? It was not curiosity. Listen, +aunty mine. While you were away last winter, papa received +a paper from St. Louis; he handed it to me, pointing +to an announcement. But I will run get it. He told me +to show it to you, and I forgot. I did not dream of all +this."</p> + +<p>From my scrap-book I brought the slip, and Aunt Edna +read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"DIED.—Suddenly, of heart disease, on the morning of +the 15th, Lilly, wife of Doctor Percy Graham, in the 34th +year of her age."</p></div> + +<p>Aunt Edna remained holding the paper, without speaking, +for some minutes; then, handing it back to me, she +said, softly, as if talking to her friend:</p> + +<p>"<i>Dear</i> Lilly! Thank heaven, I gave to <i>you</i> the <i>best</i> I +had to give, and caused you nought but happiness. God +is merciful! Had <i>he</i> been taken, and you left, how <i>could</i> +we have comforted you?" And then, turning to me, she +said: "Nearly a year it is since Lilly went to heaven. 'Tis +strange I have not heard of this."</p> + +<p>"'Tis strange from him you have not heard," I thought; +"and stranger still 'twill be if he comes not when the year +is over. For surely he <i>must</i> know that you are free—" +But I kept my thoughts, and soon after kissed aunty good-night.</p> + +<p>One month passed, and the year was out. And somebody +was in our parlor, making arrangements to carry +away Aunt Edna. I knew it was he, when he met me at +the hall door, and said:</p> + +<p>"Edna—Miss Linden! <i>can</i> it be?"</p> + +<p>"Yes and no, sir—both—Edna Linden; but, Doctor +Graham, not <i>your</i> Edna. You will find her in the parlor," +I answered, saucily, glad and sorry, both, at his coming.</p> + +<p>Ah, she welcomed him with profound joy, I know. He +knew all; papa had told him. And if he loved the beautiful +girl, he then worshipped that noble woman.</p> + +<p>"Thank God! Mine at last!" I heard him say, with +fervent joy, as I passed the door, an hour after.</p> + +<p>How beautiful she was, when, a few weeks after, she +became his very own. I stood beside her and drew off +her glove. How happy he looked as he placed the heavy +gold circlet on her finger! How proudly he bore her down +the crowded church aisle!</p> + +<p>Ah, little Lilly was no doubt his dear and cherished +wife. But <i>this</i> one, 'twas plain to see was the one love of +his life.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="WHO_WAS_THE_THIEF" id="WHO_WAS_THE_THIEF" ></a>WHO WAS THE THIEF?</h2> + +<h4>BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.</h4> + + +<p>Fred Loring's toilet was at length completed, and +turning from the glass, he said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm off now, Nellie. Good-by."</p> + +<p>"At last! Excuse me, Fred, but just now quietness is +more desirable than your society. It is impossible to get +baby to sleep while you are flying about the room. She +sees you, and wants to get to you," answered Nellie.</p> + +<p>"All right. I'll get out of the way. By-by, baby."</p> + +<p>And kissing the little one, Fred hurried out.</p> + +<p>Ten or fifteen minutes passed. Baby was quiet at last, +almost asleep, when the door opened, and in rushed Fred +again. And up started baby, with a shout of welcome. +An impatient look came into Nellie's eyes, and the tone to +her words:</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fred, I had almost gotten her to sleep. And now +see! And I am so tired. What has brought you back so +soon?</p> + +<p>"Well, well, I'm sorry. But I left my revolver behind. +I guess she'll soon be quiet again," Fred said, unlocking +the drawer and taking out his revolver.</p> + +<p>"Fred, I declare I never <i>did</i> see such a man. You cannot +leave the house without being armed. Do you forget +there is a law against carrying concealed weapons?"</p> + +<p>"I <i>remember</i> to be on my guard, and prepared to defend +myself if it be necessary. Every day we read accounts of +persons being robbed, knocked down, and such like. I +tell you, Nellie, <i>sensible</i> persons go armed always."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, Fred. But I think the nervous and suspicious +persons are more likely to. Indeed, I never like to +see you carrying off your revolver. I'm in constant fear +of something dreadful happening."</p> + +<p>"But never in dread of any one murdering and robbing +me. Of course not!" Fred snapped forth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fred! You are so quick and suspicious of every +one, that my great fear is you'll hurt the wrong person +some time!" said Nellie, with a really anxious look on her +pretty face.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I am not aware of ever having gotten hold of +the wrong person. I think you are calling on your imagination +for facts, Mrs. Loring!" Fred said angrily.</p> + +<p>"Now, Fred, to defend myself I shall have to point to +facts. Do you forget catching hold of poor old Uncle Tom, +and choking him so he could not explain he was carrying +the clothes to his wife to wash, instead of being a thief, as +you supposed? And—"</p> + +<p>"And will I ever forget your handing me over to a +policeman, for having attempted to pick your pocket in the +streetcar?" exclaimed a bright, merry-looking girl, who +entered the room during Nellie's attempt to defend herself +from Fred's accusation.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fan, don't, for mercy's sake, I cry quarter. +Two at a time is more than I can stand. And besides, I +had hoped that you would not have exposed that miserable +mistake!" Fred said, with a reproachful look.</p> + +<p>"I intended to keep the secret. But really, Fred, I've +been almost dying to have a good laugh with Nellie over +it. And to-night the opportunity was too tempting to +resist."</p> + +<p>"Mercy, Fan! If you tell Nellie, I'll never hear the last +of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I must. It is too late to recede. Nellie will imagine +it worse, if possible, than it really is. But I'll not +prolong your agony. I'll be as brief as possible," said +Fannie.</p> + +<p>And amidst the cries of "Don't! don't!" and "Yes, do, +do!" Fannie began.</p> + +<p>"The day I reached here, just as I came out of the depot, +I spied my beloved and respected cousin Fred entering +the street car. I hurried up, and got in immediately +after him. Even if my veil had been raised I could hardly +have expected him to know me, as I have changed much +in five years. As it was, my face was completely hidden. +The car was much crowded, many standing—I next behind +Fred. I was well laden with lots of little packages, +so the idea struck me to drop a few into Fred's overcoat +pockets. Without discovery I put what I washed into one, +and was about slipping my porte-monnaie into the other, +when my hand was caught with such a grip that I screamed +right out. At the same time Fred exclaimed, 'Here is a +pickpocket!' And of course there was a policeman there, +as none was needed. I was too frightened to speak for an +instant. At length I found voice enough to say to the +officer, who was making his way toward me, 'The gentleman +will find he is mistaken in a moment.'</p> + +<p>"After the first fright, I was really amused, notwithstanding +the mortifying situation. By that time Fred had +drawn forth my porte-monnaie. Nodding to the policeman, +he said:</p> + +<p>"'An old dodge. Putting into my pocket what she has +taken from some one else. Has any one here lost this?' he +asked, holding up my porte-monnaie.</p> + +<p>"No one claimed it. I managed to get off my veil then, +that I had been tugging at. I had gotten a lady in the +depot to tie it tightly behind, as it was blowing a perfect +gale when I arrived. All eyes were on me then, of course. +And the officer, not recognizing an old offender, and not a +very guilty-looking young one, hesitated. I looked +eagerly at Fred, to see if he would not recognize me, but +he did not. There was a very embarrassing pause then, +that had to be ended; so I said, not trying to restrain my +smiles:</p> + +<p>"'If you will open that porte-monnaie, Mr. Loring, you +will see my card. I thought my acquaintance would justify +my loading you with some of my bundles. If you +will notice, your other pocket is full.'</p> + +<p>"Every one waited eagerly the result. Quickly Fred +did my bidding. You may imagine his look, when he +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"'Fannie Loring! Bless my soul, coz, can you ever forgive +me? But how could I know you? I've not seen you +since you were a child.'</p> + +<p>"There was a shout of laughter heard then, in which +Fred and I joined. But Fred's was not a very hearty +laugh; and I think he was glad to get out of that car, for +he made me walk at least three times as far as ever you +and I walk when we leave the car."</p> + +<p>Nellie was almost convulsed with laughter, which baby +seemed to enjoy very much. And Fred exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"It was not half as bad as you have made it out, Fan. +And just for a punishment for your laughing so, Nellie, I +hope baby will not go to sleep for hours. I'm off now."</p> + +<p>Merry rippling laughter followed him. And Fred ran +down the stairs, and out of the house, almost hoping +somebody might attempt to rob, or murder him even, so +that his revolver might prove of great avail, and thus +silence Nellie, who was ever talking about what she called +his suspicious nature, when it was only necessary caution, +he thought.</p> + +<p>Soon baby was sleeping soundly, notwithstanding +Fred's wish to the contrary. And Nellie, putting her into +the crib, went to the bureau to arrange her hair.</p> + +<p>"Why, Fred has gone without his watch!" she exclaimed. +"I don't think he ever did that in his life before. +I wonder he has not been back again before this!"</p> + +<p>The hours passed swiftly by. Fannie, with her merry +heart, fully compensating Nellie for Fred's absence. Eleven +o'clock came before they imagined it near so late. And +just then they heard the hall door close, and a moment +after Fred entered the room, and in an excited voice exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Now, ladies, perhaps you will admit the good of carrying +a revolver, when I tell you that to-night I have been +robbed."</p> + +<p>"Robbed!" exclaimed Nellie and Fannie simultaneously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, robbed. But I did not stay so, many minutes, +thanks to my revolver! Listen, and I'll tell you all about +it. On my way home I turned Gray's corner into Fourteenth +street. You know how dark and dismal it is about +there—no lights. Well, as I turned, a fellow came rushing +along, knocked against and nearly sent me down. And +saying quickly, 'Excuse me, sir,' hurried on. I suspected +what it was—a dodge they have when relieving a man of +his watch or pocket-book. I hastened to feel for my watch. +It was gone."</p> + +<p>"Why, Fred, your watch—"</p> + +<p>"Stop! Don't interrupt me. Wait until I've done."</p> + +<p>The girls exchanged looks—mirthful first, anxious after.</p> + +<p>"In a second I was after him. Presenting my revolver, +I bade him hand me the watch. He resisted. I covered +him with my pistol, and spoke again in a tone which convinced +him I was in a dangerous mood.</p> + +<p>"'Hand me that watch.'</p> + +<p>"Out it came; and without taking a second look at me, +he left. And thanks to my little beauty here," tapping +his revolver, "I am home again, no worse off than when I +started. Now, what say you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fred! Oh, my dear, what have you done? Oh, +you have robbed that man of his watch! Yours is on the +bureau. You left it home," Nellie cried, in a voice of real +agitation.</p> + +<p>"What? No! Surely not!" exclaimed Fred, growing +very red, and starting toward the bureau.</p> + +<p>Fannie handed to Fred his own watch, at the same time +fairly shaking with the laughter she had tried so hard to +suppress.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fred, forgive me. I'm only human; I must laugh +or die."</p> + +<p>Peal after peal came from the merry girl, who could not +restrain herself, although Nellie looked so reproachfully, +and Fred really angrily at her; the former saying:</p> + +<p>"Indeed, Fannie, I'm too much frightened to laugh."</p> + +<p>Fred was too mortified to say another word for some +time. At length, turning to Fannie, who had grown a +little quiet, he snappishly said:</p> + +<p>"Pray, don't stop! I'm very happy to afford you so +much amusement."</p> + +<p>Of course Fannie began anew; and Nellie trying to stop +her by looks and motions, asked:</p> + +<p>"What shall you do, Fred?"</p> + +<p>"It is not a matter of such vital importance that you +need look so worried, Nellie. I'll go to the police head-quarters, +explain the matter, and leave the watch. That +will be the end of it," said Fred, trying to assume a light, +careless tone.</p> + +<p>Nellie hoped it might be the end of it; but still fearful +of something unpleasant, asked:</p> + +<p>"Is it too late to-night to go, Fred?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly it is," Fred answered.</p> + +<p>Seeing Nellie's face still retain its anxious and frightened +expression, Fred broke out laughing himself, saying:</p> + +<p>"You look as much frightened, Nell, as I imagine that +man looked when I went for his watch."</p> + +<p>Next morning Fred was longer than usual getting off +from home, and all Nellie's urging haste seemed to have +the tendency to retard instead of accelerating his motions. +But at last, to her great relief, he was off. After getting a +few rods from home, he drew forth the stolen watch, and +found of course it had run down. Having no key to fit it, +he approached a jewelry store, intending to have it wound +up. He had failed to notice the very particular attention +with which a policeman was regarding him. Just as he +was about to enter the store, he was tapped on the shoulder. +Turning, he beheld the officer, a total stranger to +Fred, so he knew it was not a bit of use to explain the case +to him. So to attract as little notice as possible, he walked +quietly along with his not very agreeable companion until +they reached the police head-quarters.</p> + +<p>There he began his explanation. All were strange faces +around him, on which he saw unmistakable signs of merriment +when he said it was "a mistake." And to his immense +surprise, after he had handed over the dreadful +watch, and was turning to leave, he was made to understand +he was a <i>prisoner</i>—the accusation, "Robbery and +assault, with intent to kill!"</p> + +<p>He sank on the bench for a moment, so overwhelmed with +surprise and mortification that he could with difficulty +collect his senses enough to know what to do. Just then +a gentleman entered, and said to an officer near:</p> + +<p>"I was surprised to hear you had caught the rascal +so speedily. Where is the scoundrel? What does he +say?"</p> + +<p>"That it was all a <i>mistake!</i>" answered the officer, with a +very significant smile. "There he is," pointing to Fred.</p> + +<p>"Of course—the villain! And if I had been so unfortunate +as not to have had a watch to hand over, he +would have murdered and robbed me of what I might +have of any value. The murderous rascal!—Ah! how are +you, Loring? You here!" advancing and shaking Fred's +hand cordially, and continuing, "Show me that cut-throat! +Which is he?"</p> + +<p>The expression on Fred's countenance may possibly be +imagined, but I cannot describe it. And when, in answer +to the call, "Prisoner, stand up," he arose, his friend's—the +plaintiff's—surprise was stupendous for a moment; +and then breaking into a hearty chuckle, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Of course <i>now</i> I know it was a mistake."</p> + +<p>The dignity of the place was forgotten by all then, and +never was such a shout of laughter heard before within +those walls. But Fred could not join in it, to save him. +He had too lately stood in the place of an individual +bearing quite too many opprobrious epithets, to feel very +light-hearted.</p> + +<p>He returned home to relieve Nellie's mind, telling her +it was all settled—she need have now no more anxiety +about it. But he never told her how it was settled. One +thing, however, she noticed—he was not so fond of his +revolver's companionship as he used to be. And once she +heard him say:</p> + +<p>"If the law was more strenuous with regard to the +carrying of concealed weapons, there would be fewer +criminal indictments."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THE_GHOST" id="THE_GHOST" ></a>THE GHOST.</h2> + +<h4>BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN</h4> + + +<p>Peeping through the leaves of the vine-covered +bower, and watching eagerly the path through the +woods, was a beautiful little maiden. An anxious look +was in her deep blue eyes, as pressing her hands over +her heart, as if to stop its heavy beating, she said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, why does he not come? How long a time! If +he had good news, I know he would come quicker. Oh, I +have not a mite of hope!"</p> + +<p>The pretty lips quivered then, and she stepped back, +and sank on the mossy seat.</p> + +<p>A moment after a sound, slight as the dropping of +leaves, caught her ear. She sprang up, and for an instant +a bright light shone in her eyes, but quickly died away, as +the slow, heavy step came nearer, bringing to sight a tall, +noble-looking young man, whose face, if less stern, would +have been very handsome.</p> + +<p>Without speaking, he clasped her outstretched hand +and drew her within his arms, shaking his head sadly.</p> + +<p>"I felt it was so, or you would have come sooner," the +maiden said, resting her head against his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"I had little, if any, hope, Susie. I went this last time +because you bade me to."</p> + +<p>"What did father say, Frank?"</p> + +<p>"Over and over the same old story of having, since your +babyhood, intended you to be the wife of his friend's son. +Oh, if I were wealthier, it would be all right, I know," +Frank said, his dark eyes flashing.</p> + +<p>"Don't talk so, dear, please. I do not like to hear you +impute a wrong motive to my father. I will never, never +listen for one moment to any words of love from George +Forrester, or any other man but you, Frank. So you may +be sure, if papa will not let me marry you, I will never +marry at all," Susie said, her eyes full of tears, looking up +to his.</p> + +<p>"Susie, I have made three appeals to your father during +the year past; each time finding him, if possible, more determined +to oppose our happiness. I will <i>never</i> humiliate +myself again, and he will <i>never</i> yield. Now what will +you do?"</p> + +<p>"Wait, hope and pray. I can do nothing more," Susie +answered, in a tearful voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Susie, darling, you can, and secure our immediate +happiness. You can come with me, be my own true wife, +love."</p> + +<p>"No—no—<i>no</i>. I <i>can</i>not. I should not secure our happiness. +I should be miserable, and make you so."</p> + +<p>"<i>Then</i> I have nothing more to hope for. He will not +give you to me, and you will not come. Oh, Susie, how +can you send me off? You know you are all the world +to me! If I lose you, I lose everything. I am alone in +the world. There are many loved ones to comfort your +father, until he comes to his better nature and calls you +back to his heart. Susie, am I to leave you forever?"</p> + +<p>The beautiful dark eyes were looking into his, filled +with so much love. How could she resist?</p> + +<p>"No—no. I shall die, if you leave me—never to come +again! Oh, what <i>am</i> I to do? I love you better than my +own life, Frank, indeed I do! But, father—oh, how can I +desert him? He loves me more than the other children. +I am the oldest, his first child, and so like what mother +was. That is <i>why</i> he loves me so. And now <i>she</i> has gone, +I <i>should</i> stay—"</p> + +<p>"And break your heart and mine, too, Susie?"</p> + +<p>"If I thought, Frank, you would not mind it very +long—"</p> + +<p>"You would give me up! And, in time, get into your +father's way of thinking, and end by marrying the man +he wants you to," Frank said, withdrawing his arm and +turning away with a great sigh.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Frank, how <i>can</i> you talk to me so?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Susie, it is useless prolonging our sorrow. I had +better say good-by, and go forever."</p> + +<p>"No, no, Frank, dear love. Oh! what am I to do?"</p> + +<p>"Be happy, my own, and make me so. Be my wife +before I return to W—-. Go with me. Susie, your +mother loved me. I know, if here, she would plead for +me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, she loved you, and perhaps in her blessed home +she will pity me, and win for me forgiveness, alike from +heavenly as earthly father, if longer my heart cannot resist +my love," Susie sobbed, dropping her golden head on +her lover's bosom and promising all he wished.</p> + +<p>"The last night at home," she said. "On the morrow +I must go forth, to return no more, the loving, dutiful +child. Should he ever consent to have me come back, I +can never be again what I once was to his heart. I shall +have broken the trust he held in me," Susie moaned.</p> + +<p>Tenderly the brother and sister were ministered to, her +hand resting on each little head, as their lisping voices +followed hers in the evening prayer. Willie and Emma +arose, their demure faces lifted to receive the good-night +kiss. But Rosie, the two-and-a-half-year baby, the dying +mother's sacred charge, wound her tiny arms about the +elder sister, and with baby-like perversity hung on, +lisping:</p> + +<p>"Now Susu pay, too. <i>Pease</i>, Susu. Do!"</p> + +<p>The baby plead; and Susie, raising her eyes to Rosie's, +felt mother, not far away, but near, <i>very</i> near, and pleading +through her child.</p> + +<p>The sunny head was dropped again, and Susie prayed—even +as Rosie had begged her. Prayed for guidance to +the better way.</p> + +<p>Three pair of little pattering feet were resting. Three +rosy faces pressed the downy pillow, and Susie's evening +task was done.</p> + +<p>Gently she stole away.</p> + +<p>"I will go to father myself, to-night. I will plead with +him until he must yield," Susie said, as cautiously closing, +the door of the nursery she entered her own room.</p> + +<p>The evening was oppressive, and Susie's black dress +became very uncomfortable. Flitting about, guided by +the moonbeams, she sought for something of lighter texture. +The mourning robe was laid aside, and a dress, +white and fleecy, wrapped her slender form. The clustering +ringlets were smoothed back, and rolled in a heavy +coil high on the back of her head.</p> + +<p>"Now I will go down. Father will be alone at this +hour, and—" She paused, raised her sweet eyes upward, +and clasping her hands she murmured, "Mother in heaven, +plead for me."</p> + +<p>Noiselessly she opened the door and glanced into the +room. Her father sat with his back toward her, leaning +on a table over which were scattered books and papers. In +his hand he held the picture of her mother. She drew +back a little, still, however, standing within the door. +She dared not interrupt the sacred privacy of the hour. +The rustle of her garments, light as it was, must have +caught his ear, for his bowed head was raised.</p> + +<p>"Mary! my wife! my own!" he cried, starting forward, +with extended arms. "Thank God for granting me one +glimpse of you again!"</p> + +<p>Susie, awed and trembling, raised her eyes to see +clothed as in life, the same sweet, gentle face, the rippling +hair, caught back from the smooth, clear brow.</p> + +<p>"Mother!" she breathed forth.</p> + +<p>The room was lighted only by the moonbeams; but the +vision was plainly seen. Another eager glance, and Susie +stole away to her own room, and sank almost fainting into +her mother's chair. A little while, and grown calmer, she +opened her eyes, to see again, directly in front of her, the +same vision.</p> + +<p>She started forward, stretching out her arms, and calling +softly, "Mother."</p> + +<p>Nearer—nearer she drew, until, face to face, she stood +beside the large mirror in front of which she had seated +herself.</p> + +<p>Unwittingly in one of her mother's dresses she had +robed herself, and gathered her curls in the manner her +mother was accustomed to.</p> + +<p>"How very, very like her I am! Yes, now I know: +father saw me in the mirror opposite which I stood. Well, +I will not break his sweet delusion. I meant it not, +Heaven knows. Oh, if mother could only come to him—in +dreams, perhaps—to plead for me! I cannot desert him, +I cannot; I <i>dare</i> not! But Frank—oh, how can I give him +up! I will give up neither, but clinging to both loved ones, +will trust to Heaven for a happy decision."</p> + +<p>With this determination she sank to sleep, sweet and +undisturbed.</p> + +<p>Early next morning, as usual, she was in the breakfast-room, +ministering to the little ones clustering around her. +The father's frown had lost its accustomed sternness, as he +stood regarding his eldest child. A gentle, sympathetic +light was in his eyes as they rested on the sweet face grown +older, much, in those days of anxious care. How matronly +she looked! So patiently listening to, and answering every +wish of the little ones.</p> + +<p>At last they were all satisfied; and Susie seeing, as she +thought, her father deeply interested in the morning paper, +stole away to the trysting-place.</p> + +<hr style='width: 33%;' /> + +<p>"I cannot leave him, Frank. <i>Indeed, I never</i> can without +his blessing resting on me. No, no!" she cried, as she +saw the disappointed and stern expression of her lover's +face, "I have tried, in vain, to make my mind up to it. +How can I give up either? loving you both so well."</p> + +<p>"You have trifled with me, Susie; you have broken +your promise, too. You will, most likely, never see me +after this morning, if I go from you. Are you determined?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, dear Frank, I am determined not to go +unless father blesses and bids me go. I will trust my +happiness to him, and God, who ruleth all things," Susie +answered, looking very sorrowful, notwithstanding her +faith.</p> + +<p>"Then, good-by."</p> + +<p>She raised her face, pale and pleading, to his:</p> + +<p>"Kiss me good-by, Frank, and say, 'God bless me,' +please," she whispered.</p> + +<p>He did as she pleaded, but there was an injured air in +his manner. As he parted from her, she sprang after him, +crying:</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, Frank, if I have wounded you. Know +that to me it is worse. One little parting look of love, +darling!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Susie, how can you?" He pressed her again to his +heart, looked lovingly enough: but his eyes, as plain as +words could, repeated Tennyson's lines:</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">"Trust me all in all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Or not at all."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>And, determined to make one more appeal, he said:</p> + +<p>"Susie, darling! love! trust me for happiness. You +will never repent it. Come!"</p> + +<p>"No, no. Go!"</p> + +<p>He turned off quickly, angrily then; and Susie sank, +sobbing, on the grass.</p> + +<p>"My daughter!"</p> + +<p>She raised her eyes, heavy with tears. Beside her, with +a sad but kind and gentle face, her father stood. With +him, a puzzled, doubtful expression on his features, her +lover.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Frank, I am so—so glad to see you again!" she +cried, with as much joy beaming in her eyes as though +their parting had been for years.</p> + +<p>"Yes; as it is so very long since you saw him last!" her +father said, with a pleasant smile.</p> + +<p>"I feared it would be for years, perhaps forever," Susie +said, in a low voice, anxiously regarding her father, and +longing to beg an immediate explanation of her lover's +return.</p> + +<p>"My daughter, what did you intend to do after sending +off this young man? Be a dutiful child, and wed as I wish +you?"</p> + +<p>"Never, never, father! I intend to be dutiful only +so far as not wedding against your wishes, that is all—to +leave the future to God, only praying constantly that +some blessed influence may be sent to change your mind +and heart," Susie answered, raising her eyes to his, filled +with earnest determination.</p> + +<p>"Your prayers must have commenced already, my child. +Some influence hath surely been sent—some blessed influence, +I truly believe. Yes, my child, you will wed to +please your father. Here, Frank, take her. I ought to +scold you for trying to coax her from me. I heard it all +this morning. But I forgive you for her sake, and bless +you, too, boy, for the sake of the one in heaven who loved +you. There, there, daughter, don't choke me with your +kisses. Take her off, Frank, and make her happy. She is +a good child, and will make a true and loving wife. God +bless you both, my children!"</p> + +<p>And so ended Susie's intended elopement.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THE_TWO_BROTHERS" id="THE_TWO_BROTHERS" ></a>THE TWO BROTHERS.</h2> + +<h4>BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.</h4> + + +<p>"Ah here we are!" said pleasant voice, as the driver, +having jumped from his seat, opened the carriage +door.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I think so. This is the street and number—244 +or 246, which did you say?"</p> + +<p>"'Pon my word, I've forgotten, and lost the card," answered +the pleasant voice.</p> + +<p>"The name, sir? I'll inquire."</p> + +<p>"Never mind. I'll take a look at both houses, and see +if I cannot decide. I'm earlier than expected, so I can +look well before they come out to welcome me. Just +dump my luggage down on the sidewalk, and make off +for another job," said the old gentleman, handing the fare +to the man, who soon after drove off.</p> + +<p>"Well, here are two cottages alike, and very unlike, too. +This one is Charley's home, I know. Why? Because it +is newly painted. The fencing all in perfect order. The +grounds, although very limited, are prettily fixed up. +Flowers and vines—ah, I like the looks of this place! +And I'm sure I'm right in fixing it in my mind as +Charley's. Some don't-carish fellow lives there—loves his +pipe, cigars and wine, may be, better than his home, wife +and children. Dear, dear! how those blinds are suffering +for a coat of paint! A few dollars would make that fence +all right. How different that entrance would look with a +little rustic seat like this one! I wonder that fellow does +not notice how much he might improve his place, if he +only did as Charley. But here comes the servant. I'll +get her to let me in."</p> + +<p>"Rather sooner than you expected me, ain't it? Folks +not up yet? Just go back and open the door, my girl; +let me in, and then tell Mr. Charles Mayfield that his +uncle has come!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, sir, you mistake! It is <i>next</i> door Mr. Charles Mayfield +lives," answered the girl.</p> + +<p>"Next door? No; <i>you</i> mistake, surely. My nephew +Charley can't live there!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. But his—" What the girl was going to say +was stopped by a jovial voice in the next door, calling +out: "Uncle, here! How are you?" And a moment +more the pleasant old gentleman was caught by both +hands and drawn along to the next house. His nephew +Charley saying: "I'm so delighted to see you! Come in!"</p> + +<p>Into the parlor he was carried, and seated in a very +comfortable arm-chair. The interior was more inviting +than the outside. It told very plainly that the wife did +her duty toward making everything as nice as possible; +in a word, making the best of her means.</p> + +<p>A very short time after a sweet-faced little woman entered, +and was presented by Charley, saying:</p> + +<p>"Here is your niece, uncle."</p> + +<p>The old gentleman received her welcome greeting by a +return of real affection. His heart warmed immediately +to his nephew's wife. She bore the traces of beauty which +had been chased away by an over-amount of care, the +uncle very soon felt sure. There was an unmistakable +look of weariness and anxiety in her eyes.</p> + +<p>Very soon Nellie, as Charley called her, excused herself, +and went out, saying she had a very inexperienced servant, +and had to oversee and assist her in her work.</p> + +<p>Breakfast was announced, which was one that Uncle +Hiram enjoyed, notwithstanding the feeling which was uppermost +in his mind, that the strong, fragrant coffee, the +delicate rolls, and the steak which was cooked just as it +should be, in a word, all that was so nice, was the result +of Nellie's skilful hands. And she looked so tired and +heated when she sat down to do the honors of her table. +Again Uncle Hiram noticed that constantly her eyes wandered +from the table to a door which entered the next +room, which was partially opened. Her ear seemed +strained to catch every sound. At length a little, feeble +wail told the cause of her anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Will you excuse me a moment, uncle?" she asked, +and continued: "Our babe was quite sick all night, and I +feel anxious about her."</p> + +<p>A moment or so after Nellie withdrew, the servant +came in, bringing a fresh supply of hot rolls. Then Uncle +Hiram had a chance of seeing the help Nellie had with +her many duties—a half-grown girl.</p> + +<p>"Inexperienced, truly, inefficient and insufficient," said +the kind old man to himself; and he made a note of that +on the tablets of his heart.</p> + +<p>Soon Nellie came back, looking much relieved, and said, +smiling:</p> + +<p>"She seems much better this morning. How these +little ones fill our heart with anxiety! I was up with her +all night!"</p> + +<p>Down went another note on Uncle Hiram's tablets. +Awake all night with a sick baby, and up cooking breakfast +in the morning! No wonder her youth and +beauty have been chased away, poor, weary, over-worked +mother!</p> + +<p>"Who lives next door, Charley?" asked his uncle, after +they had withdrawn from the breakfast-room.</p> + +<p>"Why, I have a surprise for you—Henry lives there."</p> + +<p>"Henry! Henry who?"</p> + +<p>"Why, Henry Mayfield, my brother."</p> + +<p>"No! Why, the last time I heard from him he was in +St. Louis."</p> + +<p>"Well, he is here now, and has been for five months. +His wife's relatives are all here. And so he having been +offered a position in the same firm with me, accepted it. +We agreed to keep it as a pleasant little surprise for you."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm glad of it."</p> + +<p>Just as Uncle Hiram said so the object of their conversation +came in.</p> + +<p>Henry Mayfield was not the jovial, merry fellow that +Charley was, and not likely to be so generally a favorite. +But there was an earnestness and determination in his +bearing that inspired respect immediately.</p> + +<p>"Come, uncle! Go in with me to see my wife and little +ones," said Henry, after sitting and talking a while. "We +have a half hour yet before business requires us, and then, +if you like, we will go down town together."</p> + +<p>Henry's parlor, into which he ushered his uncle, was +furnished better than his brother's; but still it was not so +prettily arranged—the "woman's touch" was not so +plainly visible. Immediately Henry's wife came in to +welcome her husband's uncle.</p> + +<p>She was a bright little woman, not near so delicately +featured as Nellie; but with a youthful, well-preserved +look, an easy, quiet, peaceful air about her that made +Uncle Hiram feel quite sure, if he stayed her guest a +month, it would not put her out a bit. If any extra care +or worry came, it was not to her. Some one else's mind +and hands would have to overcome any difficulties.</p> + +<p>"Henry, dear, have our boy brought in to see his uncle," +she said.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha!" thought Uncle Hiram, "I see—the shoulders +best able to bear the burden of family cares have it. Just +as it should be!"</p> + +<p>A few moments, and the baby-boy was brought in by +the nurse and presented to the uncle. Baby, like his +mother, looked happy and healthy.</p> + +<p>When they were about leaving for down town, Uncle +Hiram heard Henry say:</p> + +<p>"Ada, please order the cook to delay dinner an hour to-day. +I've business which will delay me so long."</p> + +<p>"Very well," was the smiling reply.</p> + +<p>"A cook and a nurse. That is why Ada looks so calm, +healthy and happy. <i>Just</i> as it <i>should</i> be. Poor little, +patient, over-worked Nellie! I <i>wonder</i> how it is, both +having equal means. I must find out what the trouble +is," said Uncle Hiram to himself.</p> + +<p>Now, Charley was not a drinking man, his uncle felt +sure. He knew, indeed, that when he first grew to manhood +he had vowed never to touch rum in any form.</p> + +<p>The dinner at Charley's was better, if possible, than the +breakfast. It was a real treat to the old bachelor, whose +life was spent in a boarding-house, to partake of such +good, healthy fare as Nellie gave him. But always he +felt like partaking of it under protest. Nellie—little, +weary, tired Nellie—ever filled his mind and heart. At +dinner Charley brought forth his <i>ale</i>, declaring it to be +"the very best in town." And after dinner his cigars, +"none finer to be found," he said.</p> + +<p>Now, Uncle Hiram could partake of both without +serious disadvantage either to his health or purse. But +caring very little for either, he seldom used them. During +the evening several gentlemen friends came in to +call on Charley's uncle, and again ale and cigars were +put out.</p> + +<p>Uncle Hiram went to calculating. Ale, fifty cents, at +least, that day; sometimes less, sometimes more. Make +the average half as much—twenty-five cents. Cigars always +as much; frequently, as <i>that</i> day, treble the amount. +In a month it would sum up, to the very lowest, fifteen +dollars. And who could tell how much more? What +would not that money, worse than lost, have secured for +Charley's wife and children?</p> + +<p>Rest, health, peace and length of days, most likely.</p> + +<p>Now, Uncle Hiram knew well enough how it was +Charley did not have things beautiful without and around +his premises, and why Nellie's weary mind and tired hands +could not have help and rest.</p> + +<p>But, next, he must find out how it was that with Henry +things were so very different.</p> + +<p>The following day Uncle Hiram dined with Henry. +Everything was excellent and well cooked; and Ada sat +at the head of the table, with an easy, quiet grace, which +perfectly relieved Uncle Hiram's mind from any care for +her. He knew very well Ada's husband sought in every +way to relieve her of all unnecessary care and anxiety. +After dinner came tea and coffee—nothing more. When +they retired from the table Henry said:</p> + +<p>"Uncle, would you like a cigar or pipe? I'll get you +one in a few moments, if you say so."</p> + +<p>"And will you join me?" asked his uncle.</p> + +<p>"I do not use either. I care not for the weed, and think +it better not to cultivate a taste," answered Henry.</p> + +<p>"You are right, my boy—and how about wine or ale?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing of the kind, uncle."</p> + +<p>"Total abstinence, is it, Henry?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I knew you were a temperate man, as is Charley. But +he takes his ale, I notice," said Uncle Hiram.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I wish he did not; a man has no idea how such +little things, as he thinks them, draw upon his purse."</p> + +<p>"I know, I know!" said Uncle Hiram. And he no +longer wondered at the difference in Charley's and Henry's +style of living. And so he had a good talk with Charley, +and showed him how Henry, with the same salary, could +keep two servants and beautify his home, and he not be +able "to keep his head above water," to use his own +expression.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my boy, the cause is just this—the difference between +<i>temperance</i> and <i>total</i> abstinence. You'll try it now, +will you not, for your wife's sake?" said Uncle Hiram.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I will, sir, and with many thanks to you for +opening my eyes," answered Charley, who really loved his +wife, but was thoughtless, and never for a moment had +considered himself at all responsible for Nellie's failing +health, strength and beauty.</p> + +<p>When Uncle Hiram's next visit was made, he saw, before +he entered the house, that Charley had kept his word. +And when Nellie's joyous greeting was sounding in his +ear he knew then that all was "just as it should be" with +Nellie, as well as Ada. And the grateful little wife knew +to whom she was indebted for the happy change, and +blessed Uncle Hiram for it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="WHAT_HE_LEFT" id="WHAT_HE_LEFT" ></a>WHAT HE LEFT.</h2> + +<h4>BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.</h4> + +<p class="center"> +"I know not of the truth, d'ye see,<br /> + I tell the tale as 'twas told to me."<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Mark Brownson was dying, slowly, but surely, so +the physician told his wife, and advised that if he +had any business to settle, it should not be delayed.</p> + +<p>"He is sinking, and even now I see his mind is, at +times, a little clouded. However, I suppose there is nothing +of importance that he should consider," said the +doctor.</p> + +<p>"He has made no will," said Mrs. Brownson,</p> + +<p>"Is that necessary? I did not know—"</p> + +<p>"I think it is very necessary, doctor, for his children's +welfare. Not that I think it at all likely there can be any +contest about what Mr. Brownson has. Yet to provide +against any future troubles, it would be prudent, I think."</p> + +<p>The good doctor assented, but looked much surprised.</p> + +<p>And well he might. No one imagined old Mark Brownson +had anything to will. But he was a very eccentric +man; and the economical style of his establishment was +likely one of his notions.</p> + +<p>"Are you suffering much pain now, Mark?" asked Mrs. +Brownson, a few moments after, when she was seated at +her husband's bedside.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; give me my composing draught—the opium—anything +to relieve me," answered the suffering man.</p> + +<p>His wife obeyed, and after his groaning and restlessness +had ceased, she said:</p> + +<p>"I want to talk to you, Mark. Can you listen now?"</p> + +<p>A nodded assent gave her permission to proceed.</p> + +<p>"Do you not think it would be as well for you to express +your wishes with regard to the disposition of your stocks +and other effects? You may outlive me, Mark, and this +thing not be necessary, still I think it better to attend +to such business," said Mrs. Brownson, closely watching +the effect her words might have on the sufferer.</p> + +<p>She had feared possibly they might shock him severely, +but depending much on the favorable influence of the +opiate, she had ventured on the business she considered so +important.</p> + +<p>A look of satisfaction replaced the anxiety of a moment +before. She had no longer cause for fear. Calmly Mark +Brownson heard her suggestion, and said, in a feeble +voice:</p> + +<p>"What have I to will?"</p> + +<p>"Why, dear, you forget. Your long sickness and the +opium—no wonder! There is the stock in the 'Liverpool +Steamship Company,' and that in the 'Australian Mining +Company.' Surely you have not forgotten your large +amount in our State bonds? And how much you have +in 'Fire and Life Insurance stock' I cannot just remember +now. However, by reference to the papers I can tell."</p> + +<p>Again she watched her husband's face. It only expressed +a rather puzzled brain, as though he was trying to +remember.</p> + +<p>"You have such papers? I cannot think," he said.</p> + +<p>"Don't try to, dear. It is not necessary. I will just +look over your papers, and make a statement; and when +I read them over to you in presence of the lawyer, you can assent. +You wish an equal division between myself and +our daughters, I know. Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes. You are always right," murmured her husband.</p> + +<p>"There, dear, go to sleep now. Some time when you +are easy we will fix this," said Mrs. Brownson.</p> + +<p>And the next day, at an hour when she knew her husband's +mind was best prepared, a lawyer was summoned, +and a statement of stocks and bonds to the amount of two +hundred thousand dollars placed before him, and Mark +Brownson expressed his wish to have an equal division +of his effects made between his wife and two children.</p> + +<p>The will was made, and duly signed and witnessed by +two of the nearest neighbors and the only domestic, a +worthy woman who had been with Mrs. Brownson for +many years.</p> + +<p>A few days more, and Mark Brownson had passed from +earth.</p> + +<p>Many wondered at the very quiet and unostentatious +style of the last services for him; but the widow had said:</p> + +<p>"In death it shall be with him as he always preferred +in life."</p> + +<p>And then when all was over, and the summer months +were coming, Mrs. Brownson sold out the modest little establishment, +and, with her daughters and their faithful +servant, went to board by the seashore, at a very fashionable +resort; but, of course, not to mingle in the gay +festivities of the season, only to recruit her health, which +was very much impared by long attention to her suffering +husband, and to have the girls escape the heat and dust +of the city.</p> + +<p>A few days after they were settled in their new abode, +Mrs. Brownson said to her attendant:</p> + +<p>"Margaret, you were very much surprised by hearing +Mr. Brownson's will."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, ma'am, indeed I was."</p> + +<p>"Well, Margaret, I do not wish you to mention anything +about it down here. Mr. Brownson, you know, +never let it be known to the world. And so it must be +for the present. I do not wish my daughters to be married +for anything but their own good qualities. They are +good and beautiful enough to marry well, without having +any other inducements for suitors. Now, Margaret, you +know just how I feel, and what I mean?" said the anxious +mother.</p> + +<p>"Certainly I do! And I feel as much concerned about +my beautiful young ladies as you do, ma'am. Never fear +but I will look out for their interest," answered the worthy +woman.</p> + +<p>And to do as she said, to the best of her understanding, +Margaret set out for a walk on the beach, with some of +the other servants and their escorts, the waiters from the +hotel. And before the next noon it was well known what +a good chance there was for two young men to win as +beautiful wives as ever were seen, to say nothing of the +other greater attractions.</p> + +<p>And very soon the sisters, Maud and May, were objects +of universal observation. Yet it was very difficult to get +an introduction, the young gentlemen all found; for the +widow kept the beautiful girls very much secluded.</p> + +<p>Numberless were the delicate attentions paid them, in +the way of bouquets, books, and so on, sent by Margaret; +and several cards to Mrs. Brownson, with the request for +an introduction, accompanied by references—among which +came those of Vernon Wadsworth and Harry Bennett.</p> + +<p>The first one Mrs. Brownson knew well by reputation. +He was a young physician of very fine promise, and, being +of one of the best families in the State, she considered him +worthy of her attention. The other, she had heard since +her arrival there, was the possessor of a very fair amount +of worldly goods, the life-long accumulation of an old +miser uncle. So, from the many aspirants, Mrs. Brownson +selected these two to present to her daughters.</p> + +<p>Just at this time, Doctor Alton, Mrs. Brownson's friend +and the physician who had attended her husband, arrived +at the sea-shore; and through him, without any more +trouble or waiting the mother's pleasure, young Doctor +Wadsworth obtained an introduction, and presented his +friend, Bennett.</p> + +<p>And although both of these young men did their best to +keep back all others by various manoeuvres, many more +became acquainted with the lovely sisters, who soon, +much to their own surprise, became decidedly the belles +of that resort.</p> + +<p>Carefully Mrs. Brownson had guarded her secret from +her girls, fearing, perhaps, it would have a prejudicial +effect, changing their sweet, unassuming manner, which +was one of their greatest charms; or, perhaps, for other +motives best known to herself.</p> + +<p>Although Doctor Wadsworth and young Bennett very +much feared the approach of other suitors, it was quite +needless, for the girls were best pleased with the first who +had sought them and drawn them forth from their seclusion.</p> + +<p>The older one, Maud, a brilliant brunette, received with +undisguised pleasure the devoted attention of Harry Bennett; +while gentle little May, so fair and timid, always +greeted the handsome doctor by a rosy flush suffusing her +beautiful face; and then, from a shy, quick glance from +the eyes, that had drooped at his approach, he would see +the glad light that told how welcome his coming was.</p> + +<p>"We must win them, now, doctor; you see how much +they are admired and sought here. What will it be when +they are out of their mourning robes and in the gayeties +of the city? This is our best chance. What say you?" +asked young Bennett, a fortnight after their introduction.</p> + +<p>"Say! That the very idea of even losing <i>sight</i> of that +gentle, beautiful May for a day, fills my heart with misgiving +and great anxiety. I tell you, I began this affair +rather in fun—"</p> + +<p>"You mean <i>after funds</i>, perhaps!" interrupted Bennett.</p> + +<p>A flush suffused Doctor Wadsworth's face for an instant, +and he answered:</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll admit that is not at all objectionable; but +really, now that I know May Brownson, I would not be +willing to resign her to another man, even if she had not +a dollar in the world."</p> + +<p>There was an expression about Harry Bennett's mouth +that looked as if his lips wanted to say: "I don't believe +you"—only they did not just dare to. Harry Bennett +was as much in love as he could be with any one other +than himself, still he was not going to leap without looking. +So, after learning a little more than he had already +heard from Margaret, he was called, very urgently, to the +city. After an absence of only two days he was back +again, and stated to Doctor Wadsworth his knowledge of +Mark Brownson's possessions. That evening Mrs. Brownson +received proposals for both of her daughters.</p> + +<p>She must consider the matter, and consult with her +friends, the prudent mother thought and said to the +anxious suitors.</p> + +<p>This made them each more determined to secure the +prize.</p> + +<p>"Dear May, plead with your mother for me!" said the +ardent young doctor.</p> + +<p>"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the +gentle girl.</p> + +<p>"After a while! Why not now? I am going away +next month for a long time. I cannot leave you, May. +Would you wish me to?"</p> + +<p>May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading +eyes to her mother.</p> + +<p>It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest +weapon. A separation was dreaded by both mother and +daughter, and each for different reasons. And then it +was an easier thing for Harry Bennett to obtain the +mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a +private interview with her prospective sons-in-law. The +girls were sent from the room, and then Mrs. Brownson +said:</p> + +<p>"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish +rumor may have reached your ears respecting the wealth +possessed by my daughters, and that—excuse me, but I +must allude to it—this may in a measure have influenced +your selecting them from the many young girls here—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, madam!" both men exclaimed simultaneously.</p> + +<p>"If I tell you they have nothing but their pure hearts +and loving natures, will you not be disappointed?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam. How can you judge me so?" exclaimed +both.</p> + +<p>"I am glad it is so. I would not have you marry my +daughters under false impressions."</p> + +<p>"When May is mine, I shall think I have secured the +most valuable fortune any man can have," said the doctor, +with a really honest look in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"When Maud is mine, I shall <i>know</i> I have secured <i>all</i> +I would wish," added Harry Bennett, with rather a sly +twinkle in his eyes.</p> + +<p>And so it was agreed that they should be united there, +and after a very private wedding leave for an extensive +bridal tour.</p> + +<p>"The old fox! Is she not a sly one? She thought to +throw us off, I do believe. But <i>I</i> am as bright as she," +said Harry Bennett, after the interview.</p> + +<p>"Really, Bennett, that is not a very respectful way of +speaking of the mother of your promised wife," replied +Doctor Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"Well, no; you are right. But just to think of her +talking so to us!" answered Harry, with an air of injured +pride.</p> + +<p>The ceremony was over. After an acquaintance of less +than six weeks, Doctor Wadsworth and Harry Bennett +had won their wives.</p> + +<p>And while the brides had retired to change their dress +for the travelling-suit, the happy young husbands requested +to speak a moment with their mother-in-law.</p> + +<p>"Indeed <i>you</i> must speak; I will not," said Doctor Wadsworth, +in a low tone, as he closed the door, and with Bennett +approached Mrs. Brownson.</p> + +<p>After a moment's hesitation, Harry Bennett said:</p> + +<p>"Now, Mrs. Brownson, that we have proved our sincerity +and real love for your daughters, there is no reason +for any longer concealment."</p> + +<p>"About what, sir?" asked his mother-in-law.</p> + +<p>"Come, my dear madam; this is entirely useless. You +have tried and proved us. Now to business."</p> + +<p>"Really, Mr. Bennett, I am at a loss to understand you! +Will you please to be explicit?"</p> + +<p>"Well, madam, then I must tell you that I am perfectly +well aware that my wife is entitled to the one-third of two +hundred thousand dollars left by her father. Now, my +dear madam, we are going on a very long and expensive +trip, and may need more than I have in ready money. +Now, that is just the whole truth," said Harry, who had +gotten over his slight embarrassment, and then spoke in a +very business sort of manner.</p> + +<p>Not so Doctor Wadsworth; he seemed very much mortified, +and looked as if he wished he was away from that +scene.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Bennett, I spoke to you about this report, and told +you how false it was, did I not?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, madam; but you see—"</p> + +<p>"You still believe this, even when I again tell you that +neither I nor my daughters have a dollar in the world +beyond the small amount I have now from the sale of my +household effects? I assure you, sir, I speak the truth," +said Mrs. Brownson, in a tone and manner that would +have enforced belief.</p> + +<p>But Harry Bennett said, triumphantly:</p> + +<p>"Madam, I have seen Mr. Brownson's will."</p> + +<p>"<i>That</i> will, my dear sir, is not worth the paper it is written +on. Mr. Brownson was out of his <i>head</i>, and <i>imagined</i> +he was possessed of that sum in bonds and stock. If +you can find any such possession, no one would welcome +it more gladly than I. You can readily prove the +truth."</p> + +<p>Harry Bennett gazed bewildered from his mother-in-law +to Doctor Wadsworth, and then said in a low voice, as if +to himself:</p> + +<p>"Caught and caged."</p> + +<p>"And I am glad of it," exclaimed the doctor, who was +truly glad of anything to end that very embarrassing interview. +"Come, Bennett, we must arrange our trip to suit +the extent of our purse, and be happy with the prizes we +have won."</p> + +<p>"Well, madam, I must say that the old gentleman's will +<i>was</i> worth something. For I'll own up now, it helped +very much to secure you <i>one</i> very nice young man for +your son. I'll speak a word for him, although he has +been <i>done up to a very Brown son!</i> I'm ready now, Wadsworth, +and we won't shorten our trip one mile; for <i>I've</i> got +a fortune, thanks to my old uncle. Yes, and <i>another</i>, I'll +have to admit (there she is now), thanks to her father's +will."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Brownson could not resist a smile. She had no +misgivings about her children's future happiness. If they +had not already secured their husbands' affection, she +knew they would soon; for who could help loving such +lovely girls!</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER STORIES***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 15486-h.txt or 15486-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/4/8/15486">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/4/8/15486</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories + Edna's Sacrifice; Who Was the Thief?; The Ghost; The Two Brothers; and What He Left + + +Author: Frances Henshaw Baden + +Release Date: March 28, 2005 [eBook #15486] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER +STORIES*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Diane Monico, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +EDNA'S SACRIFICE, AND OTHER STORIES + +by + +FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + + EDNA'S SACRIFICE + + WHO WAS THE THIEF? + + THE GHOST + + THE TWO BROTHERS + + WHAT HE LEFT + + + + +EDNA'S SACRIFICE + + +It was a cold night in September. For three days the rain had fallen +almost unceasingly. It had been impossible for us to get out; and no +visitors had been in. Everything looked dreary enough, and we felt so, +truly. Of course the stoves were not prepared for use; and this night +we (that is, Nell, Floy, Aunt Edna, and myself) were huddled in the +corners of the sofa and arm-chairs, wrapped in our shawls. We were at +our wits' end for something to while the hours away. We had read +everything that was readable; played until we fancied the piano sent +forth a wail of complaint, and begged for rest; were at the backgammon +board until our arms ached; and I had given imitations of celebrated +actresses, until I was hoarse, and Nell declared I was in danger of +being sued for scandal. What more could we do? To dispel the +drowsiness that was stealing over me, I got up, walked up and down the +floor, and then drew up the blind, and gazed out into the deserted +street. Not a footfall to be heard, neither man's nor beast's; nothing +but patter, patter, patter. At length, after standing fully fifteen +minutes--oh, joyful sound!--a coming footstep, firm and quick. My +first thought was that those steps would stop at our door. But, +directly after, I felt that very improbable, for who was there that +_would_ come such a night? Papa was up north with mamma; Nell and +Floy were visiting Aunt Edna and me, the only ones home, save the +servants. Neither of us had as yet a lover so devoted or so demented +as to come out, if he had anywhere to _stay in_. + +On and past went the steps. Turning away, I drew down the blind, and +said: "Some one must be ill, and that was the doctor, surely: for no +one else would go out, only those from direst necessity sent." + +A deep sigh escaped Aunt Edna's lips, and although partially shaded by +her hand, I could see the shadow on the beautiful face had deepened. + +Why my aunt had never married was a mystery to me, for she was lovable +in every way, and must have been very beautiful in her youth. +Thirty-six she would be next May-day, she had told me. Thirty-six +seemed to me, just sixteen, a very great many years to have lived. But +aunt always was young to us; and the hint of her being an old maid was +always resented, very decidedly, by all her nieces. + +"Aunt Edna," I said, "tell us a story--a love-story, please." + +"Oh, little one, you have read _so_ many! And what can I tell you +more?" she answered, gently. + +"Oh, aunty, I want a _true_ story! Do, darling aunty, tell us your +own. Tell us why you are blessing our home with your presence, instead +of that of some noble man, for noble he must have been to have won +your heart, and--hush-sh! Yes, yes; I know something about somebody, +and I must know all. Do, please!" + +I plead on. I always could do more with Aunt Edna than any one else. I +was named for her, and many called me like her--"only not nearly so +pretty" was always added. + +At last she consented, saying: + +"Dear girls, to only one before have I given my entire confidence, +and that was my mother. I scarce know why I have yielded to your +persuasions, little Edna, save that this night, with its gloom and +rain, carries me back long years, and my heart seems to join its +pleading with yours, yearning to cast forth some of its fulness, and +perchance find relief by pouring into your loving heart its own +sorrows. But, darling, I would not cast my shadow over your fair brow, +even for a brief time." + +With her hand still shading her face, Aunt Edna began: + +"Just such a night as this, eighteen years ago, dear child, my fate +was decided. The daughter of my mother's dearest friend had been with +us about a year. Dearly we all loved the gentle child, for scarcely +more than child she was--only sixteen. My mother had taken her from +the cold, lifeless form of her mother into her own warm, loving heart, +and she became to me as a sister. So fair and frail she was! We all +watched her with the tenderest care, guarding her from all that could +chill her sensitive nature or wound the already saddened heart. Lilly +was her name. Oh, what a delicate white lily she was when we first +brought her to our home; but after a while she was won from her +sorrow, and grew into a maiden of great beauty. Still, with +child-like, winning ways. + +"Great wells of love were in her blue eyes--violet hue _he_ called +them. Often I wondered if any one's gaze would linger on my dark eyes +when hers were near? Her pale golden hair was pushed off her broad +forehead and fell in heavy waves far down below her graceful shoulders +and over her black dress. Small delicately-formed features, a +complexion so fair and clear that it seemed transparent. In her blue +eyes there was always such a sad, wistful look; this, and the gentle +smile that ever hovered about her lips, gave an expression of mingled +sweetness and sorrow that was very touching. You may imagine now how +beautiful she was. + +"Her mother had passed from earth during the absence of Lilly's +father. Across the ocean the sorrowful tidings were born to him. He +was a naval officer. Lilly was counting the days ere she should see +him. The good news had come, that soon he would be with her. At last +the day arrived, but oh! what a terrible sorrow it brought. When her +heart was almost bursting with joy, expecting every moment to be +clasped in those dear arms--a telegraphic despatch was handed in. +Eagerly she caught it, tore it open, read--and fell lifeless to the +floor. + +"Oh! the fearful, crushing words. We read, not of his coming to Lilly, +but of his going to her, his wife, in heaven. Yes, truly an orphan the +poor girl was then. + +"In vain proved all efforts to restore her to consciousness. Several +times, when she had before fainted, mother was the only physician +needed. But that night she shook her head and said: + +"'We must have a doctor, and quickly.' + +"It was a terrible night. Our doctor was very remote. Your father +suggested another, near by. + +"Dr.----, well, never mind his name. Your father said he had lately +known him, and liked him much. + +"Through the storm he came, and by his skilful treatment Lilly was +soon restored to consciousness, but not to health. A low nervous fever +set in, and many days we watched with fearful hearts. Ah! during those +days I learned to look too eagerly for the doctor's coming. Indeed, he +made his way into the hearts of all in our home. After the dreaded +crisis had passed, and we knew that Lilly would be spared to us, the +doctor told mother he should have to prescribe for me. I had grown +pale, from confinement in the sick-room, and he must take me for a +drive, that the fresh air should bring the roses back to my cheeks. +Willingly mother consented. After that I often went. When Lilly was +able to come down-stairs, this greatest pleasure of my life then was +divided with her. One afternoon I stood on the porch with her, waiting +while the doctor arranged something about the harness. + +"'Oh! _how_ I wish it was my time to go!' she whispered. + +"'Well, darling, it shall be your time. I can go to-morrow. Run, get +your hat and wraps,' I said, really glad to give any additional +pleasure to this child of many sorrows. + +"'No, no, that would not be fair. And, Edna, don't you know that +_to-morrow_ I would be so sorry if I went to-day? I do not mean to be +selfish, but, oh, indeed I cannot help it! I am wishing _every time_ +to go. Not that I care for a ride--' She hesitated, flushed, and +whispered: 'I like to be with my doctor. Don't you, Edna? Oh! I wish +he was my father, or brother, or cousin--just to be with us all the +time, you know.' + +"Just then the doctor came for me, and I had to leave her. As we drove +off I looked back and kissed my hand to her, saying: + +"'Dear little thing! I wish she was going with us.' + +"'I do not,' the doctor surprised me by saying. + +"I raised my eyes inquiringly to his. In those beautiful, earnest eyes +I saw something that made me profoundly happy. I could not speak. +After a moment he added: + +"'She is a beautiful, winning child, and I enjoy her company. But when +with her, I feel as if it was my duty to devote myself entirely to +her--in a word, to take care of her, or, I should say, to care for +_her_ only. And this afternoon, of all others, I do not feel like +having Lilly with us.' + +"That afternoon was one of the happiest of my life. Although not a +word of love passed his lips. I knew it filled his heart, and was for +me. He told me of his home, his relatives, his past life. Of his +mother he said: + +"'When you know her, you will love her dearly.' + +"He seemed to be sure that I should know her. And then--ah, well, I +thought so too, then. + +"Lilly was waiting for us when we returned. He chided her for being +out so late. It was quite dark. Tears filled her eyes as she raised +them to his and said: + +"'Don't be angry. I could not help watching. Oh, why did you stay _so_ +long? I thought you would never come back. I was afraid something had +happened--that the horse had run away, or--' + +"'Angry I could not be with you, little one. But I don't want you to +get sick again. Come, now, smile away your tears and fears! Your +friend is safe and with you again,' the doctor answered. + +"Taking her hand, he led her into the parlor. + +"He had not understood the cause of her tears. Only for him she +watched and wept. + +"'_Do_ stay,' she plead, when her doctor was going. + +"He told her he could not, then; there was another call he must make, +but would return after a while. + +"She counted the minutes, until she should see him again. Never +concealing from any of us how dearly she loved him. She was truly as +guileless as a child of six years. + +"From the first of her acquaintance with him, she had declared 'her +doctor' was like her father. Mother, too, admitted the resemblance was +very decided. + +"This it was, I think, that first made him so dear to her. + +"Several times, after the doctor returned that evening, I saw he +sought opportunity to speak to me, unheard by others. But Lilly was +always near. + +"Ah! it was better so. Better that from his _own_ lips I heard not +those words he would have spoken. Doubly hard would have been the +trial. Oh, that night when he said, 'good-by!' He slipped in my hand a +little roll of paper. As Lilly still stood at the window, watching as +long as she could see him, I stole away to open the paper. Then, for a +while, I forgot Lilly, aye, forgot everything, in my great happiness. +He loved me! On my finger sparkled the beautiful diamond--my +engagement ring--to be worn on the morrow, 'if I could return his +love,' he said. + +"Quickly I hid my treasures away, his note, and the ring--Lilly was +coming. + +"She was not yet strong, and soon tired. I helped her to get off her +clothes, and as she kissed me good-night, she said: + +"'I wish we had a picture of him--don't you?' + +"'Who, dear?' I asked. + +"'My doctor! Who else? You tease. You _knew_ well enough,' she +answered, as she nestled her pretty head closer to mine. + +"Soon she was sleeping and dreaming of him. Sweet dreams at first I +knew they were; for soft smiles flitted over her face. + +"I could not sleep. A great fear stole in upon my happiness. Did not +Lilly love him too? How would she receive the news which soon must +reach her? Was her love such as mine? Such as is given to but one +alone? Or only as a brother did she love him? I must _know_ how it +was. Heaven grant that joy for one would not bring sorrow to the +other, I prayed. I had not long to wait. Her dreams became troubled. +Her lips quivered and trembled, and then with a cry of agony she +started up. + +"'Gone, gone, gone!' she sobbed. + +"It was many minutes ere I succeeded in calming and making her +understand 'twas but a dream. + +"'Oh! but _so_ real, so _dreadfully_ real. I thought he did not care +for me. That he had gone and left me, and they told me he was +married!' + +"Telling this, she began to sob again. + +"'Lilly, dear, tell me truly--tell your sister, your very best +friend--how it is you love your doctor?' I asked. + +"'How?' she returned. 'Oh, Edna, more than all the world! He is all +that I have lost and more; and if he should die, or I should lose him, +I would not wish to live. I _could_ not live. He loves me a little, +does he not, Edna?' + +"I could not reply. Just then there was a terrible struggle going on +in my heart. _That_ must be ended, the victory won ere I could speak. +She waited for my answer and then said, eagerly: + +"'Oh, speak, _do!_ What _are_ you thinking about?' + +"Pressing back the sigh--back and far down into the poor heart--I gave +her the sweet, and kept the bitter part, when I could answer. + +"'Yes, dear, I _do_ think he loves you a little now, and will, +by-and-by, love you dearly. God grant he may!' + +"'Oh, you darling Edna! You have made me so happy!' she cried, kissing +me; and still caressing me she fell asleep. + +"Next morning I enclosed the ring, with only these words: + + "'Forgive if I cause you sorrow, and believe me your true + friend. I return the ring that I am not _free_ to accept.' + +"I intended that my reply should mislead him, when I wrote that I was +not free, and thus to crush any hope that might linger in his heart. +While at breakfast that morning, we received a telegram that grandma +was extremely ill, and wanted me. Thus, fate seemed to forward my +plans. I had thought to go away for a while, I told mother all. How +her dear heart ached for me! Yet she dared not say aught against my +decision. She took charge of the note for the doctor, and by noon I +was on my journey. Two years passed ere I returned home. Mother wrote +me but little news of either Lilly or her doctor after the first +letter, telling that my note was a severe shock and great +disappointment. Three or four months elapsed before grandma was strong +enough for me to leave her. An opportunity at that time presented for +my going to Europe. I wanted such an entire change, and gladly +accepted. Frequently came letters from Lilly. For many months they +were filled with doubts and anxiety; but after a while came happier +and shorter ones. Ah, she had only time to be with him, and to think +in his absence of his coming again. + +"When I was beginning to tire of all the wonders and grandeur of the +old world, and nothing would still the longing for home, the tidings +came they were married, Lilly and her doctor, and gone to his Western +home to take charge of the patients of his uncle, who had retired from +practice. Then I hastened back, and ever since, dear girls, I have +been contented, finding much happiness in trying to contribute to that +of those so dear. Now, little Edna, you have my only love-story, its +beginning and ending." + +"But, aunty, do tell me his name," I said. "Indeed, it is not merely +idle curiosity. I just feel as if I must know it--that it is for +something very important. Now you need not smile. I'm very earnest, +and I shall not sleep until I know. I really felt a presentiment that +if I knew his name it might in some way effect the conclusion of the +story." + +"Well, my child, I may as well tell you. Dr. Graham it was--Percy +Graham," Aunt Edna answered, low. + +"Ah! did I not tell you? It was not curiosity. Listen, aunty mine. +While you were away last winter, papa received a paper from St. Louis; +he handed it to me, pointing to an announcement. But I will run get +it. He told me to show it to you, and I forgot. I did not dream of all +this." + +From my scrap-book I brought the slip, and Aunt Edna read: + + "DIED.--Suddenly, of heart disease, on the morning of the + 15th, Lilly, wife of Doctor Percy Graham, in the 34th year + of her age." + +Aunt Edna remained holding the paper, without speaking, for some +minutes; then, handing it back to me, she said, softly, as if talking +to her friend: + +"_Dear_ Lilly! Thank heaven, I gave to _you_ the _best_ I had to give, +and caused you nought but happiness. God is merciful! Had _he_ been +taken, and you left, how _could_ we have comforted you?" And then, +turning to me, she said: "Nearly a year it is since Lilly went to +heaven. 'Tis strange I have not heard of this." + +"'Tis strange from him you have not heard," I thought; "and stranger +still 'twill be if he comes not when the year is over. For surely he +_must_ know that you are free--" But I kept my thoughts, and soon +after kissed aunty good-night. + +One month passed, and the year was out. And somebody was in our +parlor, making arrangements to carry away Aunt Edna. I knew it was he, +when he met me at the hall door, and said: + +"Edna--Miss Linden! _can_ it be?" + +"Yes and no, sir--both--Edna Linden; but, Doctor Graham, not _your_ +Edna. You will find her in the parlor," I answered, saucily, glad and +sorry, both, at his coming. + +Ah, she welcomed him with profound joy, I know. He knew all; papa had +told him. And if he loved the beautiful girl, he then worshipped that +noble woman. + +"Thank God! Mine at last!" I heard him say, with fervent joy, as I +passed the door, an hour after. + +How beautiful she was, when, a few weeks after, she became his very +own. I stood beside her and drew off her glove. How happy he looked as +he placed the heavy gold circlet on her finger! How proudly he bore +her down the crowded church aisle! + +Ah, little Lilly was no doubt his dear and cherished wife. But _this_ +one, 'twas plain to see was the one love of his life. + + + + +WHO WAS THE THIEF? + + +Fred Loring's toilet was at length completed, and turning from the +glass, he said: + +"Well, I'm off now, Nellie. Good-by." + +"At last! Excuse me, Fred, but just now quietness is more desirable +than your society. It is impossible to get baby to sleep while you are +flying about the room. She sees you, and wants to get to you," +answered Nellie. + +"All right. I'll get out of the way. By-by, baby." + +And kissing the little one, Fred hurried out. + +Ten or fifteen minutes passed. Baby was quiet at last, almost asleep, +when the door opened, and in rushed Fred again. And up started baby, +with a shout of welcome. An impatient look came into Nellie's eyes, +and the tone to her words: + +"Oh, Fred, I had almost gotten her to sleep. And now see! And I am so +tired. What has brought you back so soon? + +"Well, well, I'm sorry. But I left my revolver behind. I guess she'll +soon be quiet again," Fred said, unlocking the drawer and taking out +his revolver. + +"Fred, I declare I never _did_ see such a man. You cannot leave the +house without being armed. Do you forget there is a law against +carrying concealed weapons?" + +"I _remember_ to be on my guard, and prepared to defend myself if it +be necessary. Every day we read accounts of persons being robbed, +knocked down, and such like. I tell you, Nellie, _sensible_ persons go +armed always." + +"Perhaps, Fred. But I think the nervous and suspicious persons are +more likely to. Indeed, I never like to see you carrying off your +revolver. I'm in constant fear of something dreadful happening." + +"But never in dread of any one murdering and robbing me. Of course +not!" Fred snapped forth. + +"Oh, Fred! You are so quick and suspicious of every one, that my great +fear is you'll hurt the wrong person some time!" said Nellie, with a +really anxious look on her pretty face. + +"Indeed I am not aware of ever having gotten hold of the wrong person. +I think you are calling on your imagination for facts, Mrs. Loring!" +Fred said angrily. + +"Now, Fred, to defend myself I shall have to point to facts. Do you +forget catching hold of poor old Uncle Tom, and choking him so he +could not explain he was carrying the clothes to his wife to wash, +instead of being a thief, as you supposed? And--" + +"And will I ever forget your handing me over to a policeman, for +having attempted to pick your pocket in the streetcar?" exclaimed a +bright, merry-looking girl, who entered the room during Nellie's +attempt to defend herself from Fred's accusation. + +"Oh, Fan, don't, for mercy's sake, I cry quarter. Two at a time is +more than I can stand. And besides, I had hoped that you would not +have exposed that miserable mistake!" Fred said, with a reproachful +look. + +"I intended to keep the secret. But really, Fred, I've been almost +dying to have a good laugh with Nellie over it. And to-night the +opportunity was too tempting to resist." + +"Mercy, Fan! If you tell Nellie, I'll never hear the last of it." + +"Oh, I must. It is too late to recede. Nellie will imagine it worse, +if possible, than it really is. But I'll not prolong your agony. I'll +be as brief as possible," said Fannie. + +And amidst the cries of "Don't! don't!" and "Yes, do, do!" Fannie +began. + +"The day I reached here, just as I came out of the depot, I spied my +beloved and respected cousin Fred entering the street car. I hurried +up, and got in immediately after him. Even if my veil had been raised +I could hardly have expected him to know me, as I have changed much in +five years. As it was, my face was completely hidden. The car was much +crowded, many standing--I next behind Fred. I was well laden with lots +of little packages, so the idea struck me to drop a few into Fred's +overcoat pockets. Without discovery I put what I washed into one, and +was about slipping my porte-monnaie into the other, when my hand was +caught with such a grip that I screamed right out. At the same time +Fred exclaimed, 'Here is a pickpocket!' And of course there was a +policeman there, as none was needed. I was too frightened to speak for +an instant. At length I found voice enough to say to the officer, who +was making his way toward me, 'The gentleman will find he is mistaken +in a moment.' + +"After the first fright, I was really amused, notwithstanding the +mortifying situation. By that time Fred had drawn forth my +porte-monnaie. Nodding to the policeman, he said: + +"'An old dodge. Putting into my pocket what she has taken from some +one else. Has any one here lost this?' he asked, holding up my +porte-monnaie. + +"No one claimed it. I managed to get off my veil then, that I had +been tugging at. I had gotten a lady in the depot to tie it tightly +behind, as it was blowing a perfect gale when I arrived. All eyes were +on me then, of course. And the officer, not recognizing an old +offender, and not a very guilty-looking young one, hesitated. I looked +eagerly at Fred, to see if he would not recognize me, but he did not. +There was a very embarrassing pause then, that had to be ended; so I +said, not trying to restrain my smiles: + +"'If you will open that porte-monnaie, Mr. Loring, you will see my +card. I thought my acquaintance would justify my loading you with some +of my bundles. If you will notice, your other pocket is full.' + +"Every one waited eagerly the result. Quickly Fred did my bidding. You +may imagine his look, when he exclaimed: + +"'Fannie Loring! Bless my soul, coz, can you ever forgive me? But how +could I know you? I've not seen you since you were a child.' + +"There was a shout of laughter heard then, in which Fred and I joined. +But Fred's was not a very hearty laugh; and I think he was glad to get +out of that car, for he made me walk at least three times as far as +ever you and I walk when we leave the car." + +Nellie was almost convulsed with laughter, which baby seemed to enjoy +very much. And Fred exclaimed: + +"It was not half as bad as you have made it out, Fan. And just for a +punishment for your laughing so, Nellie, I hope baby will not go to +sleep for hours. I'm off now." + +Merry rippling laughter followed him. And Fred ran down the stairs, +and out of the house, almost hoping somebody might attempt to rob, or +murder him even, so that his revolver might prove of great avail, and +thus silence Nellie, who was ever talking about what she called his +suspicious nature, when it was only necessary caution, he thought. + +Soon baby was sleeping soundly, notwithstanding Fred's wish to the +contrary. And Nellie, putting her into the crib, went to the bureau to +arrange her hair. + +"Why, Fred has gone without his watch!" she exclaimed. "I don't think +he ever did that in his life before. I wonder he has not been back +again before this!" + +The hours passed swiftly by. Fannie, with her merry heart, fully +compensating Nellie for Fred's absence. Eleven o'clock came before +they imagined it near so late. And just then they heard the hall door +close, and a moment after Fred entered the room, and in an excited +voice exclaimed: + +"Now, ladies, perhaps you will admit the good of carrying a revolver, +when I tell you that to-night I have been robbed." + +"Robbed!" exclaimed Nellie and Fannie simultaneously. + +"Yes, robbed. But I did not stay so, many minutes, thanks to my +revolver! Listen, and I'll tell you all about it. On my way home I +turned Gray's corner into Fourteenth street. You know how dark and +dismal it is about there--no lights. Well, as I turned, a fellow came +rushing along, knocked against and nearly sent me down. And saying +quickly, 'Excuse me, sir,' hurried on. I suspected what it was--a +dodge they have when relieving a man of his watch or pocket-book. I +hastened to feel for my watch. It was gone." + +"Why, Fred, your watch--" + +"Stop! Don't interrupt me. Wait until I've done." + +The girls exchanged looks--mirthful first, anxious after. + +"In a second I was after him. Presenting my revolver, I bade him hand +me the watch. He resisted. I covered him with my pistol, and spoke +again in a tone which convinced him I was in a dangerous mood. + +"'Hand me that watch.' + +"Out it came; and without taking a second look at me, he left. And +thanks to my little beauty here," tapping his revolver, "I am home +again, no worse off than when I started. Now, what say you?" + +"Oh, Fred! Oh, my dear, what have you done? Oh, you have robbed that +man of his watch! Yours is on the bureau. You left it home," Nellie +cried, in a voice of real agitation. + +"What? No! Surely not!" exclaimed Fred, growing very red, and starting +toward the bureau. + +Fannie handed to Fred his own watch, at the same time fairly shaking +with the laughter she had tried so hard to suppress. + +"Oh, Fred, forgive me. I'm only human; I must laugh or die." + +Peal after peal came from the merry girl, who could not restrain +herself, although Nellie looked so reproachfully, and Fred really +angrily at her; the former saying: + +"Indeed, Fannie, I'm too much frightened to laugh." + +Fred was too mortified to say another word for some time. At length, +turning to Fannie, who had grown a little quiet, he snappishly said: + +"Pray, don't stop! I'm very happy to afford you so much amusement." + +Of course Fannie began anew; and Nellie trying to stop her by looks +and motions, asked: + +"What shall you do, Fred?" + +"It is not a matter of such vital importance that you need look so +worried, Nellie. I'll go to the police head-quarters, explain the +matter, and leave the watch. That will be the end of it," said Fred, +trying to assume a light, careless tone. + +Nellie hoped it might be the end of it; but still fearful of +something unpleasant, asked: + +"Is it too late to-night to go, Fred?" + +"Certainly it is," Fred answered. + +Seeing Nellie's face still retain its anxious and frightened +expression, Fred broke out laughing himself, saying: + +"You look as much frightened, Nell, as I imagine that man looked when +I went for his watch." + +Next morning Fred was longer than usual getting off from home, and all +Nellie's urging haste seemed to have the tendency to retard instead of +accelerating his motions. But at last, to her great relief, he was +off. After getting a few rods from home, he drew forth the stolen +watch, and found of course it had run down. Having no key to fit it, +he approached a jewelry store, intending to have it wound up. He had +failed to notice the very particular attention with which a policeman +was regarding him. Just as he was about to enter the store, he was +tapped on the shoulder. Turning, he beheld the officer, a total +stranger to Fred, so he knew it was not a bit of use to explain the +case to him. So to attract as little notice as possible, he walked +quietly along with his not very agreeable companion until they reached +the police head-quarters. + +There he began his explanation. All were strange faces around him, on +which he saw unmistakable signs of merriment when he said it was "a +mistake." And to his immense surprise, after he had handed over the +dreadful watch, and was turning to leave, he was made to understand he +was a _prisoner_--the accusation, "Robbery and assault, with intent to +kill!" + +He sank on the bench for a moment, so overwhelmed with surprise and +mortification that he could with difficulty collect his senses enough +to know what to do. Just then a gentleman entered, and said to an +officer near: + +"I was surprised to hear you had caught the rascal so speedily. Where +is the scoundrel? What does he say?" + +"That it was all a _mistake!_" answered the officer, with a very +significant smile. "There he is," pointing to Fred. + +"Of course--the villain! And if I had been so unfortunate as not to +have had a watch to hand over, he would have murdered and robbed me of +what I might have of any value. The murderous rascal!--Ah! how are +you, Loring? You here!" advancing and shaking Fred's hand cordially, +and continuing, "Show me that cut-throat! Which is he?" + +The expression on Fred's countenance may possibly be imagined, but I +cannot describe it. And when, in answer to the call, "Prisoner, stand +up," he arose, his friend's--the plaintiff's--surprise was stupendous +for a moment; and then breaking into a hearty chuckle, he exclaimed: + +"Of course _now_ I know it was a mistake." + +The dignity of the place was forgotten by all then, and never was such +a shout of laughter heard before within those walls. But Fred could +not join in it, to save him. He had too lately stood in the place of +an individual bearing quite too many opprobrious epithets, to feel +very light-hearted. + +He returned home to relieve Nellie's mind, telling her it was all +settled--she need have now no more anxiety about it. But he never told +her how it was settled. One thing, however, she noticed--he was not so +fond of his revolver's companionship as he used to be. And once she +heard him say: + +"If the law was more strenuous with regard to the carrying of +concealed weapons, there would be fewer criminal indictments." + + + + +THE GHOST + + +Peeping through the leaves of the vine-covered bower, and watching +eagerly the path through the woods, was a beautiful little maiden. An +anxious look was in her deep blue eyes, as pressing her hands over her +heart, as if to stop its heavy beating, she said: + +"Oh, why does he not come? How long a time! If he had good news, I +know he would come quicker. Oh, I have not a mite of hope!" + +The pretty lips quivered then, and she stepped back, and sank on the +mossy seat. + +A moment after a sound, slight as the dropping of leaves, caught her +ear. She sprang up, and for an instant a bright light shone in her +eyes, but quickly died away, as the slow, heavy step came nearer, +bringing to sight a tall, noble-looking young man, whose face, if less +stern, would have been very handsome. + +Without speaking, he clasped her outstretched hand and drew her within +his arms, shaking his head sadly. + +"I felt it was so, or you would have come sooner," the maiden said, +resting her head against his shoulder. + +"I had little, if any, hope, Susie. I went this last time because you +bade me to." + +"What did father say, Frank?" + +"Over and over the same old story of having, since your babyhood, +intended you to be the wife of his friend's son. Oh, if I were +wealthier, it would be all right, I know," Frank said, his dark eyes +flashing. + +"Don't talk so, dear, please. I do not like to hear you impute a wrong +motive to my father. I will never, never listen for one moment to any +words of love from George Forrester, or any other man but you, Frank. +So you may be sure, if papa will not let me marry you, I will never +marry at all," Susie said, her eyes full of tears, looking up to his. + +"Susie, I have made three appeals to your father during the year past; +each time finding him, if possible, more determined to oppose our +happiness. I will _never_ humiliate myself again, and he will _never_ +yield. Now what will you do?" + +"Wait, hope and pray. I can do nothing more," Susie answered, in a +tearful voice. + +"Yes, Susie, darling, you can, and secure our immediate happiness. You +can come with me, be my own true wife, love." + +"No--no--_no_. I _can_not. I should not secure our happiness. I should +be miserable, and make you so." + +"_Then_ I have nothing more to hope for. He will not give you to me, +and you will not come. Oh, Susie, how can you send me off? You know +you are all the world to me! If I lose you, I lose everything. I am +alone in the world. There are many loved ones to comfort your father, +until he comes to his better nature and calls you back to his heart. +Susie, am I to leave you forever?" + +The beautiful dark eyes were looking into his, filled with so much +love. How could she resist? + +"No--no. I shall die, if you leave me--never to come again! Oh, what +_am_ I to do? I love you better than my own life, Frank, indeed I do! +But, father--oh, how can I desert him? He loves me more than the +other children. I am the oldest, his first child, and so like what +mother was. That is _why_ he loves me so. And now _she_ has gone, I +_should_ stay--" + +"And break your heart and mine, too, Susie?" + +"If I thought, Frank, you would not mind it very long--" + +"You would give me up! And, in time, get into your father's way of +thinking, and end by marrying the man he wants you to," Frank said, +withdrawing his arm and turning away with a great sigh. + +"Oh, Frank, how _can_ you talk to me so?" + +"Well, Susie, it is useless prolonging our sorrow. I had better say +good-by, and go forever." + +"No, no, Frank, dear love. Oh! what am I to do?" + +"Be happy, my own, and make me so. Be my wife before I return to W---. +Go with me. Susie, your mother loved me. I know, if here, she would +plead for me." + +"Yes, she loved you, and perhaps in her blessed home she will pity me, +and win for me forgiveness, alike from heavenly as earthly father, if +longer my heart cannot resist my love," Susie sobbed, dropping her +golden head on her lover's bosom and promising all he wished. + +"The last night at home," she said. "On the morrow I must go forth, to +return no more, the loving, dutiful child. Should he ever consent to +have me come back, I can never be again what I once was to his heart. +I shall have broken the trust he held in me," Susie moaned. + +Tenderly the brother and sister were ministered to, her hand resting +on each little head, as their lisping voices followed hers in the +evening prayer. Willie and Emma arose, their demure faces lifted to +receive the good-night kiss. But Rosie, the two-and-a-half-year baby, +the dying mother's sacred charge, wound her tiny arms about the elder +sister, and with baby-like perversity hung on, lisping: + +"Now Susu pay, too. _Pease_, Susu. Do!" + +The baby plead; and Susie, raising her eyes to Rosie's, felt mother, +not far away, but near, _very_ near, and pleading through her child. + +The sunny head was dropped again, and Susie prayed--even as Rosie had +begged her. Prayed for guidance to the better way. + +Three pair of little pattering feet were resting. Three rosy faces +pressed the downy pillow, and Susie's evening task was done. + +Gently she stole away. + +"I will go to father myself, to-night. I will plead with him until he +must yield," Susie said, as cautiously closing, the door of the +nursery she entered her own room. + +The evening was oppressive, and Susie's black dress became very +uncomfortable. Flitting about, guided by the moonbeams, she sought for +something of lighter texture. The mourning robe was laid aside, and a +dress, white and fleecy, wrapped her slender form. The clustering +ringlets were smoothed back, and rolled in a heavy coil high on the +back of her head. + +"Now I will go down. Father will be alone at this hour, and--" She +paused, raised her sweet eyes upward, and clasping her hands she +murmured, "Mother in heaven, plead for me." + +Noiselessly she opened the door and glanced into the room. Her father +sat with his back toward her, leaning on a table over which were +scattered books and papers. In his hand he held the picture of her +mother. She drew back a little, still, however, standing within the +door. She dared not interrupt the sacred privacy of the hour. The +rustle of her garments, light as it was, must have caught his ear, for +his bowed head was raised. + +"Mary! my wife! my own!" he cried, starting forward, with extended +arms. "Thank God for granting me one glimpse of you again!" + +Susie, awed and trembling, raised her eyes to see clothed as in life, +the same sweet, gentle face, the rippling hair, caught back from the +smooth, clear brow. + +"Mother!" she breathed forth. + +The room was lighted only by the moonbeams; but the vision was plainly +seen. Another eager glance, and Susie stole away to her own room, and +sank almost fainting into her mother's chair. A little while, and +grown calmer, she opened her eyes, to see again, directly in front of +her, the same vision. + +She started forward, stretching out her arms, and calling softly, +"Mother." + +Nearer--nearer she drew, until, face to face, she stood beside the +large mirror in front of which she had seated herself. + +Unwittingly in one of her mother's dresses she had robed herself, and +gathered her curls in the manner her mother was accustomed to. + +"How very, very like her I am! Yes, now I know: father saw me in the +mirror opposite which I stood. Well, I will not break his sweet +delusion. I meant it not, Heaven knows. Oh, if mother could only come +to him--in dreams, perhaps--to plead for me! I cannot desert him, I +cannot; I _dare_ not! But Frank--oh, how can I give him up! I will +give up neither, but clinging to both loved ones, will trust to Heaven +for a happy decision." + +With this determination she sank to sleep, sweet and undisturbed. + +Early next morning, as usual, she was in the breakfast-room, +ministering to the little ones clustering around her. The father's +frown had lost its accustomed sternness, as he stood regarding his +eldest child. A gentle, sympathetic light was in his eyes as they +rested on the sweet face grown older, much, in those days of anxious +care. How matronly she looked! So patiently listening to, and +answering every wish of the little ones. + +At last they were all satisfied; and Susie seeing, as she thought, her +father deeply interested in the morning paper, stole away to the +trysting-place. + + * * * * * + +"I cannot leave him, Frank. _Indeed, I never_ can without his blessing +resting on me. No, no!" she cried, as she saw the disappointed and +stern expression of her lover's face, "I have tried, in vain, to make +my mind up to it. How can I give up either? loving you both so well." + +"You have trifled with me, Susie; you have broken your promise, too. +You will, most likely, never see me after this morning, if I go from +you. Are you determined?" + +"Yes, dear, dear Frank, I am determined not to go unless father +blesses and bids me go. I will trust my happiness to him, and God, who +ruleth all things," Susie answered, looking very sorrowful, +notwithstanding her faith. + +"Then, good-by." + +She raised her face, pale and pleading, to his: + +"Kiss me good-by, Frank, and say, 'God bless me,' please," she +whispered. + +He did as she pleaded, but there was an injured air in his manner. As +he parted from her, she sprang after him, crying: + +"Forgive me, Frank, if I have wounded you. Know that to me it is +worse. One little parting look of love, darling!" + +"Oh, Susie, how can you?" He pressed her again to his heart, looked +lovingly enough: but his eyes, as plain as words could, repeated +Tennyson's lines: + + "Trust me all in all, + Or not at all." + +And, determined to make one more appeal, he said: + +"Susie, darling! love! trust me for happiness. You will never repent +it. Come!" + +"No, no. Go!" + +He turned off quickly, angrily then; and Susie sank, sobbing, on the +grass. + +"My daughter!" + +She raised her eyes, heavy with tears. Beside her, with a sad but kind +and gentle face, her father stood. With him, a puzzled, doubtful +expression on his features, her lover. + +"Oh, Frank, I am so--so glad to see you again!" she cried, with as +much joy beaming in her eyes as though their parting had been for +years. + +"Yes; as it is so very long since you saw him last!" her father said, +with a pleasant smile. + +"I feared it would be for years, perhaps forever," Susie said, in a +low voice, anxiously regarding her father, and longing to beg an +immediate explanation of her lover's return. + +"My daughter, what did you intend to do after sending off this young +man? Be a dutiful child, and wed as I wish you?" + +"Never, never, father! I intend to be dutiful only so far as not +wedding against your wishes, that is all--to leave the future to God, +only praying constantly that some blessed influence may be sent to +change your mind and heart," Susie answered, raising her eyes to his, +filled with earnest determination. + +"Your prayers must have commenced already, my child. Some influence +hath surely been sent--some blessed influence, I truly believe. Yes, +my child, you will wed to please your father. Here, Frank, take her. I +ought to scold you for trying to coax her from me. I heard it all this +morning. But I forgive you for her sake, and bless you, too, boy, for +the sake of the one in heaven who loved you. There, there, daughter, +don't choke me with your kisses. Take her off, Frank, and make her +happy. She is a good child, and will make a true and loving wife. God +bless you both, my children!" + +And so ended Susie's intended elopement. + + + + +THE TWO BROTHERS + + +"Ah here we are!" said pleasant voice, as the driver, having jumped +from his seat, opened the carriage door. + +"Yes, sir, I think so. This is the street and number--244 or 246, +which did you say?" + +"'Pon my word, I've forgotten, and lost the card," answered the +pleasant voice. + +"The name, sir? I'll inquire." + +"Never mind. I'll take a look at both houses, and see if I cannot +decide. I'm earlier than expected, so I can look well before they come +out to welcome me. Just dump my luggage down on the sidewalk, and make +off for another job," said the old gentleman, handing the fare to the +man, who soon after drove off. + +"Well, here are two cottages alike, and very unlike, too. This one is +Charley's home, I know. Why? Because it is newly painted. The fencing +all in perfect order. The grounds, although very limited, are prettily +fixed up. Flowers and vines--ah, I like the looks of this place! And +I'm sure I'm right in fixing it in my mind as Charley's. Some +don't-carish fellow lives there--loves his pipe, cigars and wine, may +be, better than his home, wife and children. Dear, dear! how those +blinds are suffering for a coat of paint! A few dollars would make +that fence all right. How different that entrance would look with a +little rustic seat like this one! I wonder that fellow does not notice +how much he might improve his place, if he only did as Charley. But +here comes the servant. I'll get her to let me in." + +"Rather sooner than you expected me, ain't it? Folks not up yet? Just +go back and open the door, my girl; let me in, and then tell Mr. +Charles Mayfield that his uncle has come!" + +"Oh, sir, you mistake! It is _next_ door Mr. Charles Mayfield lives," +answered the girl. + +"Next door? No; _you_ mistake, surely. My nephew Charley can't live +there!" + +"Yes, sir. But his--" What the girl was going to say was stopped by a +jovial voice in the next door, calling out: "Uncle, here! How are +you?" And a moment more the pleasant old gentleman was caught by both +hands and drawn along to the next house. His nephew Charley saying: +"I'm so delighted to see you! Come in!" + +Into the parlor he was carried, and seated in a very comfortable +arm-chair. The interior was more inviting than the outside. It told +very plainly that the wife did her duty toward making everything as +nice as possible; in a word, making the best of her means. + +A very short time after a sweet-faced little woman entered, and was +presented by Charley, saying: + +"Here is your niece, uncle." + +The old gentleman received her welcome greeting by a return of real +affection. His heart warmed immediately to his nephew's wife. She bore +the traces of beauty which had been chased away by an over-amount of +care, the uncle very soon felt sure. There was an unmistakable look of +weariness and anxiety in her eyes. + +Very soon Nellie, as Charley called her, excused herself, and went +out, saying she had a very inexperienced servant, and had to oversee +and assist her in her work. + +Breakfast was announced, which was one that Uncle Hiram enjoyed, +notwithstanding the feeling which was uppermost in his mind, that the +strong, fragrant coffee, the delicate rolls, and the steak which was +cooked just as it should be, in a word, all that was so nice, was the +result of Nellie's skilful hands. And she looked so tired and heated +when she sat down to do the honors of her table. Again Uncle Hiram +noticed that constantly her eyes wandered from the table to a door +which entered the next room, which was partially opened. Her ear +seemed strained to catch every sound. At length a little, feeble wail +told the cause of her anxiety. + +"Will you excuse me a moment, uncle?" she asked, and continued: "Our +babe was quite sick all night, and I feel anxious about her." + +A moment or so after Nellie withdrew, the servant came in, bringing a +fresh supply of hot rolls. Then Uncle Hiram had a chance of seeing the +help Nellie had with her many duties--a half-grown girl. + +"Inexperienced, truly, inefficient and insufficient," said the kind +old man to himself; and he made a note of that on the tablets of his +heart. + +Soon Nellie came back, looking much relieved, and said, smiling: + +"She seems much better this morning. How these little ones fill our +heart with anxiety! I was up with her all night!" + +Down went another note on Uncle Hiram's tablets. Awake all night with +a sick baby, and up cooking breakfast in the morning! No wonder her +youth and beauty have been chased away, poor, weary, over-worked +mother! + +"Who lives next door, Charley?" asked his uncle, after they had +withdrawn from the breakfast-room. + +"Why, I have a surprise for you--Henry lives there." + +"Henry! Henry who?" + +"Why, Henry Mayfield, my brother." + +"No! Why, the last time I heard from him he was in St. Louis." + +"Well, he is here now, and has been for five months. His wife's +relatives are all here. And so he having been offered a position in +the same firm with me, accepted it. We agreed to keep it as a pleasant +little surprise for you." + +"Well, I'm glad of it." + +Just as Uncle Hiram said so the object of their conversation came in. + +Henry Mayfield was not the jovial, merry fellow that Charley was, and +not likely to be so generally a favorite. But there was an earnestness +and determination in his bearing that inspired respect immediately. + +"Come, uncle! Go in with me to see my wife and little ones," said +Henry, after sitting and talking a while. "We have a half hour yet +before business requires us, and then, if you like, we will go down +town together." + +Henry's parlor, into which he ushered his uncle, was furnished better +than his brother's; but still it was not so prettily arranged--the +"woman's touch" was not so plainly visible. Immediately Henry's wife +came in to welcome her husband's uncle. + +She was a bright little woman, not near so delicately featured as +Nellie; but with a youthful, well-preserved look, an easy, quiet, +peaceful air about her that made Uncle Hiram feel quite sure, if he +stayed her guest a month, it would not put her out a bit. If any extra +care or worry came, it was not to her. Some one else's mind and hands +would have to overcome any difficulties. + +"Henry, dear, have our boy brought in to see his uncle," she said. + +"Ah, ha!" thought Uncle Hiram, "I see--the shoulders best able to bear +the burden of family cares have it. Just as it should be!" + +A few moments, and the baby-boy was brought in by the nurse and +presented to the uncle. Baby, like his mother, looked happy and +healthy. + +When they were about leaving for down town, Uncle Hiram heard Henry +say: + +"Ada, please order the cook to delay dinner an hour to-day. I've +business which will delay me so long." + +"Very well," was the smiling reply. + +"A cook and a nurse. That is why Ada looks so calm, healthy and happy. +_Just_ as it _should_ be. Poor little, patient, over-worked Nellie! I +_wonder_ how it is, both having equal means. I must find out what the +trouble is," said Uncle Hiram to himself. + +Now, Charley was not a drinking man, his uncle felt sure. He knew, +indeed, that when he first grew to manhood he had vowed never to touch +rum in any form. + +The dinner at Charley's was better, if possible, than the breakfast. +It was a real treat to the old bachelor, whose life was spent in a +boarding-house, to partake of such good, healthy fare as Nellie gave +him. But always he felt like partaking of it under protest. +Nellie--little, weary, tired Nellie--ever filled his mind and heart. +At dinner Charley brought forth his _ale_, declaring it to be "the +very best in town." And after dinner his cigars, "none finer to be +found," he said. + +Now, Uncle Hiram could partake of both without serious disadvantage +either to his health or purse. But caring very little for either, he +seldom used them. During the evening several gentlemen friends came in +to call on Charley's uncle, and again ale and cigars were put out. + +Uncle Hiram went to calculating. Ale, fifty cents, at least, that day; +sometimes less, sometimes more. Make the average half as +much--twenty-five cents. Cigars always as much; frequently, as _that_ +day, treble the amount. In a month it would sum up, to the very +lowest, fifteen dollars. And who could tell how much more? What would +not that money, worse than lost, have secured for Charley's wife and +children? + +Rest, health, peace and length of days, most likely. + +Now, Uncle Hiram knew well enough how it was Charley did not have +things beautiful without and around his premises, and why Nellie's +weary mind and tired hands could not have help and rest. + +But, next, he must find out how it was that with Henry things were so +very different. + +The following day Uncle Hiram dined with Henry. Everything was +excellent and well cooked; and Ada sat at the head of the table, with +an easy, quiet grace, which perfectly relieved Uncle Hiram's mind from +any care for her. He knew very well Ada's husband sought in every way +to relieve her of all unnecessary care and anxiety. After dinner came +tea and coffee--nothing more. When they retired from the table Henry +said: + +"Uncle, would you like a cigar or pipe? I'll get you one in a few +moments, if you say so." + +"And will you join me?" asked his uncle. + +"I do not use either. I care not for the weed, and think it better not +to cultivate a taste," answered Henry. + +"You are right, my boy--and how about wine or ale?" + +"Nothing of the kind, uncle." + +"Total abstinence, is it, Henry?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I knew you were a temperate man, as is Charley. But he takes his +ale, I notice," said Uncle Hiram. + +"Yes, I wish he did not; a man has no idea how such little things, as +he thinks them, draw upon his purse." + +"I know, I know!" said Uncle Hiram. And he no longer wondered at the +difference in Charley's and Henry's style of living. And so he had a +good talk with Charley, and showed him how Henry, with the same +salary, could keep two servants and beautify his home, and he not be +able "to keep his head above water," to use his own expression. + +"Yes, my boy, the cause is just this--the difference between +_temperance_ and _total_ abstinence. You'll try it now, will you not, +for your wife's sake?" said Uncle Hiram. + +"Indeed I will, sir, and with many thanks to you for opening my eyes," +answered Charley, who really loved his wife, but was thoughtless, and +never for a moment had considered himself at all responsible for +Nellie's failing health, strength and beauty. + +When Uncle Hiram's next visit was made, he saw, before he entered the +house, that Charley had kept his word. And when Nellie's joyous +greeting was sounding in his ear he knew then that all was "just as it +should be" with Nellie, as well as Ada. And the grateful little wife +knew to whom she was indebted for the happy change, and blessed Uncle +Hiram for it. + + + + +WHAT HE LEFT + + + "I know not of the truth, d'ye see, + I tell the tale as 'twas told to me." + +Mark Brownson was dying, slowly, but surely, so the physician told his +wife, and advised that if he had any business to settle, it should not +be delayed. + +"He is sinking, and even now I see his mind is, at times, a little +clouded. However, I suppose there is nothing of importance that he +should consider," said the doctor. + +"He has made no will," said Mrs. Brownson, + +"Is that necessary? I did not know--" + +"I think it is very necessary, doctor, for his children's welfare. Not +that I think it at all likely there can be any contest about what Mr. +Brownson has. Yet to provide against any future troubles, it would be +prudent, I think." + +The good doctor assented, but looked much surprised. + +And well he might. No one imagined old Mark Brownson had anything to +will. But he was a very eccentric man; and the economical style of his +establishment was likely one of his notions. + +"Are you suffering much pain now, Mark?" asked Mrs. Brownson, a few +moments after, when she was seated at her husband's bedside. + +"Yes, yes; give me my composing draught--the opium--anything to +relieve me," answered the suffering man. + +His wife obeyed, and after his groaning and restlessness had ceased, +she said: + +"I want to talk to you, Mark. Can you listen now?" + +A nodded assent gave her permission to proceed. + +"Do you not think it would be as well for you to express your wishes +with regard to the disposition of your stocks and other effects? You +may outlive me, Mark, and this thing not be necessary, still I think +it better to attend to such business," said Mrs. Brownson, closely +watching the effect her words might have on the sufferer. + +She had feared possibly they might shock him severely, but depending +much on the favorable influence of the opiate, she had ventured on the +business she considered so important. + +A look of satisfaction replaced the anxiety of a moment before. She +had no longer cause for fear. Calmly Mark Brownson heard her +suggestion, and said, in a feeble voice: + +"What have I to will?" + +"Why, dear, you forget. Your long sickness and the opium--no wonder! +There is the stock in the 'Liverpool Steamship Company,' and that in +the 'Australian Mining Company.' Surely you have not forgotten your +large amount in our State bonds? And how much you have in 'Fire and +Life Insurance stock' I cannot just remember now. However, by +reference to the papers I can tell." + +Again she watched her husband's face. It only expressed a rather +puzzled brain, as though he was trying to remember. + +"You have such papers? I cannot think," he said. + +"Don't try to, dear. It is not necessary. I will just look over your +papers, and make a statement; and when I read them over to you in +presence of the lawyer, you can assent. You wish an equal division +between myself and our daughters, I know. Is it not so?" + +"Yes, yes. You are always right," murmured her husband. + +"There, dear, go to sleep now. Some time when you are easy we will fix +this," said Mrs. Brownson. + +And the next day, at an hour when she knew her husband's mind was best +prepared, a lawyer was summoned, and a statement of stocks and bonds +to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars placed before him, and +Mark Brownson expressed his wish to have an equal division of his +effects made between his wife and two children. + +The will was made, and duly signed and witnessed by two of the nearest +neighbors and the only domestic, a worthy woman who had been with Mrs. +Brownson for many years. + +A few days more, and Mark Brownson had passed from earth. + +Many wondered at the very quiet and unostentatious style of the last +services for him; but the widow had said: + +"In death it shall be with him as he always preferred in life." + +And then when all was over, and the summer months were coming, Mrs. +Brownson sold out the modest little establishment, and, with her +daughters and their faithful servant, went to board by the seashore, +at a very fashionable resort; but, of course, not to mingle in the gay +festivities of the season, only to recruit her health, which was very +much impared by long attention to her suffering husband, and to have +the girls escape the heat and dust of the city. + +A few days after they were settled in their new abode, Mrs. Brownson +said to her attendant: + +"Margaret, you were very much surprised by hearing Mr. Brownson's +will." + +"Oh, yes, ma'am, indeed I was." + +"Well, Margaret, I do not wish you to mention anything about it down +here. Mr. Brownson, you know, never let it be known to the world. And +so it must be for the present. I do not wish my daughters to be +married for anything but their own good qualities. They are good and +beautiful enough to marry well, without having any other inducements +for suitors. Now, Margaret, you know just how I feel, and what I +mean?" said the anxious mother. + +"Certainly I do! And I feel as much concerned about my beautiful young +ladies as you do, ma'am. Never fear but I will look out for their +interest," answered the worthy woman. + +And to do as she said, to the best of her understanding, Margaret set +out for a walk on the beach, with some of the other servants and their +escorts, the waiters from the hotel. And before the next noon it was +well known what a good chance there was for two young men to win as +beautiful wives as ever were seen, to say nothing of the other greater +attractions. + +And very soon the sisters, Maud and May, were objects of universal +observation. Yet it was very difficult to get an introduction, the +young gentlemen all found; for the widow kept the beautiful girls very +much secluded. + +Numberless were the delicate attentions paid them, in the way of +bouquets, books, and so on, sent by Margaret; and several cards to +Mrs. Brownson, with the request for an introduction, accompanied by +references--among which came those of Vernon Wadsworth and Harry +Bennett. + +The first one Mrs. Brownson knew well by reputation. He was a young +physician of very fine promise, and, being of one of the best +families in the State, she considered him worthy of her attention. The +other, she had heard since her arrival there, was the possessor of a +very fair amount of worldly goods, the life-long accumulation of an +old miser uncle. So, from the many aspirants, Mrs. Brownson selected +these two to present to her daughters. + +Just at this time, Doctor Alton, Mrs. Brownson's friend and the +physician who had attended her husband, arrived at the sea-shore; and +through him, without any more trouble or waiting the mother's +pleasure, young Doctor Wadsworth obtained an introduction, and +presented his friend, Bennett. + +And although both of these young men did their best to keep back all +others by various manoeuvres, many more became acquainted with the +lovely sisters, who soon, much to their own surprise, became decidedly +the belles of that resort. + +Carefully Mrs. Brownson had guarded her secret from her girls, +fearing, perhaps, it would have a prejudicial effect, changing their +sweet, unassuming manner, which was one of their greatest charms; or, +perhaps, for other motives best known to herself. + +Although Doctor Wadsworth and young Bennett very much feared the +approach of other suitors, it was quite needless, for the girls were +best pleased with the first who had sought them and drawn them forth +from their seclusion. + +The older one, Maud, a brilliant brunette, received with undisguised +pleasure the devoted attention of Harry Bennett; while gentle little +May, so fair and timid, always greeted the handsome doctor by a rosy +flush suffusing her beautiful face; and then, from a shy, quick glance +from the eyes, that had drooped at his approach, he would see the glad +light that told how welcome his coming was. + +"We must win them, now, doctor; you see how much they are admired and +sought here. What will it be when they are out of their mourning robes +and in the gayeties of the city? This is our best chance. What say +you?" asked young Bennett, a fortnight after their introduction. + +"Say! That the very idea of even losing _sight_ of that gentle, +beautiful May for a day, fills my heart with misgiving and great +anxiety. I tell you, I began this affair rather in fun--" + +"You mean _after funds_, perhaps!" interrupted Bennett. + +A flush suffused Doctor Wadsworth's face for an instant, and he +answered: + +"Well, I'll admit that is not at all objectionable; but really, now +that I know May Brownson, I would not be willing to resign her to +another man, even if she had not a dollar in the world." + +There was an expression about Harry Bennett's mouth that looked as if +his lips wanted to say: "I don't believe you"--only they did not just +dare to. Harry Bennett was as much in love as he could be with any one +other than himself, still he was not going to leap without looking. +So, after learning a little more than he had already heard from +Margaret, he was called, very urgently, to the city. After an absence +of only two days he was back again, and stated to Doctor Wadsworth his +knowledge of Mark Brownson's possessions. That evening Mrs. Brownson +received proposals for both of her daughters. + +She must consider the matter, and consult with her friends, the +prudent mother thought and said to the anxious suitors. + +This made them each more determined to secure the prize. + +"Dear May, plead with your mother for me!" said the ardent young +doctor. + +"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the gentle girl. + +"After a while! Why not now? I am going away next month for a long +time. I cannot leave you, May. Would you wish me to?" + +May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading eyes to her +mother. + +It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest weapon. A +separation was dreaded by both mother and daughter, and each for +different reasons. And then it was an easier thing for Harry Bennett +to obtain the mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time. + +Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a private interview +with her prospective sons-in-law. The girls were sent from the room, +and then Mrs. Brownson said: + +"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish rumor may +have reached your ears respecting the wealth possessed by my +daughters, and that--excuse me, but I must allude to it--this may in a +measure have influenced your selecting them from the many young girls +here--" + +"Oh, madam!" both men exclaimed simultaneously. + +"If I tell you they have nothing but their pure hearts and loving +natures, will you not be disappointed?" + +"No, madam. How can you judge me so?" exclaimed both. + +"I am glad it is so. I would not have you marry my daughters under +false impressions." + +"When May is mine, I shall think I have secured the most valuable +fortune any man can have," said the doctor, with a really honest look +in his eyes. + +"When Maud is mine, I shall _know_ I have secured _all_ I would wish," +added Harry Bennett, with rather a sly twinkle in his eyes. + +And so it was agreed that they should be united there, and after a +very private wedding leave for an extensive bridal tour. + +"The old fox! Is she not a sly one? She thought to throw us off, I do +believe. But _I_ am as bright as she," said Harry Bennett, after the +interview. + +"Really, Bennett, that is not a very respectful way of speaking of the +mother of your promised wife," replied Doctor Wadsworth. + +"Well, no; you are right. But just to think of her talking so to us!" +answered Harry, with an air of injured pride. + +The ceremony was over. After an acquaintance of less than six weeks, +Doctor Wadsworth and Harry Bennett had won their wives. + +And while the brides had retired to change their dress for the +travelling-suit, the happy young husbands requested to speak a moment +with their mother-in-law. + +"Indeed _you_ must speak; I will not," said Doctor Wadsworth, in a low +tone, as he closed the door, and with Bennett approached Mrs. +Brownson. + +After a moment's hesitation, Harry Bennett said: + +"Now, Mrs. Brownson, that we have proved our sincerity and real love +for your daughters, there is no reason for any longer concealment." + +"About what, sir?" asked his mother-in-law. + +"Come, my dear madam; this is entirely useless. You have tried and +proved us. Now to business." + +"Really, Mr. Bennett, I am at a loss to understand you! Will you +please to be explicit?" + +"Well, madam, then I must tell you that I am perfectly well aware that +my wife is entitled to the one-third of two hundred thousand dollars +left by her father. Now, my dear madam, we are going on a very long +and expensive trip, and may need more than I have in ready money. +Now, that is just the whole truth," said Harry, who had gotten over +his slight embarrassment, and then spoke in a very business sort of +manner. + +Not so Doctor Wadsworth; he seemed very much mortified, and looked as +if he wished he was away from that scene. + +"Mr. Bennett, I spoke to you about this report, and told you how false +it was, did I not?" + +"Oh, yes, madam; but you see--" + +"You still believe this, even when I again tell you that neither I nor +my daughters have a dollar in the world beyond the small amount I have +now from the sale of my household effects? I assure you, sir, I speak +the truth," said Mrs. Brownson, in a tone and manner that would have +enforced belief. + +But Harry Bennett said, triumphantly: + +"Madam, I have seen Mr. Brownson's will." + +"_That_ will, my dear sir, is not worth the paper it is written on. +Mr. Brownson was out of his _head_, and _imagined_ he was possessed of +that sum in bonds and stock. If you can find any such possession, no +one would welcome it more gladly than I. You can readily prove the +truth." + +Harry Bennett gazed bewildered from his mother-in-law to Doctor +Wadsworth, and then said in a low voice, as if to himself: + +"Caught and caged." + +"And I am glad of it," exclaimed the doctor, who was truly glad of +anything to end that very embarrassing interview. "Come, Bennett, we +must arrange our trip to suit the extent of our purse, and be happy +with the prizes we have won." + +"Well, madam, I must say that the old gentleman's will _was_ worth +something. For I'll own up now, it helped very much to secure you +_one_ very nice young man for your son. I'll speak a word for him, +although he has been _done up to a very Brown son!_ I'm ready now, +Wadsworth, and we won't shorten our trip one mile; for _I've_ got a +fortune, thanks to my old uncle. Yes, and _another_, I'll have to +admit (there she is now), thanks to her father's will." + +Mrs. Brownson could not resist a smile. She had no misgivings about +her children's future happiness. If they had not already secured their +husbands' affection, she knew they would soon; for who could help +loving such lovely girls! + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDNA'S SACRIFICE AND OTHER STORIES*** + + +******* This file should be named 15486.txt or 15486.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/4/8/15486 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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