South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1853-06-03

me. But 1t is so strange about Katie =
What in the world did she want to 90
there for ? and sinking back upon the soft
cushions, as unconcernedly as though there
were no sorrow in the world, continued
the thrilling novel upon whose page were
marks Of tears, shed over imaginary woe.
Far different with Katie. Oh how tire
less she was-a ministering spirit in the
sick room. Her hands decidedly too large
and coarse as Miss Julia had compassion
ately termed them, moved softly over the
fevered forehead Of the sick man. Ever
at his side was she, with no though. in her
loving heart but hsw she might ease his
suffering. And when the faint light in
the room fell upon his closed eyelids, and
over that pale high brow, and wasted form,
she would kneel al the bedside and implore
heaven that he might be saved.
Hour by hour when the fever was high
she bent above him delighted as child
whcnhe would call her Julia. No roman
tic affection, no jealousy disturbed her gen
tie heart; she was doing good deed for
the pure love of goodness-nor once did
this humble girl think Of herself as an e.
quail of either Julia or the lawyer.
Day alter day, though her strength grew
less, did she continue devotedly by the sick
couch, alternating with the feeble mother
in discharging her arduous duties. The
Crisis came-passed.
He is saved said the doctor; but only
by the most unremitting care, under God,
ne continued, casting glance Of admira-
tion at poor Katie, who overcome with
watching and joy, fell weeping like an in
fant into the arms Of the grateful mother.
tHow delicious this tastes,' murmured
Frank in very feeble tones, 'bu! mother,'
he continued, pushing slightly away the
plate and the orange, i may surely see
Julia now.'
'She is not here, my son., said the lady
softly.
'but somebody is here,' and with ner-
vous movement he parted the curtain be-
fore Katie could escape.
'Why Katie, as live! Come here child
you are looking pale, Katie he said ten
derly taking her hand, you are quite pale
little Katie; your roses are all gone; have
you been sick too1 Sit down here, and
tell me all about Julia-is she we'll How
kind she was to nurse me during all my
sickness
Katie's cheeks were as crimson now, as
they were white before. Her lip quiver-
ed too, and she cast timid glance towards
his mother. In her bright e yes tears were
gathering, and they did not escape the
young mans observation.
'For heavens sake tell me- he exclailn-
ed, SIS Julia sick did she take the fever 2
Neither sick w, nor has she been,'
said bis.mother gravely. 1T is best to tell
you at once that while you was i'll, she
sometimes formally inquired for you at
tended two balls and never came near the
house,
sMother you would not deceive me :;
surely saw her: surely she was here by
my side--her hand in mine.'
sNo, Frank, / repeat it; she has not
called-scarcely sent here since your first
attack. Katie has been your good angel
for five long we.ks.'
He glanced once at the sweet girl his
eyes filled with tears, but his lip was griev-
ed. He drew the curtains silently toee-
ther, and turned his face to the wall.
After that day he said little about Julia.
He would lay watching Katie as she sat
by his mother, and often when they look
ed up, the grieved expression was upon
his lip.
New Years morning came, clear, beau
tiful and cold. But within the chamber
luxury only, bright sunlight streamed, and
the frost changed from forests into little
brooks, and wandered about the window
Psnes in silver circles.
Frank, pale and spirilual-looking, sat by
the window. Now and then touching the
white petals Of g tea-rose, or glancing over
the. columns Of The morning paper, he
seemed rather restless, and his eve wan
dered frequently towards the door.
Presently, in came Katie; as she drew
hear 10 wish him happy New Year, a
clear light came to the young mans eyes.
Ithsnk you, little Katie,' he said taking
her hand and drawing her to his side, sbut
my child have you no New Years present
for meg -
Katie started, and, embarrassed, looked
down. She, poor girl--wby should he
expect New Years present from her
and she so poor, without parents, without
dHy NOME.
sDear Sir,' she murmured after pause,
Il wish bad; IL can only give. you
my best wishes .-.
katie, dared 10 ask you; know you
have that which if you would give me
would make me the haPpicst Of mrn-but
ri dare not.'
'Oh ask il sir, if have any poor gin
suddenly she started--paused. A new
revelation flashed upon her soul-his look,
his manner! did they mean that
sKalie,,' he said again, low and tremu-
lously, drawing her unresisting form yet
closer to his side; sis your hear, free, my
little Katie7 Can you give SO priceless a
thing for my New Years presents You
have cared for me, Katie, when all but my
mother forsook me. In this fevered room,
with death threatening, you passed the
weary hours, you pray ed for me-forsook
rest for me oh l have heard all; and
such devotion unmans me. Not that I
think you did it for any selfish purpose,
dear child,' he continued, dashing away
the tears Il know you would have gone