Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-05-14

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pot Of jelly, nor some Of the Madeira nor a
bit of cold chicken. And. d'yo think he'd
like cakes, dear"
Anything you please, Jane" Ellen Wray
said, gratefully. "but perhaps Miss Morand
would not like TO have you send 80 many
things"
"Och trust her for caring Sure, she's
enough and to spare. an it costs her nothing
Bridget, the chambormaid. heard all she's
been saying to you. Sure, she's like great
many ladies, generous enough when she
doesn't be put out of her way"
Jane went, and Ellen, while her busy fng-
ers piled the "threaded steel" smiled softly
to herself as she thought Of Charles delight
IN the cool, luscious fruit. that more than
anything else, would tempt his feverish palate.
He will have those, and little Maggie will
give him drink when he wants it. Perhaps
he will not miss me so very much"
And the poor girl, working busily on those
luxurious garments. tried to comfort herself
with the doubtful comfort Of her brother, ly-
ing there alone, deserted by his only friend,
and dependent on neighbor's child for the
supply Of his simplest wants.
Agnes Morland was vet in the full tide Of
yolubility, when the interview was brought
u
rose mp, excused himself on the plea of an
engagement and, with hurried bow, with
ont even noticing the hand she extended. alb
ruptly left the house
The young lady was astonished and griev-
cd She sprang to the window and watched
his tall figure as it moved rapidly down the
street. What was her surprise TO see him
Join her fathers servant, who with atolerably
srr.af ,e.I ...l1f N l. L. 1
proceeding in the same direction He spoke
to the man, who evidently answered with
much respect and interest. and then continued
to walk by his side until both disappeared
round distant corner
at is strange" she said musingly, "but Of
course. his joining Benson is only accidental
Wonder what made him leave so abruptly :"
Busted with the preparations for her aunts
visit, Agnes Morlaud soon dismissed the sub
ject from her mind, or only Thought of it to
wonder a little at a manner for which she
could not account
Had she known that Eustace Poole, sitting
there in the large, silent drawiug-room. and
near the door left accidentally open. had
heard every word of her conversation with
her seamstrcss, she might not have wondered
so much But so blinded was this naughty.
cruelty and injustice of which she had been
guilty, had dawned upon her mental vision,
and, by the same token, She could not have
know how this new insight into her real
character was likely to affect the high-soucd.
honorable man, whose wife she was about to
become
She soon recovered from the trihing dis
turbancos of the morning. and occupied her
all ltn 1ut nh; Ia tl, Ill
seamstress, in sorrowful silence. wrought the
rich fabrics into form, and ere nightiall COM
pletcd the task assigned her Still, however.
on one pretence and another, she was detained
until the arrival of Mrs. Morland and it was
not until the daylight had all faded from the
sky, that she started on her long, lonely walk
through the crowded and obscure streets that
led to the disreputable court where, because
only there, could she provide herself with a
home, she had found an abiding place.
Tired she was, she ran hastily up the
narrow, filthy, common stairs that led to her
apartment. She was surprised to hear the
humof voices-vcry low but distinct-as she
approached the door Throwing it open, her
eye at ono glance took in the group gathered
there in the red light of the candle, that
CLEANED upon strange faces, and threw fitful
shadows on the weather stained walls
Three gentlemen surrounded the sick bov's
low couch. Little Magrie. his attentive
nurse, stood silent and abashed near its foot.
and supporting the bows head was her moth
er, a kindly Irishwomau. who occupied the
room next to Ellen's own.
a great change was on Charles face, as he
lay there gasping in those friendly arms-the
unmistakahle grey shadow. that tells Of an
preaching dissolution. as surely as the labor
ed breath and sunken features. Ellen saw it
and though she scarce comprehended its
meaning. She was awed and frightened. She
sprang forward, and clasped her arms round
the dying boy.
The beautiful, large eyes opened. A glance
of undying affection beamed from them.
81 am glad to have you come, Ellen, he
whispered 81 thought | should never see
you again. though Mr. Poole sent long ago.
81 did not get the message, Charlie.-Oh
darling are you ill-so very. very i'll; II
could not come, because the lady would take .
away my work. and would not pay me- and |
so ! have been away when you needed me so
much"
"Noyer mind. Ellen" said those feeble ac-
cents. "God sent me a friend Mr.. Poole
has done all for me. Speak to him. sister"