The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1861-04-16

of admiration at poor Katie, who over
come both with watching and Joy, weep
ing like an infant fell into the arms Of
the grateful mother
"How delicious this tastes" murmur-
ed Frank in very feeble tone "bu,
mother" he continued, pushing slightly
away the plate, II may surely see Julia
now."
"She is not here, my son." said the
lady. softly.
But somebody is here" and with a
nervous movement he parted the cur
tains, before Katie could escape.
Why, Katie, as / live Come here,
child-you are looking pale, Katie" he
said, tenderlv taking her hand, "quite
pale, little Katie, your roses are all gone
have you been sick, too Sit down here
and tell me-tell me all about Julia is
she well Z? How kind she was to nurse
me during my Sickness"
Katie's cheeks were as crimson now
as they were white before. Her lips
quivered too, and she cast timid look
towards his mother. In her bright eyes
tears were gathering, and they did not
escape the young mans observation.
"For heavens sake tell me-" he ex.
claimed, " is Julia sick did she take the
fever 90
"Neither sick, nor has she been" /"
said his mother gravely. 1t is best to
tell you at once, that while you were i'll
she sometimes formally inquired for you
ATTENDED two balls, and never came
near the house."
Mother you would not deceive me
surely saw her here-surely she was
here by my side-her hand in mine."
No, Frank, l repeat it she has not
called-scarcely sent here since your
first attack. Katie has been your good
angel for five long weeks
He glanced once at the sweet girl, his
eyes filed with tears, but his heart was
grieved. He drew the curtains silently
together, and turned his face toward the
wall.
After that day he said little about Ju.
liza. He would lay watching Katie as
she sat by his mother and very, very
often when he looked. the grieved ex.
preston was on his lip.
New Years morning came, clear
beautiful aud cold. But within the cham.
Der of luxury one brightsunlight stream
ed, and the frost changed from frost into
little brooks, and wandered about the
window panes in silver circles.
Frank, pale and piritual looking, sat by
the window. Now and then touching the
white petal Of q tea rose. or sat glancing
over the columns ola morning paper. He
seemed rather restless, and wandered
frequently towards the door.
Presently in came Katie, and as she
drew near to wish him a happy new
year, clear light came to the young
mans eyes.
"I thank you, little Katie" he said,
taking her hand and drawing her near to
his side, but my child. have you nc
new years presents for me p
Katie startled and embarrassed, look
ed down. She, poor girl, why should
he expect new years present from her
and she SO poor, without friends-with.
out n home.
Dear sir" she murmured, after a
pause, wish / had but can only
give you my best wishes
Katie. if dared ask you-I know
YOU have that which, if you give me,
would make me the happiest Of men
but | dare not"
., say it, sir ii have any poor
gifl"-suddenly she started-paused. a
new revelation flashed upon her soul
his look, his manner, did he mean
that
Katie" he said again, low and trem.
ulously, drawing her unresisling form
yet closer 10 his side, "is your heart
free. my little Katie? Can you give me
SO precious thing for anew years pres
enl ? You have cared for me, Katie,
when all but my mother forsook me. In
this feverish room, with death threaten
ing, you passed the weary hours; you
prayed for me-, forsook rest for me. Not
that l think you did it for any selfish
purpose, dear child" he continued, dash :
ing away the tears - know you would
gone alike TO poor mans hovel. God
bless you, noble Katie"
"My child, my daughter" murmured
Mrs. NJ straining the weeping girl to
her breast lyon have mo theirs bless
ing-Dear Frank, she is worthy Of
you
"And now. my child. when you have
learned all these things" Frank fondly
said, the same evening, "you shall be
my own welded wife but, Katie, be.
fore we say good night, assure me that
priceless gift is mine. Not many have
received SO sweet a new years present,
fancy
Ofall who heard the news, none were
80 surprised. SO indignant as Julia, the
proud aud cold hear ted, but ambitious
girl. when it was told her that little Ka-
ne had given TO Frank N-the rich and
rourted, whose fortune she had once
Ioved-a very precious New Years Gift.
Some years ago the French Govern.
ment published magnificent edition of
he liturgy of It's church. and otfared n