Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1862-06-25

aAGaG u NllG aAiAAAltlo HAASA ea-oA'~
a sudden cheek in their career, a shrek, and
gathering crowd An infrm old woman,
bewildered by the storm, had endeavOred to
cross the street almost under the horses feet; /;
she had been thrown down, of course, and
considerably, though not seriously injured.
Avenel, sprang from his carriage, and threw
the reins to a bystander, while he gently sup
ported the faltering figure Of the poor creature
who had been hurt.
"Where shall I take your" he asked kind
ly. "Do you live near here
Only a little way of, sir-dOwn that al
ley-but it's poor place"
Never mind. wen soon be there, said he,
eheerfuny. "Lean on me, and don't be al
armed-you shall have every care.
But when they reached the miserable ten
ement house, in the narrow, reeking court
matters seemed to grow more complicated
Avenel had supposed that she had some rela-
tive or connection. who would have taken
charge Of her. but she dwelt entirely alone
and the poor have few friends on whom they
can call in such an extremity as this.
as there no one you could send for2" he
asked.
At first she shook her head mourniully, but
presently she seemed to recoIlect
Stay, though-there is one fanily-they
have been kind to me many times, and if they
knowed the old creature was in trouble-heres
the place, sir, wrote on this card. The young
lady that left it here herself"
Avenel took the card, and glanced at the
address-it was a street about half mile dis
tant. His horses had been taken to neigh
boring shelter, and he did not want to have
them brought out, but set Of at a brisk walk,
through the streaming streets.
Are the young ladies at home 2" he ask
ed, as the servant answered his ring at the
door indicated by the card.
Yes; what do you want with themT was
the maids reply, as she eyed the dripping
and mudbesplashed figure, whose outline was
scarcely discernable in the darkness.
Clifford briefly announced his business, and
announced that he was waiting to conduct
them to the old woman's dwelling, where they
were much needed.
The servant Withdrew, and Clifford leaning
up against the doorpost, could not avoid hear
ing her tones within, as she told her story,
adding one or two spicy comments on his own
personal appearance, which made himself
smile, even in TIE darkness.
why, it must be poor Becky" exclaimed
a voice, whose accents thrilled him with sud-
den surprise, "IIl go Immediately. Bring
my shawl and hood, Mary"
Either am dreaming or that is Alice
Nevilles tone" said Clifford to himself hut
the next moment al doubt was dispeIed BY
IsabePs voice. pitched in a sharp discordant
key, of which he had scarcely deemed it ca
pable.
Alice are you mad? Can't you let that
troublesome old creature take care of herself.
without your going through such shower as
this to the miserable hole where she lives.
Surely, you viii not venture outr'
Certainly, if she needs. See, Bell, it don't
rain very hard; and shall not dissolve if it
does"
And Mr.. Avenel will call tonight, too.-
What do you suppose he will think ?"
He can not think anything very terrible.
Poor old Becly-she is so weak and feeble.
Dearest Bell, won't you accompany me? she
may require the assistance of both. and it is
merely doing as you would be done by"
I shall stay where am-fortunately
never was infected by the charitable fever"
said Isabel, coutemptuously.
Alice made no reply, but threw on her last
wrapping, and glided into the hall.
Now, sir, I am ready, she said to Clifford
whostood in the darkness without He walk
ed by her side in silence for a few minutes,
his heart thrilling with admiration for the fral
young creature who was not afraid to venture
bravely into the storm and darkness III hu-
manity's cause.
1 think you would find the walk easier if
you would take my arm, Miss Neville" he
said at length.
She started in surprise. "BIr Avenel J.
can it be possible1"
d" You can not be more astonished than I
was, Miss Neville, on discovering that old
Becky's direction Lad guided me to your
dwelling I did not know where You resided,
although my friend Leigh had promised to in
itiate me this very evening"
Il knew the proud young lady would not
come, Miss Alice" cried the overjoyed old
woman, but was sure of you"
Clifford listened, and bis heart grew light.
The problem which had disturbed him all day
was solved at last.
When Alice re-entered the parlor, Isabel
was yawning learfully over the page of nov
el, with several unbeOOming wrinkles on her
pretty forehead.
Well, you've come back at last. Isn't it
provokiug-that vexatious Mr.. Avenel hasn' t
been near me-"
Alice laughed through her blushes, as she
explained the reason why, end she said that
Mr.. Avenel would not come in as it was so
late, although he had accompanied her to the
door.
Isabel made no answer. She had lost, and
Alice had won, but she uttered not a word of
regret to dim the happiness other unconscious
sister.
Why on earth didn't you keep your yes
terday's engagement with me, Clifford 2" de-