Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-02-27

Il think your draft was to be taken at
eleven, sir 7 and she glanced at her writ
ten directions.
And as Clinton Audley silently ex-
tended his left hand for the slender vial,
he knew that the new nurse was Clara
Mervyn. She recognized him at the
same instant-there was a slight start,
but neither spoke.
Fate had brought them together once
again
The January SHOWS melted away from
the purple Maryland hills, and Februa-
ry's blue heaven smiled overhead
Spring was nigh at hand, yet the lost ro-
ses had not blossomed again on Clara
Mervyn's cheek.
Don't overwork yourself, Miss Mer-
vyn,' said the kindly surgeon; there's
no earthly occasion for it. They are all
doing well, except that young AudleyP
The color rushed in a scarlet torrent
to CIara's cheek, then receded, leaving it
as cold as marble.
'Will he die, sir ?
die oh no! not the least danger of
his dying. What meant to say was,
that bis recovery is slow. Meyer knew
such tagging convalescence. a fine
young fellow that--very. We surgeons
are commonly supposed to have no feel
ings, Miss Clara but can tell you it
went to my heart to take that boys hand
off. HJwever-but bless me, its nearly
noon. Be sure you take care of your
self, Miss MervynP and away hurried
DR.. Wilde, who never knew what it was
to have moments leisure
Clara was left alone, her head droop-
ing on her breast. The next instant she
rose up and looked at her own slender
right hand with a shuddering, sobbine
sigh.
'Oh, if / could have given my useless
hand to save his she meaned' IF !
had but the right to cheer and comfort
him Ah me : what can a woman do
but endure =
Clara was learning hard lesson in
LIES saddest school--to suffer and be ST
lent.
Miss Mervynr
She started at the words. He had
never called her Clara since their part
ing under the linden trees.
Are you very busy to night ?
Not particularly so why did you
ask P
Then come and sit beside my pillow
for little while. feel conversational
just now.'
She obeyed silently.
Are you better this evening, 1t. Aud
ley?'
Il think so. The red, glorious sunset
mas done me good. Did you know that
this was St. Valentines eve?
The 18th of February-so it is r
DO you believe in the goodly offices
of St. Valentine, Miss Mervyn? as
sure you my faith is limitless in the pat
ron saint of lovers
Clara smiled as she remembered all
the time worn valentines she kept under
lock and key at home.
| confess to ittlesuperstition on the
subject she said, coloring, for she felt
that Clinton's eyes were fixed on her
downcast lashes.
Very well, then; you won't consider
me mawkishly sentimental if l ask you
to be so kind as to aat as my right hand
for once
should be SO glad. But how
viii you write St. Valentines love-
letter for me p
Certainly
stop, though Answer me one ques-
ton first, frankly and fully. Do you
think it would be piece of presump-
tuous folly in me to ask woman's love
to bless manned, useless wretch like
me {? Nay, do not spare my feelings. |
wish to hear the truth
Clara Mervyn was silent for mo-
ment; and when she spoke it was in a
distinct, though very low tone.
If the woman you love be worthy of
he name, you viii be far dearer to her