The mountain Democrat., 1865-09-23
Her name is Elsie. and I'm sure she

you must lee 07S show you how to do it. :
Lols's heart was bent upon fancy work,
and she was completely Modified at the
prospect Of q new stitch; and leaving them
deep in the history of hooks and loops,
Harry went to find Minnie. A little sob.
bing figure in her own room she was when
he knocked there.
Why, Minnie, what's up2 Mother
CROSSE
No, Harry, but-but-but-'
But whatl Now Minnie, they are all
IS ugly as furies down stairs, and poor
little Elsie is half frightened to death.
was depending upon you to make it seem
like home to her,
'MeY'
Yes; she loves you already, because
and he laughed, she fancies your brother
perfection, and she soon found out who
was his pet. That's right, cheer up, nev.
er mind the trouble you can tell me that
Tomorrow
Its gone l WAS afraid Harry and
she came close to him, that little sister
would be loved less when you were mar
ried. There, it is all out Scold, if you
will, but love me, Harry
HArry's lip quivered, for under his tall
figure, and frank, open face, he carried q
tender, sensitive heart, and was deeply
moved. Softly he Stroked back the fair
curlS, and in the kiss he pressed upon
Minnis's lips she read truly that his new
love only deepened the old affection, and
she gave him her hand to 20 down stairs
with . wonderfully frightened face.
Elsie, this is Minnie
Elsie felt two loving arms encircling her
waist, and saw two large blue eyes look
ing into hers with . wlstful tender love,
and thus received her first true welcome.
am sure you want to take off that
dusty dress and brush year hair, said
Minnie, so will take you to my ROOM
You are too tired to unpack, but can
lend you something. We are nearly the
same size
Twin giantesses, said Harry. Take
good care Of her, Minnie
How lovely you are said Minnie
and she Smoolhed the folds Of full white
muslin, from her wardrobe, and fastened
it around her waist. 'Ain't it funny thai
we are just Of sizeY That dress titt
you beautifully
Harry said it was his sisters blu'
eyes that made him first look into nine,
said Elsie. g
Don't you believe . word Of it, said
Minnie. Men don't look after their sis.
ters perfections in such cases, but she
took the speech into her heart to dream
over and be happy.
Tea time sent Harry upstairs to find
the sisters with their arms encircling each
others waists, school girl fashion, talking
with loving freedom and he knew that
Elsie had won one heart from among
those steeled against her.
Little did the bride guess the bitter
feeling of her mother.in-lsw and as she
took the seat to which Harry led her at
the nead of the table. one quick glance
arrested his mothers progress to the same
spot He swallowed all the wrath in his
heart, but lie resolved firmly that Elsie
should have his will to maintain her in
her rights the love he hoped she would
without any aid from him..
Two months passed, aud the family
moved to their city home TOR the Winter.
All ElSies gentleness, her beauty, her
timid, silent attempts tO win love, had
fallen powerless before the angry, bitter
jealousy of her mother-in law and three
eldest daughters.
She loved them all. She was happy in
Harry's warm love, and Minnie's caress.
ing affection; but the feeling of intrusion
was forced upon her every day in cold
words, Sneering remarks, or sarcastic al.
lusions to her obscure birth. Yet not
one word Of complaint ever met her hus.
bands ear, or one sad look, his eyes. He
believed her happy, and as the tyrants
were guarded before him, he saw no cause
for anything but happiness. Minnies was
silent by Elsie'S entreaties.
They will not love me more If make
\ breach between them and Harry she
said, and | only seek their love, Pa
Hence, Minnie am trying to improve
Every day, and perhaps | shall find the
wAv to their hearts some time
Harry was away for the first time since
heir marriage,in New York, on business,
md Elsie was sleeping, when a fri lkhtened
inock on her door startled her.
Elsie, said Minnies voice, i am sure
Maria is sick; she moAns and losses dread.
ully, and want you to call mother
ou and ] are the only ones on this hoOr
Maria
Sick ELSIE knew but little about sick.
ness; but one look at the flushed face
md staring eyes were enough to decide
hat matter. Mrs. Gray was summoned,
md one of the se.yAnts sent for . ply.
Ician.
Two days later, Mrs Gray, Minnie and
lola were all sick. The fever was conta.
nous, and only Helen and Elsie escaped
larry came home 10 lind Elsie the head
f the family hospital Helen was com.
'letely subdued by the terrible emergen.
y, and followed the directions of that
lear little head in quiet obedience.
All timldity was laid aside, bot the soft,
emile touch, the low, sweet voice, and
uiet step of Elsie were invaluable to the
ching heads and fever-racked forms to
Vhich she miniStered. Day after dav of
Teary watching, followed by anxious
lights, drew Elsie and Helen very near
0 each other. Nurses could not be ob.
aimed from fear of contagion; and Harry
imself did not watch Elsie's cheeks pa.
ng and step faltering with more tender
,terest than did Helen, and Mrs. Gray
nd Lola.
| cannot tell of the agony of remorse,
he anxious suspense, with which they
'elcomed the return of consciousness
nd heard Helen's story of those days Of ,
elirum and pain. The gentle little hand
nat came caressingly to rest on their hot
'reheads, WAS covered With bitter tears,
nd weak voices pleaded for pardon and
romised love.
None died One happy day found eli
he family once R0re. asScsa5Ied around +
1e table: some pale from illnaSs anna ,