The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1868-01-23

as he glanced round the room aYou are
without single care beyond that of your
own personal health and enjoyment. 5J9
"Ah there 1t isl You have touched
the secret spring of my deepest grief" ex-
claimed Mrs. WickwoIk; and to her COM
panion's dismay up went the pocket-hand-
kerchief again If he had but known
where that spring had lain, he would never
have touched it 10
"you may suppose what treasure my
Lavinia would have been if she had re-
NAMED to cheer me"
"Ah, well, you know her marriage was
considered happy one, and her going to
India with her husband was to be expected.
Have you heard lately?" said Mr.. Dove
dale, hoping to turn the conversation into
a more cheerful channel.
"No; and what has detained the mails
so long / cannot think,-some accident,
perhaps; once, you know, all tho letters
were lost; and really to be kept in the
agonies of suspense continually is very
trying"
Very, but Colonel Wood will have his
furlough soon, won't hey and then you
will have them home, that will be very
cheering"
Every, when they come On account of
his health; it is most precarious perhaps
he will have to throw up his appointment,
shouldn't wonder"
1t Was like walking blindfold over red
hot ploughshares; Mr.. Dovedale didn't
know where to set his foot; he determined
to touch 20 more springs; so suddenly
looking down on the rug. he declared it
was the softest, richest, warmest- looking
thing Of the kind he had ever seen.
Mrs. Wickwork replied that she had
been disappointed IN the wearing of it; it
easily soiled, and the pile was not suf1f Gent
ly elastic.
"How well it matches the carpet!' said
Mr.. Dovedaie
"You surprise me-" said the lady; there
is no orange in the carpet, and it is the
prevailing color in the rug. / did not
choose it, trusted to others"
"Well, you've got contrast at least
said Mr.. Dovedale, rising. :" / must go
l am going to see a poor lady who is in
very strai5ened circumstances, and very
delicate health,-a widow with large
family to provide for"
Poor thing!' said Mrs. Wickwork,
shaking her head.
81 am not able to dc much for her my
SELF" he continued.
g | arr sure you will do all you can but
one c,snnot, really, help every body as one
would wish to Co." said the lady, her
voice growing strong, and her looks more
alive.
5 "No, one cannot; but poor sackay
lc1dO1c, with six orphans to maintain" said
Mr.. Dovedale.
Shocking, indeed; but there are so
many public charities. l subscribe to one
or two"
Mr.. Dovedale felt sure it was to one.
q | shall see about them" he replied
"but in the meantime she wants immediate
personal help l want to collect little
for her he uttered the last words with
some hesitation.
Mrs. Wickwork's face fell back in its
usual hard lines, out of which sorrow had
drawn it, she took out her purse, and pro-
duced half a crown. 81 don't generally
give to chance applications" she said,
lone gets so imposed upon; and really
there is a tax of some kind forever coming.
But know can depend on you"
Mr.. Dove dale had great mind to push
the balfcroWn back she looked 30 cross
and unfeignedly grieved to part with it.
But he thought better of it.
This is sweet, surely" he said, taking
it up, "tO be able to visit or help the
fatherless and widow in their affection; to
hold the purse of Gods providence, and
be the happy hand TO dispense his
bounty"
Yes, indeed" said Mrs. Wickwork,
screwing up her mouth and putting her
purse back into her pocket.
"What miserable woman she Isl he
exclaimed, Us ne paced on briskly through
the Jog; how shall find poor Mrs. May
blossom" and his kind heart was panied
as he contemplated his visit TO the house
OF mourning, which was to be the end of
his iaSOrs.
"Wel), well /; it's of no use to be sent-
mental about it," he said genuine feel
ing makes us forget ourselves, and weep
with those who weep; and, after all, may
find it less trying to see her real sorrow, to
which I may administer consolation, than
the selfish whining of that,-dear, dear
what an uncharitable spirit l am getting
into Let me see, down Woburn Place.
Yes; that is it. Turn to the left; here we
are" And he was about to knock at
another door when it opened, and lady
attired for walking appeared at it, and ex-
claimed, gayly.-
"Mr Dovedale. who would have
thought of seeing you on such day? i
wonder Sarah allowed you to come
through this fog"
Mr.. Dovedale laughed, and said he didn t
let trifle turn him from his purpose
but" he added, "you are going out. l
won't detain you. l have more calls to
make. | will come to you another day."
Mrs. Innes wouldn't hear of it; she was
quite glad he had nipped in the bud her
intention OF Drawing Inc fog; and, drawing
him in with friendly force by the hand he
had offered in farewell, she closed the door,
and led the way to snug and comfortable
room, where they were soon seated by q
good fire.
Nov am very much obliged to you
for this VISIT" said the lady, throwing OF
her cloak; q it has kept me from ventur-
| ing out, and saved me, perhaps, from rheu
matsm and tOOthache for | am sure the
wind is in the east"
Mr.. Dovedale was glad he had been SC
serviceable, and proceeded to make in
quiries after the family of his hostess
You have not heard Of Charles ap
pointment, perhapss" she said, among
other things. No, he had not "A capl
tai appointing a'-entirely through Sill
Rodney. He .pt his word at last, am
glad to say"
He has been great friend to you" re
marked Mr. Dovedale.
eyes, yes, he has" said MIR. lanes, with
hesitation; but not more than we had q
right to expect, you know. He is related
to US. poor Captain Innes was his second
cousin
Second cousins have sometimes short
memories on the score of relationship
when the claim of kin is not convenient
mean," replied Mr.. Dovedaie, smiling.
"Very true; and | have had to keep
sir Rodney up to the mark, assure you
or we should not have got this; between
you and me. as 1t is, he might have done
better for rs II would have heen hur