Middletown transcript., 1870-03-05
MIDDEToWN DELAWARE SATURDAY MORNING. MARCH

1
who is now Nesting at her feet, cryin.i
with hunger The work is completed a
last, and Mary, drawing the child fondl,
to her side, says soothingly:
Hush, darling hush Sister is goinl
now to take home the dress and bring vol
a nice little feast. Twenty-Five dollar
we'll have for this won't we bo rich m,
pet?"
Tears filled her eyes, but she brushed
them hastily away a. well-known raj
was heard, followed by the entrance of d
very elegant looking man, who, holding
out his hand to Mary, said pleasantly:
&c am earlier than usual, this evening
but am obliged to escort fair lady to a
ball at ten o'clock. and thought l would
look on my patient before making my
toilette"
" All, doctor, how can thank you for
your kindness ?? said Mary, raising her
sparkling eyes to his face, but dropping
them again instantly as she met the warm
gaze of admiration in his, while crimson
bushes frightened her fair face into new
beauty
&C Mother is worse, l fear, Doctor"
said Mary. " She seems quite exhausted
this evening"
=" Has she had proper nourishment to-
day?"
Mamma has not had anything to cat,
doctorF' broke in little Lucy and sister
and haven't had anything either but dry
bread, and we are very hungry but sis
ter is going to get some money tonight"
:" Hush Lucy" said Mary, while a
painful look of embarrassment fell upon
her before bright countenance. cd Doc-
tor, excuse her; she talks too fast"
An anxious, inquiring gaze rested on
her, and in voice trembling with emo
ton, Doctor II0tcr exclaimed:
&c Mary, is it indeed so?
She bent her head in assent but after
moment of silence, found voice to say,
" L shall have money tonight"
Giving but glance at his patient,
whose emanciatod face spoke of suffering
and want, even in sleep, he left hastily
And Mary, folding her work, and care
fully placing at her mothers side the
medicine she might need on waking, at
the same time charging little Lucy to stay
by her IN her absence, started out in the
fierce storm, to carry the dress to the
heiress, who sat chafng at her delay.
Mary's father had once been rich, but,
crushed by adversely, had died and left
his family poor, and his widow an invalid
Dr. Hunter lad known them in their
days of prosperity, and on his return
home from the continent, month pre-
vious to our story, had sought them out
and offered his services gratuitously-
offer gratefully accepted. He knew they
were poor, but never until Lucy's revela-
tion had he dreamed of the extent of that
poverty. The lovelness of Mary had
made deep impression on his heart and
when he left them that night it was with
the resolve to shield her in future, under
his protecting love, from all life's cares
and hardships.
1t was, indeed, fierce storm that Mary
was forced to oncounter on her way to Mr.
Revere's splendid abode, and her progress
was necessarily slow.
As, chilled by the singing blast, and
blinded by the snow, she staggered up the
steps of the brilliantly lighted mansion
and rang the bell, sleigh dashed to the
door, and when it was opened to admit the
trembling girl, gentleman alighted and
ran lightly up, passing in, ere it was clos
ed, and saying to the servant, Il will wait
for Miss Ella in the drawing room"
Mary started; she knew the voice of Dr.
Hunter, and not wishing to be recognized
drew her hood closely around her face.
Poor girl" thought the doctor; "what
night for woman to be abroad %
He little dreamed who he was plying.
Directed by the servant, Mary tapped
lightly at the opposite room. 1t was o.
pencd by Ella Raymond in towering
rage. her. face distorted with passion.
80 you have come at last ?'' she ex-
claimed angrily; 1.-TWO hours behind time.
| did think, Mary Grey, you were poor
enough to have the virtue of punctuality"
81 am sorry l have disappointed you,
Miss Raymond. l have sat up three
nights until day to complete it in
time; but my mother has been i'll, and
needed my care, which must be my ex-
cuse."
DIR. Hunter, in the drawing-room caught
the silvery accents, and-forgive him rea-
der-listened.
What is your mother sickness to me!
You promised the dress at seven and it is
now nine Your excuse is poor one."
"Believe me, l regret it, but it was i'm
possible for me to be earlier. You will
oblige me, as am in some haste, if YOU
will now pay me for it, and let me go.''
"Pay you indeed Not I. III punish
you for your tardiness. I'll teach you how
to make promises and break them. Just
as many hours as you kept me waiting for
my dress, so many days will l keep you
out of your money.p
"Oh, Miss Raymond, you will not, you
cannot be SO cruel My mother is i'll,
and needs nourishment; my little sister is.
starving; and ! depend on this twenty FIVE
dollars from you to supply their wants. 1
must have the money"
''Not from me" said Ella, with taunt-
ing laugh, as she shut the door in her face,
Il