Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1872-02-15
A CLAP OF THUNDER. !.
BY ii. l..

was born deaf not hoplessly deaf, so
that dumbness was inevitable, but deaf enough
to lose many of the sweet sounds of Nature
and music, and all conversation except what
was addressed especial to me.
was the only child of wealthy parents,
and every care was taken with my education
| was taught to speak without the nasal tone
so often offensive in deaf persons. l was
taught the language of the mutes and, more
than that, was taught to understand what was
said by the motion on the lips. Being natur-
ally quick, l at length acquired such dexter
| ity in this last accomplishment, as often to
discover what persons were saying at great
distance from me, and thus frequently COM
pretended most amusing conversations.
| Hence made it point of honor not to re-
peat anything thus learned, if it were evil
dently of a confidential nature. In this way
too, often learned peoples opinion of me.
''That's pretty girl" would see some
one say
Yes; what nice black eyes ? But then her
nose turns up rather too much.'
Again, at party, some stranger would ask
a friend of mine,-
''WhO is that young LADY,"
THAT is Miss Agnes Temple
''She is very pretty. She has lovely COM
plcxion."
Yes; but, Door thing. she is deaf"
''Deaf! What PITY"
1T is, indeed but she is great hciress,
| and so has plenty of admirers"
Such remarks as these, which l caught
| only too frequently, opened my eyes to what
l fancied my true position. / was pretty, no
doubt but then my horrible deafness would
entirely prevent any man from loving me :;
and firmly impressed with this conviction, I
was cold and naughty in manner to any suitor
who attempted to address me, always believ-
ing that he sought me, not from any real af-
fection for me, but only because was an
heiress.
One morning, l was intending to go to New
York with my mother, to try on some new
dresses just ordered at Madam Violets: but
on coming into the breakfast-room, equip
ped for the journey, papa informed me that
mamma was i'll with a violent headache
flew to her room.
Yes Agnes, am too sick to go with you.
What can we do?"
"Oh, will stay at home and take care of
you," said l, untying my hat.
''But you will not have your dress for the
Boynton,s party unless you go to-day"
'Now will tell you what Think" said
mamma; ''you had better go alone. do not
need any attendance; SO, if you are not
afraid of the trip, you had better go. Violet
is always so busy, you had best not give her an
excuse for disappointing you about the
dresses"
So, after little more talk, it was decided.
Papa saw me on board the cars, and l en-
barked on my first journey alone.
For awhile hadmy seat to myself, and rath-
er enjoyed the feeling of independence and an
adventure. Then we st opped at a station :;
there was a rush of people, and a young gen
tleman coming to my place. asked
SIS this seat engaged p
''No, SIR" and Imoved to give him place
beside me-
He was evidently gentleman, tall, fair
haired, with face | thought, even then, one
OF the nOblest | had ever looked on. OF
course, however, could not converse with a
stranger, and sat with my eyes fixed on my
book till the conductor reused me.
''Tickct, num-"
looked up, then hastily glanced in my lap
neither ticket nor purse were there. | felt in
my pocket-emptincss gazcd about me in
despair.
Il put the ticket in my purse" gasped, but
the conductor had passed on impatiently
perhaps | can help you find it," said the
stranger, politely.
thanked him. We both rose; he searched
under the seats, and everywhere near us the
purse was nowhere to be found.
''When did you have it last ?" asked the
stranger.
''ln the depot. Papa bought my ticket and
| put it in my purse"
''And where did you carry it?''
sit was in my pocket. Yes am sure
slipped it into my pocket
''Then am afraid it is gone"
"1es, it must have been stolen. o dear"
l exclaimed, in utter dismay ''That is too
bad"
Here the conductor returned, with his
Ticket, mum, this time rather emphatically
given.
6! have lost my ticket and my purse, both,"
L said. Il don't know what | can do"
1T is no matter, Miss Temple" said the
man, who knew ME, presume, because |
was so often on the road. 'It's all right"
lie walked away, and then the stranger
turned to me again.
May ask if the loss of the purse will put
you to Inconvenience, orif you are expecting
to meet friends who can supply you with
money!"
Il am expecting to meet no one," | said,
81 only came down to go to my dressmaker's.
but she will no doubt lend me some money"
''Then you must permit me either to lend
you enough for your fare to the house, or al
low me to wait upon you until you are safely
there"
1t was civility needed only too much.
could not refuse it, yet felt very awkardly
in receiving such service from stranger
''Iou hesitate" he said, looking earnestly
at me-''But here is my card, and if you viii
permit me to lend you five dollars, you can
return it to my address as soon as you reach
home"
The neat pastbOard bore the name of ''Alr
Paul Chester" and the service was offered