Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-01-08

was an instinct-there was no time for
thought-which made Vesey drag the
square of carpet from the floor and press
it down upon the flames, They shot out
into her face. They seemed to catch
away her breath. They licked her arm.
They strove and fought, and well-nigh
overcame-all in an instant, that seemed
hours to the girl, who threw herself upon
the bed, smothering the flames with her
own weight.
They were conquered at last. The
silent, breathless struggle was over.
''If some one would only bring light
O, dear what shall [ do?' Don't" to
the deformed girl, who shrieked and
called upon her mother. Vesey had not
heard the strong step springlng up the
stairs, the opening of the door Some
one stood beside her in a moment, lamp
in hand. It was Paul.
'Is she dead ?'' gasped Vesey, shrink
ing from the bed.
He threw back the scortched blanket
that hid the motionless form ''No, not
dead; but think she has tainted Or
the fames-I must 60 for doctor. Stay
here, if you are not afraid. o, hush !!
hush p to the frightened girl; "it is
nothing, hope. Sst some water for the
lady; and sprinkle her face" he said to
Vesey. Then he was gone.
She did as he had told her,-waiting
watching the blackened mass she dared
not touch. 1t was frightful, with that
still, white-face shining out of the dark
ness. Was it death? No; there was a
faint quivering of the eyelids-that first
sign of returning conciousness-a feeble
moan. Then Paul came o. the rush
ofjoy, of binding tears, of sudden faint
ness, that overpowered her when she
heard his step. The grim-faced doctor
behind him walked straight to the bed.
There are no deep burns, | think, "
he said, at length. The blanket saved
her. The shock done more than the fire.
A sponge-ah, that will do Now some
water and some linen rags There were
none. Vesey quietly held out her dainty
hankeVshief. HIM !" he said, and tore
his own into strips.
-"And now yoat2' He turned to Vesey.
Il have no burns" Indeed, she felt
no pain. The doctor raised her hand,
and held it out to Paul. The sleeve
was cut away from her wrist, as by a
Jagged knife with blackened edge.
The flesh was like fame Paul's teeth
shut tight and quick together. Some
thing sprang into his eyes-not tears
alone
Then Yesey began to tremble; and
concious, at last, of the cruel pain that
bit and tore her hand, she sobbed like g
hurt child.
"Don't mind, she tried to say. "Don't
look at me- It's only-only" The sobs
swept all her words away,
Paul bathed her hand. She remem
bered afterwards how tenderer than any
woman's had been his touch.
. 'Let her cry" said the doctor, in q
voice that must have been given by mis-
take to the grim face. '.And now She {
better go home" He rose from the bed
He took the unframed hand in hi
''She's brave girl" He looked away
from her to Paul but still he held he
hand tight in his. s'God bless you, child
Now 60 home and go to bed.
Paul lifted her into the sleigh anC
wrapped the robes about her.
''Shall l go with you %
''IfI can take you home
80, no; | must 60 in here again.
Then you need not. y
1t seemed suddenly as if they haC
known each other lifetime-She ant
Paul; as if they could never be stranger
to each other again.
She held out her hand 1t was tn
one he had bound up. He took it tend
erly in both his own. "The brave
strong hand! p he said, bending over i
in the darkness-''the hand that saved
! life tonight -