Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-11-30

1t was raw winter night. Will
ton hughes stepped back for his
umbrella, for he knew, as the wind
met his face, it was ''getting ready
TO snow
When he returned he found a
girl trying to close the door, in the
teeth of the wind, and looking rue
fully out into the thick darkness.
She was slender, and had pale deli
features that was all he could make
out by the gss-light opposite, but
her youth and timidity appealed to
his heart at once. Besides, It was
not 8 night on which q young and
unprotected girl should be out alone.
Mrs. Hills is not in this evening,
he said to the girl, supposing she
had come there on some errand to
his sister. Have you seen the house
keeper? She should not allow you
to return alone"
81 have been sewing for Mrs.
Hills to-day, sir, answered the girl;
and somehow, her soft sweet voice
thrilled the heart that was yet quiv-
ering to the old memory tune. "It
took me longer to finish the work
than 1 thought it would; but l had
no idea il was so dark" And she
shuddered, as she looked down the
street.
perhaps our paths lie in the same
direction; it is not safe for You to 90
alone. [ am Mrs. Hill's brother;
will you allow me to accompany
you?" asked the gentleman.
She turned, and looked earnestly
at him for q moment. 1t was very
fair, almost childish face, that dwelt
in that plain straw bonnet,
eyes, SIR" answered the girl, ca
gerly. 81 shall be very grateful for
your company, for l am a sad COW
ard" -
They had proceeded but short
distance, when the wind sprang up
hercer and stronger than ever, whir-
ling up the yesterdays snow, aud
shouting along the street.
WiltOn's companion stopped sud-
denly, and gasped, "Ohi | cannot
go any father. The wind takes a.
way my breath. 1t always does"
Don't be afraid, my child. ]
shall take care of you. Hold your
shawl before your face, and keeI
fast to me. There, it's going down
We will proceed now"
'"What should 1 have done if il
had not been for yOu2 l should
never have reached my home; new,
er in the world" And as the CIR
spoke, the gentleman heard the
throbbing of the little coward heart
against his arm.
"You should never venture out a
lone again, on such night, (" replied
Wilton. ''Have you no friend t,
come for you?'
'No, SIR" she answered, mourn
fully; "my mother died two year
ago. She was the only relation
had on earth"
"Poor childp' Involuntarily tn
gentleman's hand closed over tha
which lay on his arm, for helpless
ness made her seem to him like
child.
"And with whom do you liv
now?"
"With Mrs. Mason, who was
friend of my mother's after we cam
from England. We went ther
when 1 was little girl, and papi
lost his property, and died there
was only twelve when we cam
back. tits four years ago. Mammi
lived two of these, and 1 was takini
drawing lessons, and expecting L
teach, when she was taken i'll. Al
ter she died, l lived a year witt
Mrs. Mason, and then the none
we brought from England was q
! gone. l learned 10 do plain sewin
OF Mrs. MasOu's niece. | am hop
ing some time to lay by money c
, nOugh to take drawing lessons a
gain"
, This simple epitOme of the pas
, was mHrmured mOng the wind pau
, ses, in q low, sweet Veiee, that seem
: ed to Wilton Hughes like music h
had heard long ago.
!. "May 1 inquire your mother
) name?"
EMary Willis Arnold
: Wilton stood still. 1t was the on
= name burned into his soul. Jus
! then the wind beat up hoarser, mac
/ der than before. He did not hes
5 it, for the louder wind that was DIR
I wing through his heart.
/ The grief clung to him, and shiy
4 cred. 1t was the first thing this
e aroused him.
t "DOn't be frightened" he sal,
: soothingly; "we are almost home
think, from your description you
T mother and were old acquantal
4 | ces."
e They were walking on again
Sine looked up in unsPeakabIe su
d prise. 'If you tell me your name:
t "WiIton Hughes! Did your mott
It er ever speak of it,"
so, yes! am so glad! how veI
g strange! She left q letter for yO
|, the very day she died, and told II
IS to be sure and keep it till l foun
It you. Here we are az home. No
IS viii come in, Mr.. Hughes, and g
l. the letter"
VI He did not answer her, but he fc