Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-05-16
ARYLAND, FRIDAY MORNING. MAY is, 1873.

loved him so all the time, and she might
have told him so if she had not been so
wilfully perverse, and then might have
been sure of his returning some day"
so she murmured to herself
People wondered what had caused
&c that little sprite, Bertha Lynde," to
become so suddenly grave and womanish.
but she only read the secret from her
hearts inner pages, as she daily visited
the graveyard, and, with tenderest care,
nourshed and tended the flowers that
she planted upon the mounds so sacred
to him-her playmate, companion, friend
and lover.
Months and years passed; and, now,
as Bertha, no longer a thoughtless, care
less child, but grave, pensivc woman,
looked back upon the scenes of her girl
hood, it seemed to her like the memory
of some vague dream, and her boy lover
like creation of fancy. Still she knew
that the picture drawn by her memory's
faithful pencil was true to the life, for
there was the grave which had been SO
sacrcdly regarded by the absent wandercr
so faithfully watched over by her ever
since his departure, which was now
''years ago"
She could not quite acknowledge to
herself that she had loved that boy, and
yet in all those years her heart had re-
manned untouched by love for any other +;
she thought of him still, as dearest OBJ
lject.
AT length her father became confident
that he could multiply his fortune by re-
moving to the metropolis and engaging
in business on u more extended scale. -
He did SO, and for while was success
full, but by-and-by reverses came; his
experience and skill was insufficient to
shield him from the intrigues of villain
Gus partners, and at last he woke to the
startling truth that he was ruined-pcn-
niless
lie was not brave man, and, as
many Others have done in like crcum-
stances, not having courage to meet the
stern realities of adverse fortune, he
rashly fastened unsummoncd, into the
presence of his Maker, leaving his wife,
a feeble invalid, and Bertha, an nexpe-
rienced girl, to battle with circumstances
for the bare necessities of life.
Reduced to actual want, Bertha sought
for employment everywhere throughout
the city, and at last gave up in despair,
accepting the dread alternative of star
walton or tho workhouse, when as she
listlessly scanned daily paper, her eye
caught the following notice -
WANTnD-A faithful, steady, compe-
tent person as copyist. Must write n
good, legible hand. Apply at110 -
street"
Spurred by urgent necessity, she re-
sponded to the advertisement in person.
Entering the busy street, she reached
the number designated, and above the
door a sign bearing, in large, gilt letters,
these words:-
"F. MARSHALL,
Attorney and Counsellor at Law"
On entering, she was met by an Office
boy who jcrked his thumb over his
shoulder, and told her she would !" find
the Squire in there"
/ Following the direction indicated by
the boy, she entered another apartment,
where she found the lawyer busy among
books, papers, and innumerable parch
ments With the natural dclicacy of
good breeding, she waited for him to ac-
knowledge her presence, and taking the
seat he proffered her, she ut once made
known her business and her name. And
then, for the first time, she noticed that
she had been addressing young and
remarkably handsome man, and she
could hardly realize that the celebrated,
highly successful, and talented lawyer,
of whom she had SO often heard, stood
before her. Then she thought of the
possible improperly Of her applying for
the situation The advertisement had
said person." not gentleman" and,
therefore, she had reason to infer that
either lady or gentleman might secure
the position, provided they were believed
to be competent to fill It,
These thoughts flew rapidly through
her brain while she sat with eyes down
cast, unaware that the lawyer regarded her
with earnest attention.
Il have no reference" she faltored
{" but my father, Mr.. Lynde-"
:" All, yes / knew him very well"
answered the lawyer, in a deep musical
voice, which had the ring of kindness in
it. :" require no other assurance Of
your integrity and ability, my dear Miss,
and should be pleased to have you com
mence your duties as soon as possible"
q But the saIary?' she begun.
90. yes | came near forgetting that
part of the contract. Well, had not
decided as to the sum | could afford to
pay. How much did you expect to re-
ceivc 2"
For moment she was silent, fearing
to mention any sum, lest she might lose
the position, and yet she needed money
very much.
@ would be willing to work for ten
dollars week." she faltercd at length,
while the thought that she, Bertha
Lynde, was thus sueing for position at
mere pittanco to keep her from starry
ing, caused the hot blood to flush her
face and brow but then she remember
ed her poor invalid mother, and by an
effort, She recovered her self-control, and
looked up to meet the earnest, kindly
gaze which had before so assured her.
. will give you twenty dollars per
week" he said, and, without waiting for
her to express her gratitude, he added,
- and now, when will YOU commence