Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1873-01-22

y-
IL am earlier than usual this evening
but am obliged to escort fair lady to
b.ll at ten o'clock, and l thought be-
fore making my toilet I would lcok in Oh
my patient"
y h, doctor. how can l thank you for
your kindness y said Mabel. raising her
sparkling eyes to his face, but dropping
them again instantly as she met the warm
gaze Of admiration in his. while crimson
blusiles heightened her face into new
beauty. Mother is worse. fear, doc
tol, ahe continued. She seems quite ex-
haustcd this evening"
Has she had proper nourishment to-
day 2"
mamma has had nothing to eat to-
day, DOCTOR" broke in Lulu, and sister
and havcn't had anything either but
dry bread, and we are very hungry but
sister is going to get some money to-
night"
"Lulu, lash. " said Mabel while pain
full look Of embarrassment fell upon her
before bright corntenance. doctor, ex-
cuse her she forgets and talks too fast.
An anxious, inquiring gaze rested on
her, and in voice trembling with emo
ton, the doctor exclaimed
"MaLol, ia it indeed go p
She bent her head in assent but after
a moment of awkward silence, found
voice to say
IL shall have money to night"
Giving but glance at his patient at
whose pale face spoke of suffering and
want, even in sleep, he left hastily. And
Mabel. folding her work, and carefully
placing at her mothers bedside the med
icine che might need on waking, and
charging little Lulu to stay by her in her
absence che started out In the fierce storm
to carry the dress to the heiress, who sat
cha6ng at her delay.
Mabel's father had once been rich
but. crushed by adversely. he died, and
left his family poor aud his wife an inval-
id.
DR.. Holmes had known them in their
days of prosperity and on his return from
the continent, month previous to our
story, had sought them out and offered
his service gratuitously-an offer CRATE
fully accepted. He knew they were
poor, but never until Lulu's revelation
had he dreamed of the extent of their
poverty. Mabel's loveliness had made a
deep impression on his heart, and when
he left them that evening, it was with the
resolve to shield her in the future, under
his protecting love, from all life's cares.
1t was indeed fierce storm that Ma
bel was to encounter on her way to Mr..
Ross splendid mansion, and her progress
was necessarily slow.
Az, chilled by the stinging blasts. and
blinded by the snow, she staggered up
the steps Of the handsome mansion and
rang the bell, sleigh dashed up to the
door, ami when it was opened to the girl
a gentleman alighted and ran lightly up,
passing in, ere it was closed, saying to
the servant
81 will wait for Miss Eda in the draw
ing ROOM"
Mabel started she knew the voice OF
DIR. Holmes, and, not wishing to be rec
ognized, drew her hood closely around
her face.
"Poor girl - said the doctor, {. what a
night for woman to be abroad"
He little dreamed who he was plying
Directed by the servant. Mabel lightly
tapped at the door of the opposite room
1t was opened by Eda Reynolds in a
towering rage, her face distorted by pas
sion.
So you have come at last, she cxclaim-
ed angrily "two hours behind time
l did think, Mabel Groom, you were
poor enough to have that one virtue of
punctuality."
! I. am sorry disappointed you. Miss
Reynolds. l have sat up three nights
until day break to complete it in
time. but my mother has been very ill
and needed my care, which must be my
excuse"
Dr. Holmes caught the silver accent
in the drawing room, and-forgive him
listened
What is your mothers sickness to me !
You promised the dress at seven, and now
it Is nine's Your excuse is poor one."
"P.iieve me. l regret it, but it was
impossible for me to be earller. You
will oblige me. as I am in haste. if, you
will now pay me for it and let me CO."
"Pay you. indeed Not 1, Ill punish
you for your tardiness. Ill teach you
to make promises and break them. Just
as many hours as you kept me waiting
for my dress, so many days will ! keep
you out of your money"
"Oh, Miss Reynolds you will not,
you cannot be 80 cruel My mother is i'll
and needs nourishment my little sister
is starving; and L, depending on this
twenty five dollars from you to supply
tbo;r want must have the uuopev