Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-06-13


him as he moved about the room and at
tended to some little things for her fa-
theirs comfort. and when the doctor came,
he had engaged nurse the next night
he talked in low tones with Barnes. and
said goodnight to her, and then left
1t all seemed like dream to Fannie
She could hardly believe that it really
was g that horrid Mr. Barnes" who was
bathing her fathers head so tenderly,
Mr.. Barnes came to her side.
"Miss Fannie you must lie down.
You are worn out and need rest"
81 cannot leave my father"
" Trust him to me, Miss Fannie. l
will watch him every moment"
Mr.. Barnes smiled but his voice was
firm, and Fannie went. She cried again
as she looked down on her father; but
she was thoroughly exhausted, and throw
ing herself on her bed, she fell fast
asleep.
Mr.. Barnes watched alone through the
night, but when Fannie came in the
next morning there was no change
There he lay, moaning, and tossed, and
raved for seven days and nights, and
then, without one moments conscious
ness to speak to Fannie, Squire McAllis-
ter died.
Fannie was utterly Frustrated. 1t
was =" that horrid Mr. Barnes" who saw
to everything. Fannie went to the doc
tors to remain until her mother and sister
returned. They had been telcgraphed for
and were expected home in few weeks
Mr. Barnes did not call He seemed to
have dropped out of her life again. Her
mother and sister came home. 1t was
sad meeting. Squire McAllister had
been a devoted husband and father, and
they all felt his loss.
" But, Fannie" said Miss McAllister,
one day, "did none of our friends offer
to help to take care of father, or do any
thing to assist you p
No one," said Fannie, but Mr..
Barnes"
" What i" that horrid Mr.. Barnes"
exclaimed Miss McAlistcr.
Never call him that again. said
Fannie springing to her feet, the color
rushing to her cheeks, and the tears to
her eyes. " lie came to me in my lone
illness and trouble, when all other friends
stood aloof. He exposed himself to sick
ness and death for those who had in
sultedhim
There never was kinder, more noble
friend. He is the best man that ever
| lived, and no one shall speak against him
in my presence
Miss McAllister looked at her sister
in establishment. " 1t is pity he can
not hear YOU" she said, coldly.
Fannie would not trust herself to re-
ply. She left the room and went out for
walk, as she had been in the habit of
doing, when she wanted to cool off
Walking along the shaded country
road, she met Mr.. Barnes She went
right up to him in her impulsive way,
and said, Mr.. Barnes, / want to speak
to you"
lie turned at once, glad enough.
Why havn't you been to see us since
since my father" Her voice broke
| could not think you would care to
to see me, Miss Fannie''
"Oh ! how could you think so badly
of me? have wanted so much to thank
you for all your kindness. never can
thank you; and then, Mr.. Barnes" said
Fannie, her bright eyes filing with
tears can you ever forgive INC for all
the tricks ! used to play on you!"
Fannie" said Mr.. Barnes, taking
her in his arms, with sudden inspiration,
" will you marry mel =
In all the country there is no happier
woman than Fannie, the wife of 4" that
horrible Mr. Barnes !"