The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-11-28
So PER ANNUM.


department there.
The business was the manufacture Of
frames Of every description. and Nellie
became familiar with every detail, from
the purchase of the lumber to the criticism
Of the finished work. She had nicely
Of touch that detected the slightest inc
qualities Of surface even in polished wood,
and her eye was at once quick and correct.
Little by little, almost unconsciously,
John Somervill trusted Nellie with much
Of the decision in purchases, and the book.
keeping was often in her care for weeks
together, When there was pressure of
work. Mrs. Somerville whined and fret
ted over the strangely masculine tastes Of
her child, but her father became more
and more averse to parting with her in
business hours.
Two years after Nellie returned from
school, and Just after her twenty first
birthday, she started one morning, as seen
in the opening Of my story, to look at some
patterns to be sent for decision. Such
matters were often entrusted entirely to
her judgment, 50 she was not surprised to
find her father had gone out, leaving the
decision to her. But after she had given
the order, had answered lot of letters
ying upon the desk, had wandered all
over the building and returned again to
the Office, she was surprised at her fathers
long absence.
One of the foremen in the finishing de-
partment, coming to the Office for some
last orders about the shipment of some
goods, said Mr.. Somerville had appointed
to meet him there at noon, and the pro-
prietor Of Somerville 4 Sons frame fac
tory was man Of rigid punctuality.
Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes Stephen
Holton waited in the Office, Watching
Nellie's busy hand as she folded, sealed
and directed lot Of circulars, aud think
ing that never had he seen face so fair,
or heard voice so clear and musical as
Nellie Somerville's. But as the clock
struck the halfhour, Nellie looked up
with a startled face.
Something has happened, Stephen
she said "my father is never half an
hour behind time. Send some one to look
for him.
"The men are all at dinner, Miss Mel
lie, | win go myself"
But, even as he spoke, messenger
hurriedly entered the Office, saying
"Mr. Somerylle was thrown from his
horse while on his way here from the vii
lage, and is badly injured"
"Wbere? p broke from Nellie's white
lips.
eve took him home, and he asked me
to come here for you.
Even in her horror and grief Nellie re-
tained some presence Of mind. Looking
into Stephen Holtons grave, sympathizing
face, she said -
"You will take charge here until you
hear from my father. l will be RESPONSE
BILE"
Thank you" he said, deeply moved by
her confidence in him at such time. "I
will try to do my duty"
~ am sure Of that" she answered, and
extended her hand.
Two minutes later she was hurrying
homeward None too soon was her clear
head and quiet resolution brought to bear
upon the excited household. Her mother
was in Mysteries, the servants bustling
here and there purposeless and terrified
and her father lying upon the bed in the
hands of surgeon and two gentlemen
who had assisted 10 bringing him home.
There was plenty to do. In less time
than would seemed possible, the servants
were in their proper places, Mrs. Somer-
vile quietcd, and Nellie, white us sheet
but perfectly tranquil, actively engaged in
waiting upon the surgeon.
The weary hours that followed taxed
every nerve of the girls frame, but she
bore the strain bravely; and when the
surgeon led her to the drawing-room, he
felt deep respect for the girl who had so
nobly crushed back all selfish sorrow to aid
her father in his agony.
Giving her glass of water, and making
her rest quietly for a few minutes, he
watched her face till the drawn rigidity Of
every feature relaxed, and the strained
eyes looked piteously into his own.
"That is BETTER" he said kindly "You
may cry now"
Nellies lips quivered.
" You have something 10 tell me p
eyes. Arc you strong enough to hear
it?"
"That he will die2 Oh, say. he will
not die r.
"The injuries are not fatal. Ycur father
may live for years
Nellie's tears fell fast now
" But" the doctor continued, "hc will
never be able to walk again The injury
to the spine will keep him cripple for
life."
Never walk again While Nellie sob
bed out her anguish in the drawing-room,
John Somerville, unconscious Of the dread
fat that had gone forth, slept under the
influence Of a powerful opiate.
For many days the two women who loved
him had no thought for anything but the
strong man stricken down in the prime of
his life, needing care like a little child.