The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-11-21

weary head At last he fell, and knew no
more.
After the long blank and darkness he
had dreamy sense Of pleasant shaded
room of open, vine covered windows,
filed with fresh pure flowers; of kind,
hearty, rugged face that came and looked
at him, and then spoke cheerily to another
kind and mothorly face that lowered over
him oftener, and smoothed his pillows, and
brushed back his clustering hair, matted
with his restless fever tossings Of another
face--an angel he dreamed it was-young-
er, and So fresh and sweet that the very
sight of it seemed to put him far on his
road to health again.
This face did not come as often as the
others. 1t would steal softly in for a
moment with the other faces; and even
then, if he happened to be awake, it would
dart out again in frightened manner
and as the days passed on he grew better
it did not come at all and then he grew
impatient to get well and find where il
had gone.
AT last the pleasant morning came that
he was well enough to walk out and sit on
the pleasant porch; and then, unasked by
them, for they were too kind to intrude
upon his secrets, he told them all his
story, and they listened and gave him
their warmest sympathy; and ono face
the timid, fresh, young one-was bathed
in tears behind the leafy screen, where it
had crept unseen.
He found his haven at last. Farmer
Royston-the good, worthy soul, that he
was-ofIered him refuge and place where
he could earn his own living and he went
to work. His whole heart was bent upon
learning, and he progressed rapidly with
his duties of the farm. He made just as
rapid hcadway into the affections of the
family. OF the family in truth; but Of
the shy heart in particular, he could not
feel as sure. That very shyness that added
such charm to her sweet young beauty,
interposed an almost insurmountable barrier
to her confidence. He could not tell how
she regarded him; she was shy and re-
served, scarcely ever speaking to him, and
never remained alone with him for q
moment.
The months rolled on and he had been
there a year. In that year of independ-
enee and healthy labor he had grown strong
and rugged and handsomer than ever.
He had improved in mind, also, for though
his accomplishments were thrown aside, he
had gained a store Of practical knowledge
that was invaluable to him and more, he
was desperately in love. The young, shy
face had conquered him completely.
One pleasant summer evening he strolled
down by the river, and Unexpectedly came
upon Hattie Royston sitting silently beside
the old tree that grew upon the waters
edge. She started to her feet and would
have run away, but he gently detained her
with his arm.
why do you always avoid me, Hattie2'
he asked, trying to look into her averted
face.
She made him no reply, and only turned
farther away from him.
@Do you then dislike me SO much,
Hattie ?" he asked reproachfully.
The look she flashed upon him was a
direct denial of the charge, aud yet she
would not speak.
81 love you SO dearly and so tenderly
that my whole life must be sad one If
you do not love me in return. You do
not wish my life to be that, do you
Hattie 2"
The answer came SO slow and faint that
he had to bend his face close down to hear
the soft little whisper
No; not that 7"
He bent so low that his face almost
touched hers, and then he saw ii was rosy
red, with now and then tear that sparkled
upon it like diamond. He thought she
was panied and in distress. ~ am so
sorry, Hattie l did not mean to give you
pain"
She stopped him with little finger
pressed upon his lips; and now she looked
up, grown bolder in her joy.
"Can you not see that l am only
happy2 that | am craving for that very
p and she smiled lovingly thro'
her tears
You love me then, darling ?" he asked
rs he drew her closer to him, and bent
down to look within her eyes.
Yes, yes j / have loved you 50 much
ever since"
" Ever since when?" he asked, as she
paused in sweet confusion, and her old
shyness returned.
Ever since the day you fell out there
in the road and we brought you in"
They said no more just then; what
need1 the silence Is full Of words to lovers,
and they were more than content with
this.
"will l let you have her q of course
! win and glad Of the chance to give her