The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1874-01-01

boarding-house, and, soon reaching it,
he entered by means of latch-key. He
had built fire at noon, and his room
was now warm, but there was an air of
loneliness to it that it had never worn
before. After washing, he passed the
few minutes elapsing before supper in
looking over the evening paper, copy
of which he had purchased on his way
home. His eye naturally sought the
amusement column-not that he was in
the habit of frequenting theatres, but
because he hoped to find there some
cheerful notices of Christmas panto-
mines and plays. There were, indeed,
several announcements of this sort of
entertainment, but they were not at
tractive. The time had been when he
had read with delight the names of the
Clown and Columbine but these fc-
tions no longer possessed any fascina-
ton for him, and tonight they served
but to arouse sad memories of boyish
frolics. At the bottom of the column,
however, was the notice of a perform
ance of "The Messiah" and he read
the names of the singers and the other
particulars with interest. Nothing
could exceed his love of oratorio music.
Miss Coy and learned from her that she
had several errands to call her out that
evening, but was in fear of being dis
appointed in her desire to perform
them, as it had begun to snow.
"That need make no difference" +"
said John, endeavoring to look uncon-
cernedly at plate of toast before them.
81 am going out again and have very
l. ,-r+
afraid of getting wet, l should be glad
to accompany you.
1t was not a very elaborate or artistic
invitation, but Miss Coy seemed de-
lighted with it, and soon after supper
was seen by several of the boarders es-
saying from the front door with her nit
tened hand on Mr.. Marrowprat's arm.
Now John was anything but a ladies
man. He was somewhat awkward in
their presence, and was painfully con-
scious Of the fact and = y frequently
he got tongue-tied. But when Miss
Coy told him that the object of her ex-
cursion was the purchase of some trifes
for her sisters children, whose hearts
would be broken if Aunt Annie neglect
ed them on the morrow, John became
forgetful Of himself, and was soon peering
in at windows with beaming face and
making suggestions regarding the pur-
chases, and went so far as to buy a
squeaking dog with pink eyes and q
woolly tail for his landladv's little boy.
Long before they got to this point,
however, they had become quite com
municative.
81 should think" said John, placing
the umbrella so as TO more effectually
protect his companion from the storm.
- that yo7! q find 1t very tiresome teach
ing school"
"Ob, So times I do. But there are
many pleasures that compensate for the
fatigue" was the cheerful reply. 81
forget all about myself in watching the
children's faces. There's nothing 50
pleasant TO look al as 3 child's face"
"That's so, said John, "it males
us feel young again. That is" he in
stantly added, conscious Of blunder,
such as are old"
I'm sure you don't call yourself old, -
responded Miss Coy, in tone strongly
deprecating such a conclusion.
Yes, do" said John, in all SINGER
ity: I'm getting along fast At least
I feel so. Perhaps II is owing to nv
solitarv way Of living, perhaps not. ]
don't know" There was such yearn-
ing for sympathy expressed in his voice
that the bright look that Miss Coy
habitually wore faded for q moment,
and one Of kind concern took its place
But it came back almost Immediately,
and her increased vivacity was an evil
dence Of her desire to dispel the sadness
that had fallen upon him. And she was
very successful.
The snow, which had begun to fall
early in the evening, had given place to
rain that froZe as soon as II reached the
earth and covered the walks with an
icy coating extremely dangerous to
pedestrians. Mr.. Marrowprat, with the
brown paper parcels containing their
purchases in one hand, and the wind
tossed umbrella in the other. found con-
siderable difficulty in supporting his
fair companion. Twice she slipped, and
twice, with his assistance. laughingly
recovered herself. By and by, one Of
the bundles fell f; and, in stopping to
pick 1t mp. John felt his feet fly from
under him, and, notwithstanding a CON
vulsive clutch at the air, down he went
heavily, and something snapped. In
attempting 10 rise he found that he had
IN some manner injured his left foot, for
he could bear no weight upon it.
I'm afraid that I've sprained nv
ankle, Miss Coy" he said, endeavoring
to limp along. - How unfortunate %
Oh I hope not, she answered in a
futter "let me take the packages
lean on me.
"John looked al the little figure be-
side him and smiled but he gave her
the bundles nevertheless, and attempted
to proceed.
II can't get on" he said, with a
groan.
Dear mel cried Miss Coy, "vhat
can do for you?"
Hurt ?" sententiously inquired
policeman who had witnessed the acci-
dent.
90 Yes" said John. "Get a carriage,
viii you?"
He leaned against a convenient rail-
ing and awaited its arrival, endeavoring
10 avoid any expression of the pain that
grew more and more intense every mo-
ment. He still gallantly held the um-
brella over Miss Coy, whose anxiety
was great. When the coach came the
officer helped him in, aud as he was
about to perform the same service for
Miss Coy he said, bluntly: "You'd
better get doctor TO him as soon as
you can, for in my humbls opinion he's
got broken leg. / heard il snap
Miss Coy got into the coach in an ex-
cited condition of mind, and the vehi-
Gle rolled away. In short time il drew
up before Mrs. Windle's, and with the