The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-07-03

toned the matter to his niece, nor
was Fred's name ever spoken between
them.
Three years rolled round without a
change to Mary Ellison, except that
she grew more eautiful with each new
year. Her uncle had moved to Boston,
and she was among the most admired
of the bellies of society. Yet admira-
ton and Hattery seemed to have no
power over her, and she was as often to
be met with at the bedside Of the sick
aud in the houses of the poor as in the
brightest halls of luxury and extrava-
gance.
And there was enough that one could
do, if she was but willing. Thousands
of poor people had seen their little all
swallowed up in the great flames, and
needed all the encouragement and help
they could obtain. But Mary Ellison
was 4 rare missionary. She was among
the poor and the helpless because her
heart was tender with pity for them,
and not to hear men sound her
praises.
Anything l al do for you to-day,
uncle ?" she asked as she started on one
of her morning rounds.
Nothing, my dear; but don't be
gone long"
81 wish l knew what was best to
do" you might have heard him saying
when she had gone. "Had l better
tell her, or let things take their own
course? The fellow is in earnest, and
he is rs proud as Lucifer. What shall
L do?" And again he drew u letter
from his pocket, as if all his trouble
was in that. 1t was the first communi-
cation he had ever had from Fred
Seward. Here it is:
DIR. BUGGEsS-Dtdr Sir: When / left
Swampscott, three years ago. it was with the
determination Of making myself OF some
practical use in the world. and of removing
the charges that l felt You so Justly made
against me. l WAS anxious to do this act not
only for myself, after l had been made to see
how frivolous nv life was, but also that /
might gain the respect Of your niece. and with
the intention Of again asking her to become I
my wife. have been studying in the office
of al old school-mate OF yours. DIR. Sweet.
and have enjoyed my life much more than l
ever thought it possible. Ny purpose in now
writing TO You Is To say that when / last saw
Miss Ellison ] ssid 20 her | should renew my (
proposal. Since that time circumstance have
arisen which compel me to say to you that l
cannot renew those proposals.. nor can / aspire
to Miss Ellison's hand. OF course you will
do with this o. you may think best, but L
should be glad if you could keep the matter in !
your own hands. With great respect,
FEEL X. SEWARD
The Doctor studied and worried on
the matter the rest of the day, and then
had not decided upon what he ought to
do. But things often happen in this
world that are not planned out before
hand by us. While he was worrying
over the letter Mary was carrying hap
piness into a score of homes and spread
ing her own sunshine among hearts that
had little else than clouds.
Among her people was a widow who
had but n child. Il boy old enough to
earn a few pennies selling papers. She
stopped at her door, and was met by the
mother in tears. Her boy had been run
over by the street-cars, and his life was
in great danger. Had they a doctor ?
"Oh, yes, ma'am, the lame doctor"
Mary had frequently of late heard
OF the lame doctor, but had never seen
him.
when was he here ?" she asked.
"He is here now, ma'am."
AT first she thought she would
not go in until after the doctor had
gone, but she wanted to ask him what
could be done /; SO she followed the
I'M into the room.
80, Doctor !" cried the mother,
"here is our best friend"
Mary turned to the man standing by
the bedside, and found the lame doctor
to be Fred Seward.
He reao ed ont his hand and greeted
her with the p~leasantest smile, saying :
eve need no introduction, Miss
Ellison"
She gave him her hand, but could
hardly speak with surprise.
"Are you the lame doctor?" she asked
after the first greeting.