Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1875-12-20

self so badly that he was unable to rise.
No policeman was near. That impor-
tant official is always absent when most
needed. Children. and even men, crowd
ed around and looked with pity or de-
risiou upon the fallen man. Hattie's
heart throbbed with pity for him, and
Indignation towards those who could so
cruelty mock a helpless creature ; but as
she gazed, these feelings changed to
horror. for she recognized in this despi-
cable wreck, the once handsome and
gifted Ernest Lincoln. Not years. but
dissipation had marred those features
almost beyond recognition; yet Hattie
knew him. In the halls of her memory
hung an indelible picture of the one who
had taken her from wretchedness to
comfort and happiness.
She ordered her driver to stop and
lift the insensible man into her carriage.
Grumbling, yet not daring to disobey
his young mistress, the surly driver
obeyed. Then they drove rapidly home
ward.
Hours afterward, when Ernest Lin
coin awoke, he found himself in prince
ly apartment. A servant entered with
refreshments and a respectable change
of clothing. Ernest. after some time,
was told that lady wished to see him
on important business. A moment af-
terward, Hattie stood before him. New
er, in her happiest hours, had she look
cd one-half so lovely. Then, she was
the naughty belle; now, she stood the
modest woman, her soft brown eyes
dOwncast, her shining hair half-shading
the carmihe of her cheeks.
Ernest Lincoln gazed in silent admi-
ration, almost believing she was an an
gel from heaven. Hattie was the first
to break the silence.
Ernest Lincoln" said she, Il am the
girl you rescued from poverty. Circum-
stances have given me the right to speak.
All these years I've cherished your I'M
age. Take my fortune, it is rightfully
yours. Deny me not your love, L i'm
plore."
A flush of shame mantled the cheek
and brow of Ernest Lincoln. Kneeling
at her feet, he took her little hand, say
ing, Lady, thought | had fallen so
low there was no chance of redemption !;
but you give me hope. | cannot accept
your gift. l know not by what means
our circumstances are so reversed but
l speak honestly when | say it is worth
the loss of fortune to gain SO noble a
friend. | give you something better
than love-my worship. When I've re-
deemed my character, | will sue on bend
ed knee for the priceless boon of your
love. Till then, adieu !" and pressing
upon her hand one kiss, he was gone.
That hours experience changed the
merry maiden to a reserved woman.
From that time she was little seen ID
society. People wondered at it, and
clamorously demanded their favorite,
but she steadily resisted their appeals.
The years few onward, until she be.
came middle-aged woman; but still
she refused all offers of marriage. Hel
friends laughingly called her the "old
maid" and she as pleasantly accepted
the title.
She was sitting in her cozy room, one
night, reading an interesting book which
had just come into public notice, wher
a servant announced, "a gentleman t.
see you, na'am. in the drawing-room
He refused to send his card
With half murmur of impatience a
being disturbed in her congenial EN-
pluyment, she descended to the drawing
room. Again she recognized Ernes
Lincoln, as tall, noble-looking maj
rose to greet her. With a glad cry sh'
sprung into the arms opened to receiy
her.
won, at last p he exclaimed, tri
umphantly for most nObly had he KEEP
the resolve made during that day of hu
initiation In foreign lands he had striv
en- for wealth and fame and gained both
1 There was wedding ceremony in th
mansion of Lady Sterne's, and a happ
union was blessed in after years by
respectable family. Good counsel an
a noble parental example, led the chi
dren into paths of virtue and position
of honor Clara a. Randall
In the far East, lying between th
islands that compose the empire {
Japan, there GIBBS and flows and sparl
les, with gorgeous beauty truly Or
entail, fair Mediterranean, known :
the Seto Uuchi, or Inland Sea. Thoug
, smaller BIZ far than its namesake of II