Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1877-04-26

known tnat MARY was 10 Oe maTTleu,
and Mrs. Jermayne intended to give
her not only wardrobe, but little
house prettily furnished.
The wedding ceremonies were per-
formed in the parlor of Mary's new
home, the servants from the great
house all being invited, and partaking
Of a choice supper afterwards.
Mrs. Jermayne herself was present
and drove away early in the evening,
leaving good wishes.
And, oh, Tom / Mary cried, when
all the guests had left the house, there
is everything provided, coal and flour
and potatoes, and whole closet full
of groceries, Oh, Tom,' and the lit
tie woman clasped her hands, I've
heard of guardian angles, and she's
been one to me ever since she took
me up from the ground ten years ago
and was kind as a mother to me,
kinder than even ray own mother was
She's a good woman, Mary, and
that's better than being grand lady.
Many's the poor soul says: God bless
Mrs. Jermayne in her prayers. She
uses her wealth we'll
Years rolled on and Tommy Boles
grew in wealth and Importance. He
invented some improvements in ma
chinery, which were patented, and
brought him into notice as we'll as
giving him a large income.
The little house was left for an i'm
posing mansion, children came to bless
Mary's life, and the worlds affairs
wsre prosperous. But ever both Tom
and Mary remembered with fervent
gratitude the gentle woman who had
been the best friend of the child she
found sobbing on the grass. The lit
tie maid was fair matron, surround
ed by noble boys and gentle girls,
when, one day, the tall, noble man
she loved. came IN with sad face and
slow step.
I have bad news for you, little
woman, he said, coming into the sit
tag room where Mary was sewing !;
there has been a terrible financial
crash !
Does it effect you, Tom 2
No, dear; but Mrs. Jermayne is
ruined. Her confidential lawyer has
speculatcd with her securities in his
hands, and lost everything.
oh, Iom
But that is not the worst. At her
advanced age the blow has been too
much for her, and she is lying i'll with
delirous fever.
I must go!'
Yes, dear. Jennie must To- ok out for
the younger children. Mary there is
something more to tell.
Mrs. Jermayne has always spent
her full income and she is in debt
There was sheriff in the house this
morning
Tom you break nv heart.
No, dear. I have arranged de-
lay, and | want to caution you, if
reason returns to the invalid, to keep
all trouble from her. ! shall buy in
the house if necessary and you can do
the rest. Let our friends last days
be spent in her own home, even if we
make some sacrifices to accomplish it.
Mary's only reply was warm en-
brace, and a sobbing word of graft
tude, before she hurried away upon
her mission Of mercy.
She found Mrs. Jermayne, now
past 80 years old, alone in the great
house the servants having been fright
ened away at the prospect of ruin,
many having paid themselves liber-
ally in plate or jewels.
The old lady, tossing in delrious
pain, was very i'll, and Mary's hands
were full for many weary days, even
after Tom gathered in some of the
frightened servants. Mary allowed
no one else to nurse her benefactrsss,
tending her gently, lovingly, with the
lest medical advice to guide her.
But the shock to the aged woman
had been too great, and strength
failed her every day.
One night, when Tom was sharing
Mary's watch dreading to leave her
alone to meet the sorrow approaching
rapidly, Mrs. Jermayne opened her