Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-05-02

seemed to be sprained.
"Lean ON me, Mr.. Hamilton. l
think 1 can get up the path. if it is
steep, to the road. and from thence, af-
ter a rest, home.
Slowly, yet surely, leaning on the
young girl for that support he was so
accustomed to give to others, he crept
along, often stopping to rest, until at
last the level road was gained, and from
there his own room, to which a physi-
clan was soon summoned, and his limb
set and bruises attended to.
Lying thus helpless upon his bed, the
door partly open, to allow circulation
of air, the young man lay half doing,
when he accidentally heard the follow
ing conversation, not, of course, inten-
ded for his ears -
"a pretty piece of work this" said
Mrs. Corsair, who was an intensely
selfish woman. ''Who is to play nurse
now, would like to know ~
"And to miserable tutor" Interrupt
ted the equally selfish Zoe.
''Should be very glad to take charge
of the poor young man, alone among
strangers and SICK" said Blanche, ''and
if aunt is willing. will devote my time
to him."
'And neglect the sewing. There is
my wrapper not finished yet"
''Do not fear, aunt" returned the
same sweet voice Il will finish that
also. l can take my sewing to his
room and attend both; if not able to
sew when he is awake, l will do it at
night when he sleeps"
VERY well, do as YOU please; but,
remember, that wrapper must be fir
ished."
"Come, mother, don't bother about
him any longer. The carriage waits
to take US to the concert. Come"
So saying, the unfeeling Zoe swept
down stairs, followed by her mother,
whilst soft voice murInured by the in
valid's side -
"You are not sleeping, l Sec. What
shall do for your relief"
II feel quite comfortable, thank you,
except a headache, caused by the sudden
JAR"
LET me battle it then
How soft her fingers were; how gen.
tie her touch, and what depth Of
womanly pity besmed from those large
brown eyes.
Did he dream It, or when he laid
upon that hard ground, had not those
same eyes shed tears over him, and
those red lips murmured plying
words?
But we will not linger to tell the
fancies that were soon lost in deep. re-
freshing sleep, nor ofthe rapid improve
ment Of the invalid.
About two weeks after the accident,
Blanche wandered once more to her
favorite resort, and, seating herself at
the foot of the descent, she was soon
lost in deep reverie.
This is a charming spot, Miss
Blanche" said a Well-known voice be-
hind her, land I see is favorite of
yours. Now that 1 know how to avoid
its dangers, l also am charmed with
its deep repose and picturesque beau
ty."
Il am glad you like it," was the re-
ply of the young lady, as she blushed
slightly, when he seated himself by her
side. ''For years it has been my daily
walk in suitable weather. But yours
is the only face 1 have ever seen when
here, and 1 cannot but wonder how you
discovered the spot"
zone of my little pupils told me of it,
and that day when 1 fell was my first
visit. Thankful am I that you were
in the habit of coming here, else l
migth have died alone and unmissed."
"Alone, I grant, but not unmissed,
for your pupils love you and surely we
all would have sought you, but we
might not have thought of finding you
here"
Iwould like to tell you, dear Miss
Blanche, how strongly ATTACHED 1 have
become to my tender nurse, and how
much I long for her to return my devot-
ed affection. Dearest, can you love a
person occupying so humble position
as tutor to your uncle's children? If
you can, and if you will allow me to
present my deep love, and consent to
become my wife, it will be the delight
Of my life to strive to make you happy"
81 do love you, Mr.. Hamilton, and
have from our first meeting. To be
your wife will crafty my proudest de-
sires, but, remember, while you are, as
you say, only tutor, I am ofall things
most pitiful, a poor relation, living
upon the cold charities of my uncle's
family"
yet well earning handsomer liv-
ing, and far better lot, by her useful
ness and amiability. No longer a
poor relation, dearest, but my loved
and honored future wife,"
Then, as he drew her towards him,
and their lips met, both felt that they
had chosen wisely and well.
No opposition was offered when Mr..
Hamilton asked the hand of Blanche
Gilmore from her uncle, all thinking
that their poor relative did we'll, even in
marrying a tutor.
Mr.. Hamilton wished to be married
during the Christmas holidays, so early
in December the plain wardrobe Mr..
Corsair thought prudent to give his
II 4