The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1877-12-06
ROMANCE OF A HIDDEN HAND.

Mr. Steele had never been married; he
enjoyed his riches without companionslip
he had not relative in the world. A hard,
selfish, grasping man, beloved by none, and
respected only because Of his great wealth
Spite of his power 10 do good, the world
was none the better off for Richard Steele Is
| existence
No one in Milford remembered Mr..
Steele as other than the miSer he was to-
day; for fifteen years he had been citizen
of The town, and no change. either for bet
ter or worse, had CONS over him in NOR
al point of view.
His gardens OF Ircton hall were the finest
for scores of miles; the yellow pears and
lucious nectarnes ripened on its walls, the
ungathered grapes purpled on the treliiseS,
and no school boys daring hands disturbed
the ripe treasures Mr. Steele's great dog
Pluto was "a selfish as his master, and his
cruel teeth were always ready TO infict
summary punishment on all depredalors.
One quiet afternoon, as Mr.. Steele sat on
the piazza gazing out on the broad acres of
Ireton, his eye fell on two little children
coming down tho road, hand in hand.
They arrived in front of the gardens and
sent wistful look at the damask roses
which hung over the quantity carved gate
Fer a moment they conversed together in
subdued voices. and then they turned in at
the iron guarded gateway, and went slowly
up TO the avenue.
An angry scowl contracted the brow of
Mr. Steele at this unwanted intrusion, and
he half rose from his seat To drive away the
unwelcomed guests. They were the first
children who ever dared to trespass on the
estate of Irelon hall.
They came fearlessly up to the piazza,
still holding each others hands. The cid
est was boy of perhaps twelve years, a
noble, brave little fellow with brown eyes,
and dark, glossy hair. The other WAS n
girl; she could OF have seen more than
nine summers, and beauty like hers was
seldom seen save in some old rare picture.
The sight of her t,ce struck a strange
thrill to the heart of Richard Steele, and
involuntarily he bent down TO look at her.
She was fair as water lilly, save the GRIM
son which tinted her lips. and leaped at
intervals to her white checks.
Her eyes were deep blue, and her hair
like ripples Of molten gold touched by sun
beams Both the children wore mourning
garments. cheap and coarse, but neat as
human hands could make them.
The little girl spoke first
"Piease sir, will you give my brother and
me some roses?'
The tone was musical and sweet as harp
notes. but the rich mans countenance
grew hard and cold. He pointed to the
highway:
BE Off" he exclaimed, al do not raise
flowers for beggars.'
: How the dark eyes Of the boy flashed!
and he was about to make some sharp an
swer, Int the pressure of the girls fingers
on his arm checked him.
ave are not beggars" she said calmly:
"bnt our mother is dead. and we are or
phans She loved the roses and we loved
them, too. Please give us one apiece 1t
will seem so good TO smell flowers once
more"
The hard face did not relax-!he long
thin finger still pointed 10 the gate; but The
blue eyed petitioner did not move. she
was regarding him with an expression
strangely tender and plying, and ii annoy
ed him more than anything else TO be pit
tied
"Why do YOU look at me in that wayg"
he demanded harshly.
"l'ecause am sorry for you" she said
sweellY. "You are old and sad and all
alone Where are your children "
81 have nome" he answered, and won.
dered at the same tune why he did So
"Nonc! Have you no little girl to sit on
your knee and call you papag I'm sure |
pity you very much"
"Humphl"
"But do. Indeed 1 do! 1t must be