The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1877-02-08

refusing lOT Ine present. oil ZIG Hoopl-
tally you offer here below"
Speaking in the pleasant, gracious
manner that people use when perform
ing any act of charity which does not
at all interfere with the individual com
fort, Mrs. Arnold and the physician
passed up the staircase into a bright, |
cosy room, where they were greeted by
| the cheerful warmth of coal fire, the
soft subdued glimmer of a gas-hght
turned down. On the bed lay the wom
an they had come to see, thoroughly
restored to consciousness, but with a
brilliant color on the cheeks, that SEEM
ed to betoken fever.
DR.. Gray looked grave as he held the
small, wasted hand in his, and counted
the beatings of the pulse. "Too rap
/ i'd" he said, under his breath. No,
you must not talk, but remain perfect
ly quiet; rest is what you need. You
are in good hands, and tomorrow, if
you are better, you may tell all that you
have on your mind"
There was an air of refinement about
this waif that even fastidious Mrs.
Arnold noticed; and saw the look of
gratitude that welled up from the
depths of the deep, dark eyes, though
the lips uttered no word. Bending
over, she whispered, "Wait until to-
morrow. The doctor thinks you re-
quire rest, and I dare not infringe up
on his orders. Ellen will remain with
you, and you may be assured that we
feel deep interest in your welfare.
Good night; try and sleep"
h fxrrr
hours" said the doctor, and then he
passed out of the room.
How often we go to meet our fate
without knowing it. The things we
look for, the sweet anticipations Of life
slip, oftentimes, away from us one by
one. We know not where they have
gone, OF why, but we do know that
where there was joy and hope, naught
lives save desolation! And there are
others who come down like Gods white
winged angels, and rest, and help, and
lift us up, and thus the odd things are
made even, and the rough corners
rounded and made beautiful.
Mrs. Arnold was true to her word,
and when the light of another day had
, won the world back to her beauty, she
! looked upon the young girls face and
, knew that she would live. Then she
! ! formed-after the woman fashion-a
!, life that should be redolent of good
l works, and rich in faith and love.
, "We will take her home to our hearts, u
! , she thought. GO am sure she is as fair
! within as without; the face is almost
always an index of the soul. She will
not disappoint us, am sure"
She was very willing to listen to the
= strangers story. Moreover, she was
= like her husband, charitable, and there
: was story in their Eves-a sad, very
y sad one-that they never referred tC
> from choice. The silence in regard to
!: their ''skeleton" had been unbroken fol-
u years until the previous night, when hel
husband had put the question tina
. had brought back the old ache in he
l. heart.
a "You are very much better, almos
,, well, but intend to keep you in bee
4 to-day. 'An ounce of prevention i
: worth pound of cure so the old prov
q erb says, and [ believe in it. Blythe
Is by, what shall call you?''
h The girls voice was low and sweet
- as she replied: "My name IS Grac
Arnold, and | have been married 1
10 years"
y Mrs. Arnold started forward. "Wha
Il did you say Grace Arnold? why
% and then she stopped, saying only, "g
y. on, am listening"
" "Iwas only fifteen when l married
i and l had never known trouble. Fa
-, Their and mother denied themselves man
10 comforts in order that might be edu
10 Gated. They were so good to me-tak
a ing all the rain of life and leaving N
- the sunshine. One summer, when
a came home to pass my vacation, me
~ Fred Arnold, and soon / came to Low
% him, to long for his presence, to mis-
~ his pleasant words and little attentions
The idea of marrying him used to eros
os my mind from time to time, but live
at too entirely in the present for it
no prove source of anxiety.
RI. Gal last remember the time s
Mt well-he told me that he must 90 ava,
but before he went there was story
o. must tell me, and my answer would il
et fluence his whole future for veal {
he woe. How sweetly the birds sang tn,
it. day; how fragrant the flowers were
er oue uolo VI t4o previous SItS VI udtul
". were to be compared with this beniso
m of love that had come down into III
on life. Then he told me all about hin
ce self. His father was rich banke
but very proud, and my darling feare
n. that he should have little to offer say
u his heart and willing hands; would
err be satisfied with them.
ief GA week from the time he said goo,
yn bye he returned to claim me. He W.
re- very honest, telling me plainly that h