American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1878-04-13
AT THE GATE.

1t was bright day in early Novem-
Der, with clear skies and keen breeze
rustling the few many-colored leaves
clinging to the trees along the streets of
the fine old country town. A very quiet,
genteel looking street, lined with hand
some residences, it was; and from the
handsomest of them all, lady came
forth with slow step, as if her only OBJ
ject was to enjoy as much as possible of
the bright sunshine and the clear,
healthy air. She was young, and quite
pretty, with attractive, resolute features,
and blue eyes dazzlingly beautiful Her
fair complexion was in perfect harmony
with the rosette of blue velvet on the
front of her round hat; and her walk
ing-dress of gray silk was neatly fitting
and stylish. This lady was Agnes Car
roll, the niece and heiress of the wealthy
solicitor, Mr.. John Carroll, who lived
in the stately mansion she had just quit
ted.
She came down the long garden walk
slowly and thoughtfully, and paused at
the gate, leaning over it with an ex-
clamation of surprise. On the foot
path man was lying; his face was
turned away, and he was so motionless
that Agnes fancied he was dead; and,
hurriedly unclosing the gate, she has
tened to him.
Evidently he had fallen headlong, for
his clothes were in great disorder, and
his hat crushed under the side of his
head, which lay against the garden
fence His face was pale and thin; his
hair and long unkempt beard were a
bright brown; and his garments, though
much the worse for wear and very i'll
fitting, had once been of the finest ma
terial. His shoes were old and much
worn, and Agnes could see that he had
no socks. As she gazed at the wretched
outcast, a tear trembIed in her eve upon
the haggard face over which she was
bending; and then Agnes walked back
to the house and sent some of the serv-
ants out to bring him under shelter.
The stable-boy said he was drunk,
but Agnes felt quite sure he was mis-.
taken; the stranger could not be inebri
ated, she said, and ordered them to car
ry him in and give him a comfortable
bed.
When the doctor for whom she had
sent had arrived he said Miss Carroll
was right. The man was not intoxicat-
ed; but in the last stages of starvation,
and had fallen in the road out of pure
inability to take another step. When
Mr.. Carroll came, Agnes told him of
the occurrence, and made him promise
that the poor man need not leave the
house until fully recovered; and that, ii
he could, he would assist him to some
better way of life than that which had
brought him to their gate.
Having gained her uncle's promise,
which she knew would be kept, Agnes
again dressed, and set out for her long
delayed walk. Before she had gone far,
she was met by young gentleman,
who stopped when he saw her, and re-
marked, 81 was on my way to call on
you, Miss Carroll walking along by
her side.
How is your mother to-day, Mr..
Bellp" asked Agnes, as they walked
along.
"Quite well, thank you. We are ex-
pecting my sister home from school, and
she is all excitement
" Fanny will be quite an addition 10
our circle this winter
" Yes. By the way, Miss Carroll, will
you lend your assistance in getting up
those tableaux for our fancy fair?"