The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-11-21
THAT BLESSED RAIN.

THAT BLESSED RAIN.
"OH, yes" said the doctor, rising
from the bedside of his patient, eve
are mending-we are certainly mend.
ing. All that your mother needs now
Miss Farley, is nourishing diet
plenty of beaf-tea and old portland
we shall keep her with us many long
year yet"
He was q large, benign man, and he
looked down cheerfully on Bertha Far.
ley as he spoke, rubbing his hands
plump, white hands-and anticipated a
delightful answer.
There was none. The girls lips
moved; but there was no articulate re.
Spouse, and look passed over her face
that seemed one of actual agony.
Certainly her cheek grew very pale.
The doctor stared at her in amaze
ment.
Beef-tea, sirr' she faltered.
Eyes; you know how to make beef
tea, suppose?'
"Yes, SIR"
"A bit of nice beefsteak or q chop
for her dinner, and a very light meal at
night. Avoid heavy suppers."
Bertha bowed, and the doctor took
up his hat and went away.
A very singular girl" he said to
himself, as he went down the steps.
"Sbe has hung over her mother every
minute for the last three weeks, and
now assure her she will get well-a
thing that seemed impossible three days
ago-she don't even smile. I hate these
undemonstrative peopler' exclaimed
the doctor. always impatient of any
thing incomprehensible.
Such eccentricities were almost the
only thing that troubled him.
And Bertha Farley? She stood still,
listening to his retreating footsteps.
She stood as pale and still as a marble
statue. far-away strained look in her
eyes, that greatly detracted from her
beauty-for beauty she certainly had
had, at least. There was the faint dint
of dimple in the white cheek; the
features were finely chiseled; the rip
pies of dark hair fine as silk; but the
countenance was pale to sallowness
now, and the expression one of monot-
onous melancholy.
Bertha turned aside to a window, at
last, and slipped her hand into the
pocket of her dress. She drew forth q
dainty pearl portemonnaie and I'M
clasped it. 1t was empty.
"Nourishing diet-her life depends
on it now. And l have no money!
No wonder the doctor did not sus-
pect. The girl wore dainty wrapper
of rose-colored cashmere. The room
was furnished with oak and green vel
vet. The hangings of the bed were
white as snow, and the invalid was
wrapped in cambria and lace.
Yes; the sick room was beautiful,
and the sick woman had been most
comfortably cOuched and attended.
She had suffered much, and Bertha had
kept well the secret that their account
at the bank was overdrawn, and they
were utterly penniless. But now she
was so desperate in her emergency
that it seemed as if she must cry aloud
The invalid stirred on her pillow.
Bertha. dear, are you thereP''
"Yes, mother"
Bertha came to the bed and put her
young face down beside the wrinkled
one on the pillow.
THE doctor says am getting bet
ter"
"Yes, dearest mother.''
"You must not tire yourself out so
now. Stretch yourself here on the bed,
poor child, and have a nap. Nab will
wait on me.''
There was a moments silence.
NJ hnw oe>o nnl a
cup of nice tea with cream in it. Do
you know, DEAR" with a faint smile,
II think I am actually hungry?'
Still Bertha did not speak.
"Are you asleep, dear Bertha?'
mo, mamma-I was thinking. Nab
has gone away" she added. II did
not think we needed her-only us two
and will get your lunch.
"Mab gone? Why, Bertha, there is
80 much work to do! Stop, child
don't look so nervous and harassed.
Lie down and rest. ~
s. must 60 on an errand, mamma.
I'll not be gone over ten minutes"
Yes, nervous and harassed the girl
looked. She tied a vail tightly over her
face and caught up her shawl. In an
instant she was in the street.
"Oh, she said she was hungrvr' she
sobbed, the tears running down her
cheeks as she threaded several short
streets.
At last she was in the open thorough
fare, and looked about her.
Right opposite was window full OF
watches and jewelry, and above hung
three gilt balls.
"That must be the place." murmur-
ed Bertha.
With an aching heart, she drew q
ring from her finger.
1t was beautiful ring-a circlet OF
very large and pure rubies. They
flashed like sparks of fire in the sun
light as the girl drew it from her hand.
Then she plunged across the street and
with desperate haste Enclosed the pawn.
brokers' door.
There was q fat, black-whiskered
man, smelling of garlic, behind the
counter. He snatched eagerly at the
ring as Bertha offered it for his inspec.
ton.
No words could describe the pair
with which she saw it seized by his ia,
hands.
.This ringP I will lend you sever
dollars on it, my dear"
"Seven dollarsP And when I brins
you back the money I can have thu
ring back" added Bertha, earnestly.
"Oh, yes, my dear; any time within
twelve months"
He handed her the money in silver
Her thin fingers closed over it; but sh,
had removed the vail, and stood look
ing anxiously at the man.
Y0uwill be sure and not sell the ring
sir. will certainly redeem it befor'
the twelve months are out. Nv name i,
Bertha Farley" she added, II live a
No. $40 Al street,
The old pawnbroker smiled ut til,
unsophisticated air. His customer,