The Van Buren press., 1878-09-17

They look as though they might work you
more trouble.
"Thank you," said the girl looking up
at him gratefully. ~ was never here be.
fore, but mother was SO sick she had to
eend me-"
She was wee bit Of athing. and look
ed even smaller walking beside her tall
protector. Her face was an interesting
one. though wan and pale; and her eyes
were of that deep gray color, which in the
shadow OF the long, dark lashes looked
like black. They shone out from beneath
tangle of curly hair, which glistened in
the sun like molten gold. But Gerald
thought not Of any promise OF beauty in
the child. His memory was busy in the
past, when he had presseda lingering last
kiss urnn the forehead of little sister
VINO was TO DC laid away from his sight
under the daiscs. Oitcp had ha threaded
his fingers through her curfs-J Jusc such
another mass of cleaning, tendril like
gold and his heart warmed to the owner
of the hand nesting so confidently in his
own broad palm. while she told in art
less words her simple story as they walk
ed along.
Her father had been sea captain. He
had sailed away on three years voyage
hoping to come home rich, enough to stay
tor the rest of his life with his family.
But the news Of his death reached them
and they had heard nothing since.
Mamma had lived in the country
said Adelaide in conclusion. aud when
money was nearly gone she thought it
would be easier to find work here SO we
moved. She has not felt able to sew
lately, and has had topawn one thing
after another, until all was gone but her
wedding dress. She was too sick to take
it this morning, so she had to trust me.
She was afraid would get lost in the big
wicked city, but told her God watched
over the little birds, and He would
surely do the same by Me-and SO He did
1t was God who sent you,'" and she
turned and looked up into his face with
admiring, reverential eyes.
Gerald flushed little, but her simple
child faith was too refreshing to disturb
by any commonplace disclaimer; 80 be
said to turn the subject from himself:
| :" 10 youI UT tCiJ SOIIy w
part with the dress ?"
"Indeed she was Inkver saw her cry
SO hut once before, and that was when We
heard that papa was dead.
1t was easy for the sympathetic listen
er to form an idea of the destitution which
threatened the little family. l paltry
three dollars only between them and
want!
They had by this time reached the dool
Of the dwelling house which sheltered
the widow and her child
/" Nav j coma in Y ha said II ypull
like to speak to your mother OF frienf
Of mne--a young doctor, He is very
skilful and might help her"
"Oh. SIR" said Adelaide, brightly, tn er
her face clouded "but we have no mon
ey to pay him"
"That will be all right said Gerald
The girl bounded up the stairs with {
light heart at these words and disappear
cd for moment. Then she came ou
and beckoned to him.
"Please to come in, mamma will SEE
you"
Lifting his hat he entered tn. room
softly. ALI within was cheerful and pleas
ant. A few flowers, brought from theii
country home. were blossoming upon the
window sill. and sweet voiced canary
thrilled its tiny-throated music above
them. But his attention was at once con
centratcd upon the hectic. painted face
resting upon the snowy pillow.
She smiled family as she met his eyes
with their expression of kindly interest
"You are very good,' she said. "My
little girl has told me OF your offer.
shall be glad to accept it for her sake
but fear am past help
"Whle there's life there is hope" said
Gerald, cheerily. "And nv friend. DR.
Gilbert, though young is very skillful.
will see him to-day and interest him in
your case"
Then he wrote down her name in his
note -book-"Mrs. Adelaide Harvey, wife
Of Captain Harvey, of the ship Adelaide
No. 3 3--st st.
"May come in and see how you ge,
along under his treatment ?" he asked, as
he rose to 60.
Mrs. Harney looked at him for mo.
ment with eyes rendered almost prefer
naturally bright by her illness. Gerald
felt as though his very soul was being laid
bare under her searching gaze, but he did,
not blanch. He had been reared by a
tender Christian mother and though one
of the gay world in position, he had
reached manhood singularly unspottcd
by its vices. SO he could bear the scru
tiny of those clear eyes without uneasi-
ness for there was no lepros spot in his
life to be brought to light.
Come when you like" she said at
last, And If my days are numbered,
oh, kind sir, watch over my child, my
poor little Adelaide! She must earn an
honest living Will you see that she is
put in the way Of it? You have a good
face and feel that can trust you. II
you never have an earthly reward, the
God of the widow and of the fatherless
will bless you"
She closed her eyes wearily, exhausted
by her emotions, and Gerald, deeply NOV
ed, went in quest Of DR. Gilbert.
Gerald Carman was junior partner in a
large shipping house One of their fin
est ships had arrived in port but few
days since. and its captain "a bluff, hear
ty sailor-had a peculiar charm to the
young man He had spent several even
ings with him, and had an engagement to
join him at lunch. While eating their