Sharp County record., 1878-07-12

! son, appeared. ne MalhoU oi'"i
with a peculiar, watchful gait, but he
turned his head neither to the right nor
left, as he approached the merry pair.
"Well. Frank, old fellow, how are
youPn exclaimed Algy heartily, as he
extended his hand.
"Why, Algy Vernon, back already
We thought you were studying meai- I
cine, or cutting peoples legs otto keep
you hand in for surgery. On, you tru-
anti"
The Young men shook hands warmly.
"Have YOU been here long this time"
asked AlgernOn.
"About fortnight" was the reply;
"Maggie's school,chum is coming-l
am very anxious indeed to make her
acquaintance. understand she's love-
Ily-not that her good looks matter to
me"
Algy was about to make a reply when
Maggie made him sign not to speak,
"Will you come and meet her, Frank?
We are going"
"Of course; shall be delighted to
welcome her. III 90 and get some
flowers for her-a bunch OF roses Will
do" As he spoke he walked quietly
away.
"What did you mean by telegraphing
to me in that mysterious manner?" ask
ed Vernon.
"Frank doesn't know that Jessie is
blind now, so don't tell him. She may
recover her eyesight, the doctors say.
Perhaps your skill may prove Of use" !"
"Not much, am afraid" said AL
gernon, signing. "But I've made the
eyes my study, too. Now, your eyes,
But whatever compliment he intend
ed to convey was cut short by Maggie's
sudden departure. -,
In half an hour the party were all
ready to proceed to the wharf. The
pony-chaise led the way at brisk pace,
while a cart for the visitors luggage fol-
lowed more soberly.
The steamer soon came alongside,
and Maggie'S quick glance at once de-
scried her friend.
"There she is, Algy, and Barton is
with her, as usual. What kind crea-
ture she isl"
Barton recognized the party at the
same moment, and told her young mis-
tress, who turned round and waved her
hand.
Jessie Hamblyn must have possessed
no ordinary share of beauty before the
fell ravages of smallpox had deprived
her of sight. Even now her almost
classic features were very striking, and
her open lids at a distance did not be-
trav the terrible trial to which she had
been subjected. Fortunately, the dis
ease had not marked her to any percep-
tible extent, and, had her eyes been
spared, her beauty wo''ld have remain
cd e.lr..~-. -uninIP PzI1feC = rIof' tar, wen
formed figure was drawn up as if in de-
fance of the pity she knew was felt for
her, and of many kind expressions
which her quick sense of hearing caught
and resented. At first she had rebelled
terribly against the VIII that had merci-
fully chastised her, but lately she had
bowed her head to the DEGREES of Provi-
dence, and almost without a murmur.
"How glad am to see you?n she
exclaimed" | mean, to know | am
with you once again, dear Maggie! How
kind you are!"
"Dearesu Jessie,n' whispered her
friend, "we are all delighted you have
come, and looking so well, too. Here
are two young gantlemen waiting to be
introduced though l think you have
met Algy Vernon before"
"Oh, yes! l recollect Mr.. Vernon
quite well. We had famous picnic to
the Glen, l think it was"
"Quite right, Miss Hamblyn. What
memory you have!" replied Vernon,
as he shook hands with her.
"This is my cousin, Frank Carson, OF
whom you may have heard" continued
Maggie. "He has brought you bou-
quet."
Maggie took them from her cousin
and placed them in the blind girls
grasp. Jessie inhaled the perfume for
few moments, and then placed them
in the bosom of her dress. "Oh, what
lovely roses!" she cried. "Thank you
So much, Mr. Carson!"
"Now, dear, let me escort you" said
Maggie, 81 see your invaluable Barton
has already got your luggage ashore.
This way, dear"
"Algy, you and must follow, as we
->iSn not lead," said Frank, as he took his
fr;eGus arm. 81 say" he whispered,
what beautiful voice she has got,
hasn't she? You'll be falling in love,
old fellow, ehP"
"Not l." replied his friend; "I'm not
equal to goddess like Miss Hamblyn
Besides, you know" He stopped sud
denly. remembering Maggie's caution
"Well, besides what? Don't mind
me,n said Frank. .
"Ob, dear, no; the fact is, I'm rather