The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1878-08-16
r.,v swsDow 10 SUNLIGHT


derly lady and the other young GrL
Mrs. Etheling, the leader In the little
village of Fairhaven, was renowned
for her hospitality. Her companion
was her young and beautiful sister
Margaret.
There was TO be party the next
week at their villa, and they we're dis
cussing the arrangements.
Just then up the broad steps ran
little figure, little Lily, and some
weighty request was evidently hover.
ing on her rosebud lips. for her eyes
were eager and her cheek flushed.
ooh. mamma, may I invite some
one to the partyf Iwant to ask old
Limpy."
"My darling, you shouldn't call any
one such rude name"
The childs eyes filed with tears at
the rebuke, as she hastily said:
"Oh, mamma, didn't mean to be
rude-no one knows his name, and
the children call him that. Aunt
Margie, coax mamma to let me ask
him."
Margaret drew the little girl to her
side, saying:
Tell us who he is, dear, and why
you want to invite him so much"
And then Lily told q tale that
blanched their checks with terror
how a month before she had been
playing with some little companions,
when, looking up. they saw dog
rapidly running towards them, with
his head down, and fosming ut the
mouth. They had scarcely had time
to realize their peril wheh "Old Lin
py" rushed in front of the rabid ami
NAL, and with his cruich struck such
blow as laid the creature dead at his
feet.
IL did not tell you then, mamma,
for knew how il would Brighten you;
hut / meant to tell you to-day, and
ask If ! might invite him to the par
ty.'
Of course, Lily got her wish, and a
moment later saw her flying down the
road to the little cottage, all embow-
cred with roses, where lived the eccen-
trio man TO whom she had taken such
a strong fancy.
He was seated upon rustic bench
among his flowers, and as he looked
up and saw the child, he held out his
arms.
"Ailia!" he exclaimed.
at is Lily Etheling,' she said, as
she came near to his side.
"True-I was dreaming. And
what does my little friend wants"
81 want you to come to my man.
mas party next week. She told me
to ask you"
A hooking laugh rang frsm his
lips.
81 at q party! /"
Lily's soft blue eyes dwelt an instant
ON the stern face, to which all the bit
terness had come back, and then FILL
ell with tears. As he saw the child's
tear-6lled eyes light sprang into his
face, and again, as at first, he opened
his arms.
Lily spraRg into them.
81 like you-I lope youf' she wbis-
pered.
There was a silence, and the mans
strong frame shook with sobs.
"Low me'' he exclaimed. again
hear those words--they unman me !"
Suddenly he clasped her Passionate
ly 10 his breast.
"Chih," he said. hoarsely, "once a
face as fair as yours told me those
same words. Then | was young and
handsome; now" he looked down at
his deformed limb.
Controlling himself with an effort,
he released the child from his arms,
and said:
81 will come 10 your party to please
you, little one, for you have said you
love me-"
When Lily, in artless language,
told what had passed, Mrs. Etheling's
face grew very pale.
The evening Of the party arrived,
and the guests were almost all assem-
bled, when Lilys friend came into the
brilliantly lighted parlOrs. What
change from the morose man, from
whose flashing eyes the village chill.
dren shrank in alright
True, his deformed limb was very
noticeable; but the high forehead,
from which the dark hair, threaded
here and there with silver, was care
lessly brushed back, and the finely cut
sensitive lips, gave to his face a strik.
ing beauty. Lily spang to meet him,
and led him TO her mother.
Mamma" she said, "this is my
friend, Mr.. =" She hesitated.