Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-09-06

lawyers, or going for a few weeks together to
some one who had sickness or company. l
had myself sent for her two or three times,
when l had been over-busy. / knew she was
n good reader which Harry would be sure to
like and so bright and helpful and CHEEKY
that her face would light up the sick-room
like a spring morning. SO | wrote asking
her to come, and, the second evening after,
there she was could have cried for relief,
when she came running in and kissing me on
both my cheeks, put up her hand with gen
tie, caressing motion, saying, How pale and
tired you look But you shall rest now ~
l wish l could make you see my little Faith
as she looked to me then. You would not
have called her pretty, think, but there was
something in her face better than mere pret-
tiness. Only her eyes were beautiful-I new
er saw loveler. Fearless, trusting eyes, like
her name, Faith
Harry fretted little at the thought of
now face, but felt sure he would not mind
Faith after the first. 1t was odd, courted as
he must have been with his money and tai
ents and handsome face but he seemed to
have known but few women, old or young
l suppose ii was because of loving study so
much, and never having had any real home.
Surely enough, after few days he seemed
as easy and happy with Faith as if she had
been his own sister Seeing this and my
household matters needing me so much, left
him more and more to her care as he grew
stronger | used to like to hear, through the
open door, the steady rise and fall of her
voice as she read aloud from some of the
books he had brought with him. After
time the readings grew shorter and / would
hear the two voices mingled, and peal of
merry laughter now and then.
Can you sing, Miss Faith = he asked one
day.
"A few Scotch songs that my grandmother
taught me. She wns once Highland las
sic"
His face flushed with pleasure.
20 let me hear one, please" he said. Il
love the Scotch 30 dearly :"
And so Faith would sing with no hesitation
or bashful apologies, in a voice sweet and un-
trained as u wood-biId's. The charm of the
child was in her unconsciousnes She never
seemed 10 think of herself. The question
with her was only, Can | help or please Z"
and then she always gave her best, whether
much or little.
By-and-by Harry could get out upon the
shore in the sunshine, with Faith TO carry his
camp-char and books. Then when he had
grown far too strong to need such assistance,
he would call her with him still And so the
weeks wore on and / saw it all, yet in my
foolish blindness l had no thought of any
thing beyond. You will wonder rs l do now,
but not the faintcst idea of any possible love
making between these two lad ever crossed
my mind. To mt, tine bars of social position,
education, all the circumstances aud relations
of the two lives. were absolutely impassable
So you may guess how startled WAS when
going out to JOIN them one evening ON the
veranda, saw Faith sitting at low stool at
Harrys feet lie had both her hands in his
and was looking down into her eyes. | stop
ged, struck through by sudden revelation.
As they heard my step, Faith would have
risen hastily, but Harry put his hand on her
head
'Sit still. Faith :" he said gently. then to
me, Come and sit here with us
Dear friend" lie went on in that rich
tender voice Of his 'of all the kindness YOU
This little nurse was best of all. Can YOU not
guess why | have grown so strong and well
apnin! She has promised to take care of me
always ="
could not answer. Over and over said
to myself, why should not be glad There
is no man of whom so sweet girl as Faith is
unworthy" And yet there was an instinct
of trouble at my heart which had learned to
trust. was painfully confused, and all the
time felt Faiths clear eyes scan my face.
IL was taken bv surprise, | stammered
at last Il hope YOU may be very happy"
Nv voice sounded cold in my own ears, and
an awkward silence fcll upon us which Harry
was first to break.
1T is late, Faith" he said, 'and We must
be up betimes for our morning walk if we are
to see Roaring Rock at half-tide." He
touched her forehead lightly with his lips
and with pleasant goodnight he left us.
His footsteps were scarcely still when Faith
turned and caught my hands Her own were
hot and trembling.
lyon think it is wrong Mrs Fairly ~ she
said in n hnlf Whisper Yes. yes | saw il
i'm yo,,r face He is so noble and grand, as
far above ne as Il star. Do YOU think can
not see il. too. All the world will wonder and
pity him. Yet he says that I-poor, ignorant
i-am comfort and strength to him that he
cannot do without me. What shall do o.
Mrs. Fairly" she hid her face in my lap and
burst into uncomfortable weeping. Il love
him So"
Nv whole heart went out to the child, and
for the time all my misgivings seemed to van.
| ish. Were not both souls equal in Gods
| SIGHT? Why should she not take this gift
freely. as it was offered!
"How could You help it, child - l said
warmly. Love him and be happy. 1t il
your right"
She lifted her head breathless. The tear,
on her flushed cheeks glistened in the moon
| beams and her great, dark eyes were full OF
a wonderful light
NV right" she repeated softly, as if Il
herself. 5My right 2"
"Yes. dear" said as l kissed her, ''youl
RIGHT. And now YOU shall worry your heaC
no more with foolish fears and iancies Coco
night"
There was letter next day from Mrs. Gray
the English lady, announcing her speedy ar
rival with her daughter and maid Harry
room must be given up. but he begged Sc
hard not TO be sent away entirely that haC
the south store-chamber cleared and cot pu
in it. and Faith made the room bright anC
neat with white muslin hangings. and pots o
pansies and carnations in the windows.
scarcely knew the child, there was such al
airv blitheness about her. Fitting here ant
tbere like n bird. singing at her work, sh
seemed a sunbeam with a voice. l love tC
think of those few happy days. My owl
youth came back to me as i watched her.