Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-11-15

ana which Tor mOIAouo niAoo AoA WIN
dismay.
The grand voice of the organ echoes
through the church, and Ellen, who loves
music. is soon absorbed in listening, and
feels for time uplifted above the cares
and sorrows of this world. The music and
prayers are the richest part of the service
to her; in reporting the sermon she has to
follow every word SO closely that it takes
away from the enjoyment of listening.
Caleb barley, seated among the other re-
porteis S, catches glimpse of her, and az
ter that his keen gray eyes wander in that
direction pretty often. There is ming
ling of pity and interest in his glance-he
| is hard headed, chivalrOuS sort of fell
| low, all the more ready to befriend wo
man because she is lonely and unprot ect-
ed.
The services were over, and little Miss
Mint, slipping her notebook and pencil
into her pocket, threaded her way through
the crowd to the side door.
ssGood evening Miss Mint" said voice
at her elbow as she stepped out into the
fresh air.
Ellen started and looked up. "Oh, good
evening, Mr.. Darley,' she said, a little
confusedly, as she recognized him.
"Will you take my arm % said Caleb.
offering it in such matter of fact way
that Ellen complied at once, though feel
ing more embarrassed than pleased by the
attention.
81 see you are in my line Of business,
Miss Mint. !" said Caleb, pleasantly, as they
left the crowded street for one that led to
their boarding house. Ellen laughed
little; and he went on, with kindness Of
manner that made you pardon its blunt
ness s'And how do you like the life P
Excuse me if am rude, but can't help
taking an interest in a fellow labdrer, you
know"
"l GU are very kind" said Ellen, simp-
ly. Gas for the life, I try to like it, be-
cause there's nothing else can do. I've
tried to find a teachers place, I've tried to
find sewing to do; but it was no use: I
am sure am thankful there is way 1
can earn my bread. Wasn't the music
beautiful tonight, Mr.. barley ?" anxious
to change the subject.
Eyes," said Caleb, rather absentlY, for
his heart was full of pity for the little
creature beside him, and he was already
debating in his mind various plans for her
relief. "What chill there is in the air to-
night;" he said. rousing himself. His
overcoat was hardly protection, and he
thought with dismay how his companion
must be shivering under her thin shawl.
"Well, here we are, Miss Mint. must
be off to the Office. Sit by the fire till You
are thoroughly warm, and tell our land
lady to make you something hot and COM
fortlng; I see you have cold coming on"
''Thank you Mr.. barley, you are quite
doctor. y laughed Ellen. 81 hope it hasn't
taken you out of your way coming home
with me p
"Oh, it won't take me ten minutes to
walk to the office,' said Caleb. "GOod
night Miss Mint" and he walked briskly
away.
Caleb barley was between thirty seven
and thirty-eight-a big broad s1ouldered
giant of a man, with strong marked fea-
lures, profusion of sandy hair, and an
expression of mingled good nature and de-
termination. He had to fight his own way
in life since he was twelve years old. but
the battle, though tough one, has never
made him forgetful of the sufferings Of
others.
Il wonder how long Miss Mint means
to keep this up ?'
"Kape what up, ma am 7"
"Why, lying in bed in this way, and to
be waited on like lady. don't doubt
but she's as we'll as I LAM" r.
sWell, guess you wouldn't say so, if
you was to see her. She can't speak above
a whisper, and is as white as the wall. AS
for ''waiting on its not much she gets Of
it, poor thing, for Bridget and l has our
hands full already"
''What's the matter with her p spoke
out Caleb, from a corner, where he sat
reading the newspaper. He had been
away for three days, and only returned the
night before. &
'sSakes alive! Mr.. barley. are you THEREOF
said Mrs. Starkweather, little startled.
Il never saw you. What's the matter
with Miss Mint, did you say? Oh. she's
got bad cold, and so have I, but I can't
60 to bed, for all that"
els she very ill, Norah % asked Caleb,
ooh ic lon lnd nuf of no
in quest Of something.
''Indade, sir, you'd think so if you saw
her," said Norah. lowering her voice that
her mistress might not hear. cts my be-
lief the poor thing won't get over it. Her
lungs and throat is that sore she can
scarcely breathe; and her room as cold as
all out doors, and the water a lump of ice
in her pitcher this morning. do my best
for her, but it is sin and shame the
way Miss Starkweather treats her-she has
no more feelin' than my shoe?"
81 am sorry to keep you waiting so for
! your breakfast, Mr.. Darley," said Mrs.
Starkweather, re-entering. She was gener-
ally very gracious to Caleb-he always paid
her promptly, never complained of his
meals, and gave her very little trouble in
| any way.
do you know if poor little Miss Mint
has any friends or relatives anywhere,
| Mrs. Starkweather?" asked Caleb, ignor-
ing her remark.
mo, DON'T" said the widow, a little
snappishly. Then, in a bantering tone.
which ill-concealed spiteful feeling, -"You
| and she appear to have grown to be great
friends these last three months, Mr.. Oar
ley"
esTha NOR vounu 1adv saamg IN need