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

must say" said Mrs. Starkweather, as she
turntd away. But her inward comment
was, 1.-THE great fool! To throw away his
money on this miserable little Miss Mint,
when the overcoat he's wearing don't look
fit to go out in the street with. But it is
all one to me p smiling to herself as SHE
reflected that the result would certainly
be some money in her own pocket.
well. how is Miss Mint 90 she said
entering the poor girls room an hour after
Ellen turned her head feebly, too weak to
show the surprise she felt. "How are you?'
repeated Mrs. Starkweather, trying to
twist her acid face into gracious smile
as she took the white hand in hers.
''Pretty weak whispered Ellen, faint
ly.
'Well. this won't do, see. We must
have you down stairs where you'llbe more
comfortable. Is the bed ready, Norah
and have You made the fire 20
Eyes, ma'am."
"Well. do you think you can walk, with
my help and Norah's ?'' said Mrs. Stark
weather. But you p1ust let me help you
on with this wrapper FIRST
Ellen looked at her with strange ming
ling of anxiety, gratitude, and distrust in
her eyes. She scarcely knew what to make
of this unforeseen kindness, but she was
faint, sick almost ''unto DEATH and could
help welcoming it. Yet she managed to
gasp out; You know how it is with me :
| gave you all the money had last night.
You had better send me to the hospital
"Nonsence of hospitals - said Mrs.
Starkweather, as she put back stray lock
from Ellen's face. ''We're not going
to serve you that way. Don't say another
word about it. All you must think about
now is how to get well.''
A tear trickled down Ellen's cheek. ssIf
I get well, your kindness shall not-I will
sew for you-anything." Her voice died
away. bril-.
The quick thought darted through Mrs.
Starkweather's mind that here was splen-
did chance to:get her brown merino made
over free of charge. But she said aloud
"Don't say another word. You don It
s'pose I'm so hard-hearted as not to feel
for you when you're sick. do you? Here,
Norah, raise her up, and we'll put this
wrapper on her. We mean to take good
care Of you, and get you well again, my
dear.
9Th old crocodile!'' said Norah, indig-
nantly, to Bridget, when she found herself
in the kitchen again. ITO see her palaver-
in over the poor thing as if she was the
best friend she'd got. Hospital, indeed
Only last night she talked Of sendin' her
there herself; and she'd be there before the
day is out only for Mr.. Caleb. He's good
young man, and kind-hearted; there's
not many like him, can tell you now"
"Will you please put that stand by me,
Norah, and give me the pen and ink ?'
"Now, Miss Ellen, it's not Mr.. Caleb
would want you to be doing that copying
for him, Pm sure, and you so weak you
can scarcely raise finger.'
"Oh, Pm much stronger than 1 was,
N orah, and 1 must really get to work
again. Please do as ask you, Norah.''
swell. miss, but I tell you you're not 6t
to do it, AS Norah spoke she brought
the little stand to Ellen's side.
During the three months that preceded
Ellen's illness Caleb had given her'consid-
cradle copying to do for himself, and
had interested few Others in her. What
he did with the numerous manuscripts she
copied for him remains mystery. My
opinion is that they were slowed away in
the bottom of an old trunk in his room.
Ellen worked away for some time, when
she was disturbed again by the entrance of
Nora.
miss Ellen, Mr.. barley sends his re-
CARDS to you, and would you like to take a
little ride ? He's got a couple of hours to
to spare, and you know the doctor said it
would do you good to 60 out to-day"
"Yes would like to very much," said
Ellen, her eye lighting up with pleasure.
Tell Mr.. Darby I'm much obliged to him.
How soon must be ready ~
Norah returned with the message that
she must be ready in twenty minutes, and
made haste to bring Ellen's wrapping and
help her on with them.
"There! !" said Ellen, suddenly; II
to rip Mrs. Starkweather's dress
to-day"
''Bother Mrs. Starkweather' dress p
said Norah; Indignantly.
ooh, Norah, think how very kind she's
been to me! Will you please bring it
down, and after I get back --''
But Norah could bear this no longer.
''No, Miss Ellen, won't. 1t passes my pa
tience-to see that scaly old cretur get the
credit of everything It's Mr.. Caleb,
bless him that's done everything for you,
just as if he was your brother"
Ellen turned red and pale alternately.
IN orah, what do you mean pin trem-
bling voice.
Then Norah told her everything. though
begging her not to speak of it to '.Mr. Ca
leb." 'For he'd be fit to kill me,
ma'am.'
But Ellen would make no promises. 81
am glad you told me, Norah"-in the same
tremulous voice. II think 1 might move
up stairs again." she added; II am so much
better''
'Indade you won't, and get a collapse,
perhaps" said Nora, sharply. ''There's
Mr.. Caleb!''-as there came rap at the
door. "fs
Caleb took Ellen to the park, where he
drove about for some time. 1t was beau
tiful spring day; the sun was shining, the
grass and infant foliage Of the trees so
fresh and green.