The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-02-01

W." oSS hitp so-uaJ ahu lhtSieSt hiu III
your case"
Then he wrote down her name in his
note-book-"Mrs. Adelaide Harney, wife
Of Captain Harney, of the ship Adetaide.
No. 3--st."
"May come in and see how you get
along under his treatment ?" he asked, as
he rose to 60.
Mrs. Harney looked at him for a mo.
ment with eyes rendered almost prsternat-
urally bright by her illness. Gerald felt
as though his very soul was being laid bare
under that searching gaze, but he did not
blanch. lie had been reared by tender
Christian mother, and though one of the
gay world in position, he had reached man.
hood unspotted by its vices. So he could
bear the scrutiny Of those clear eyes,
without uneasiness; for there was no lep-
rous spot in his life to be brought to light.
"Come when you like she said at last.
: And II my days are numbered, oh, kind
s.r, watch over my child, poor little Ade-
laidef She must earn an honest living.
Will you see that she is put in the way Of
il? You have good face and | feel that
| eau trust you. If you never have an
earthly reward, the God of the widow and
of the fatherless will bless you"
She closed her eyes wearily, exhausted
by her emotions, and Gerald, deeply moved,
went in quest Of DIR. Gilbert
Gerald Carman was junior partner in
large shipping house. One Of their finest
ships had arrived in port but few days
since, and its captain, bluff, hearty sailor
had peculiar charm to the young man.
lie had spent several evenings with him;
and had an engagement to join him at
lunch. While eating their oysters to-
gether, matter of business was mentioned,
and a slight difference in dates coming up
Gerald drew out his notebook
"That will tell the story" he said,
quietly.
A numerous twinkle came into the sun.
Drowned sailors eyes, as he read aloud
"Mrs. Adelaide Harney, wife Of Captain
George Harney-"
"I've given you the wrong page see /"
said Gerald, smiling at Captain Breese s
quizzical expression. "That is person
whom | met to-day for the first time. The
poor lady is in destitute circumstances.
BY the by, her husband was sea-faring
man like yourself"
The captain suddenly caught him by
the shoulder.
"Harney-was the name? By my good
ship, man, the hand of Providence is in il
I've been in the country this very day to
find out the wife and child Of poor George
Harney. Destitute did you say? Why,
I've pile of gold soyereigns for them
all honest money fairly earned. Take me
to them at once. I'm burning to dis.
charge my mission"
At the end of an hour they reached
their destination. They met DR. Gilbert
at the door, He gave a cheering account
of Mrs. Harney, saying the most she
needed was nourishing food and plenty Of
fresh air.
"Send your coachman around with the
carriage every fine morning, Gerald, ht
said, in conclusion. ut will kill two bird
with one stone--maybe save a life ant
give the idle fellow something to do"
"We'll see to that, sir" chimed Cap
tain Breese's hearty voice. Then Gerald
introduced the two, and they shook hand
cordially.
1t transpired that Mrs. Harney, hat
never received the letter sent by Captain
Breese, 1t had undoubtedly gone to The
dead-letter Office. So she had all the par
ticulars Of her husbands illness and deatl
to hear She shed bitter tears as she lis
tened to his loving messages to his absent
wife; but it was a relief to learn that one
Of his countrymen had ministered to hi
wants and closed his eyes at the last, will
tender, sympathetic, touch.
Her her heart turned toward the homt
where she had received her husbands
parting embrace. So Captain Breese took
day from his sailing preparations ant
saw that all was made comfortable to re
ceive them, and one bright SIMMER morn
ing, Gerald babe Adelaide and her mother
goodbye" In parting, he said to hcl
"Writo me how you like your new home
little girl, | shall be interested to hear.
And thus they dropped, after a fashion
out of the world.
From time to time, the letters came a
he had requested At first in a round
schoolgirls hand; then the more elegan
chirogaphy told of culture and aptness o
improvement.
Years had passed. One of the dain
ty missiyes came one morning Just III
he had received orders from his physi
clan to stop mental exertion and go t
some quiet place in the country where ht
could have complete rest.
Adelaide's letter decided him. ii,
would write and engage board near them
and renew acquaintance with his littlt
friend and her mother.
Would they know him Time hat
worked changes upon his face--decpening
the thoughtful lines between his brows
and clothing lips and cheek with luxu
RANT growth Of hair. He was no longer
smooth-faced, happy-hearted boy.
Once in the village 1t was easy to find
the cottage; and he was soon saunterinp
leisurely up the neat walks. Evidences
Of refined taste were visible on every hand
As he was ascending the steps, he fount
himself face to face with young girl, who
had opened the door aud come out upor
the yeranda humming a glad little song
Thoughts Of pale, earnest face looking
with its deep, gray eyes out from tanglt
Of golden curls, had been haunting hin
all through his journey. 1t had not oc
CURED to him that the child had grow
into womanhood. So it almost startle,
him from his selfpossession, when, aite
a surprised, lingering glance into bis face
this beautiful, stately maiden, held ou
her hand, and with glad thrill in be
musical, young voice, said:
"This Is indeed a pleasure Come 10
Mr.. Gerald; mamma will be so glad to se
you once more"
He followed the graceful figure like on,
in a dream, and when a fair, matronl
lady, with widows cap resting upon be
glossy hair, came forward to meet him q
Adelaide's impulsiye-"Oh, mamma /
is our friend, Mr.. Gerald r'-he SCENE
still in wonderland. Could that be tn
cmaciated hectic-paintcd face be remem
bered so wildly?
The evening passed on flying wing