The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-03-12

Loving his nephew SO deeply, hubert
Bates had felt u keen pain at the news of
his betrothal. He had never seen Alice
Hunter, but he knew she had been
brought up in circle Of fashion and
was the orphan niece of one of society's
gayest votaries, Mrs. Mary Hayden.
While he unused upon the conversation
he had overheard, the silvery voices. of
his young ne1ghbors still sounding be-
side him, there was sudden crash.
Something struck him upon the head,
and he lost consciousness.
Cries from the summer house, from
groups of people collected in the grounds,
brought party of men speedily to the
spot. The rotten posts supporting the
roof upon one side had given away and
the side and roof had fallen in. Mrs.
CORTLAND and Miss Hunter were buried
under the fallen timbers, the doorway
being completely blockaded, but were
unipjured. Not so the old gentleman,
who had been their unsupported listener.
He was taken out pallid and senseless.
Nobody knew him. He had come by
the morning train, had taken breakfast,
but no room, and asked the hour for the
return train. A surgeon, summoned as
speedily as possible, announced a broken
arm and injury to the head, making a
likelihood Of a long, tedious illness.
There was some animated discussion.
some suggestions Of hospital, a search
through the pockets of the unconscious
| victim, resulting in the discovery Of a
small sum of money, but no letters, pa
pers or cards; and finally desertion of
one another, each going his or her way,
with the consoling reflection. "it's none
of my business" .... -.
But when they had all deserted the in
jured NAL the surgeon, still busy bind
ing up his arm as he lay upon bench,
| broug ht from the ruined summer house,
felt light touch on his hand and looked
| up. - r.,- s
"Can I help you?" Alice Hunter asked.
mo child, not now" re- III. '...
"What will they DO with him."
II suppose he must 60 to a hospital9"
"But the ride-the journeys" -.x III
"Will cause great additional suffering,
perhaps result in DEATH" 1 &.s..,s.
''Doctor, will they keep him here if ne
is paid forg" " u
"Certanty; but there is not money
enough ABOUT him to pay his board a
week. IS. r.. .. -..... II
twill pay it."
| "You?'
YES; I will not let him die for want
of money I have. He"-and her lips
quivered-"he looks like my dear father
who is dead.'' 49,
Hem, yes. Here comes the followers
to carry him to the station. I think
will have him taken to the house where
board. 1t will cost less, and be more
quiet" =
Mrs. CORTLAND declared Alice was out
raging the proprieties most dreadful1
when the young girl went to the house
and offered her services as nurse to thu
doctor; but Aunt Sophy sllenced all com
ment bv moving her belongings from tn
hotel to the quiet boarding house, an(
the:doctor found he had valuable assist
ant. ..., 90 @G... g.. -.
Alice explained, in her quiet, low voice
that her father was i'll for nine Ion,
months before he died and she was hi
nurse. This accounted for the noiseles
WOODEN dresses, the velvet-shod feet, tn
: quick eye and ready hand, and when tn
sufferer recovered consciousness the gent
l voice and tact that quoted him i
paroxysms of pain and fever. Aunt Soph
was too much of an invalid herself t
-, help; but she sat beside the bed Will
r Alice moved to and fro. and performe
all nursing duties.
The invalid had one long talk with tt
. doctor, and then submitted to the gent
ministration Of the two women, only il
sisting upon man the doctor provide
being with him at night and within cal
. The season was over, and only thes
= three remained of the summer boarde,
s at the house, when, one cool October da'
II the sick man now fast recovering, Gale
) Alice to him.
Il 81 shall soon be we'll again. he sal
Is regretfully.
Eyes," she answered, cheerily, ''ve1
/ soon."
~ shall miss my NURSE
land my patient: but J am glad yc
" are recovering. We were afraid at OF
. tine there would be 4 more painful par
d ing"
% "You mean was in danger of dyin
~ Why should that be painful2 am old
She made no answer, looking sorrow
is fully into his uplifted eyes.
"And burden upon you, the doct
IL tells me: Why did you make yourse
= responsible for a strangeri" =.
~ The fair face flushed, the soft ey
70 were dewy with feeling, as Alice sal
~ softly: Because you are old and seen
~ ed poor and friendless. ! was glad
was in my power to aid you. Do n
# think it was at any great COST" she adde
4 with generous desire to Tighten the bu
n den of obligation. II have some mons
10 lying idle" r-aar
For the wedding-day, perhaps. We
r. child, you might have poorer Jewels
deck your bridal than an old mans tea
It Of gratitude and love. l am getting We
s. and shall soon leave you. Will you gi,
/, me keepsake2" 49,. a.. ~. ~ -
IL The girl loosened little locket fro
chain round her throat, cut off one
E. her golden curls and put it in the pla
I'd of some hairs he took out, and LAID t
lr trinket in the old mans hand.
a with my love-" she sighed, ian o
We man sick and feeble wins little love-"
HYet she said EARNESTLY Xvo,, 49,,