Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-12-19
4 glrasaut Sturp.
HIS GOOD ANGEL.

Few dwet in Glenham Mills hut knew
and loved sweet Alice Ray. To be sure she
was not rich, and lived in plain, unpre-
tending little cottage-just herself, and II
faithful old woman, who had held her In
her arms when baby, and now that her
parents were dead, was her sole companion.
But it was no wonder that every one loved
her, from the wealthiest 10 the poorest, for
she was good as well as fair to the sight
Alice had been lett an orphan when only
sixteen, and besides the small cottage home
there had been nothing for her TO call her
own; 50 with courage FIR beyond her years
she had set herself to work 10 support her
self and old Janet.
The end Of month saw the front room
of the cottage turned into a school, with
rows of seats occupied by happy young
faces, and with Alice, herself little more
than a child, as the school-mistress. Well
and untiringIy she guided the tiny feet over
the rough paths OF learning, studying her
self in the evenings To complete her own
education and before three years had fitted
by Miss Alice Rays "Home-SchOol" had be-
come an acknowledged and well-patronized
institution in Glenham Mills.
In the eyes Of Mrs. Dorien 1.-THE wife Of
the rector Of the parish), Alice was almost
perfection, and a. the girl grew older the
lady fell into the habit Of relying upon
her for assistance in her benevolent enter
prises; and Alice possessed 80 much good
tact, and such gentle, graceful ways, that
her services were invaluable
Alice" said Mrs. Doren, one Saturday
morning, az, laden with her basket Of deli
cacies prepared by Jancts skillful hands,
Allies came to the rectory 10 join her In
some errand of mercy, keith u coming
home Tuesday"
Keith DOrien was the rector's only son,
and ever since he had left college he had
been travelling abroad. Alice remembered
very little Of him, for she had only been a
child of fourteen when shs had last seen
him.
She did not go up 10 the rectory again for
few days; but she heard that young Mr.
Dorien had arrived Old Janet came in one
morning and said that she had seen him rid
ing past with his father And mighty
handsome gentleman he IL, Miss Alice; but
he doesn't look WELL" was her comment.
Saturday morning dawned wet and rainy;
but nothing daunted, Alice donned her wa
terproof, and basket on arm, proceeded TO
the rectory. Weather never made any diff
ference with her in the way Of keeping her
from her visits 10 the poor and needy. just
as she came m the rectory gate il suddenly
opened, and some one stumbled ~ violently
against her ~ TO send both her umbrella and
basket flying from her hold.
At first she could not repress ruefu cx-
clamation a. she saw the contents Of her
carefully packed basket strewn about her
feet; but the humor of the situation struck
her, rs, looking up, she caught the dismayed
expression that filled the iace of the gentle
man who had been the cause of the disaster.
AZ he lifted his hat, with an pology, she re-
cognized at once Keith Dorien but she Jaw
that he did not know her
at does not matter much,' she fastened
10 say, with one of her sunny smiles ''only
! shall have 10 20 back home for more sup
plies"
Looking down, Keith Dorien saw only
slight, little figure in q dark waterproof
not a particularly becoming costume 10 any
onc but RS Alice smiled he thought 10 him
self that not in all his travels had he seen
20 lovable face.
That WIS not the last time Keith Dorien
met Alice Ray; aud il was not long before
they became very good friends.
Alice soon saw how II was that Janet had
thought Mr. Dorien in III health for she
herself could not help but notice, and won
der at, the restless. dissatisfied expression his
handsome lace often wore.
One day, as she came To the re,tory TO nc.
company Mrs. Doien ON one of their week
ly visits, she found that lady confined TO her
room with headache, and unable TO go.
Keith followed her 10 the gate and volun.
ieered his assistance.
"I.ei me 70 with you and carry the has
ket," he said. and nothing 10th, Alioo con
scented.
After several short stoppages Alice pausec
before the door q a house poorer than tn
res1.