Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-07-25

shivering, and was not permitted to re-
sumo my journeys till the end of fort
night, when found Mr.. Gordon on the
platform looking about anxiously.
II am SO glad to see you." he said,
taking my hand cordially. ~ had be-
gun to think that Quaker baby was too
much for you. And you have been ill !;
you are pale now"
thought of tho lady I had seen with
him, and replied very quietly to his
greeting. He sat down beside me, and
took little parcel from his pocket.
"See," be said, our patient has sent
us something to remember her by, and
here is note you may read, if you
like"
This is the note:
FRIEND JOHN GoRDoN.-If I were
rich in worlds gear would try to repay
thy kindness to me when was in great
need, but [ will only send thee little
have let slip from my memory the sur
name of the other friend who was SO
good to me aud baby send another
book to thee for her, as conclude that
thou knowest her we'll.
ALICE NEWMAN"
She had written Mr.. Gordon's name
| in his book, which was memoir of one
of the early Quakers. and mine proved
to be the same. AS turned over the
leaves, a photograph of the baby
dropped ont it looked like little fat
meaningless lump of clay, like all ba-
bies pictures.
Il had one, too" said Mr.. Gordon,
laughing heartily. 81 don't think the
artist caught the happy expression l
would have had her roaring Justify ;
but snail keep the picture to my dying
day, and think we'll Of all other babies
for her sake"
IL did not observe any sign of love
between you and the baby on that re-
markable day"
Perhaps not, but she was very USE
full to me on that day, nevertheless"
/ thought saw trap for my feet in
this kind OF talk, and did not answer
him.
Let me write your name in the
book. )" he said, after a pause.
If you please"
But don't know it, yet"
i" 1t is Hester Deane."
"Thank you. If had known il
sooner, should have been spared some
anxiety, as l might have learned the
reason Of your staying at home SO
long"
He looked ut me with such sincere
and pleasant eyes that well-nigh lost
sight of the lady, whom l kept always
in my minds eye, in talking with him.
Ever after this, he was waiting for me
at the station, sat by me in the cars. and
sometimes walked to the studio where /
took lessons.
We grew very we'll acquainted men
tally and morally in our long talks.
But Mr.. Gordon left me wholly in the
dark touching his family and circum-
stances. and was too proud to make
inquiries of any one who lived in the
sa ne town with him. This reticence on
his part built up certain reserve on
mine, and think he liked me none the
less for it. The mere SIGHT of hin,
made my heart leap with joy, but /
suffered myself to be happy only under
protest.
He had never actually said anything
to me that good husband and the
father of an interesting family might
not say to travelling acquaintance
whom he found agreeable, and l knew
that more latitude in manner is allowed
to men than to women.
1t came to pass one day in midsum-
mer that Mrs. Newman, our little
Quakeress, invited us both to take tea
with her. Mr.. Gordon was not quite
certain whether he could remain in town
till the late train, but he would come il
possible.
If you cared for me-" I thought,
anything would be possible"
1 had warm welcome from Mrs.
Newman and her sweet old mother,
both of whom thought that they conld
not make my visit more agreeable than
by enticing the baby to show off her
PAGES.
The baby was now year old, and
would have been charming but for
teething, which no doubt would under
mine the good nature of cherub.
As tea ime drew on, seemed to be-
come nothing but ears in listening for
Mr.. Gordon. He came in good time Q,
and within five minutes the good old
lady had proved to her own satisfaction
that he was third cousin to her on her
mothers side.
He seemed really to be pleased with
all the world, and praised the preserves
and the baby with about equal warmth.
"Alice has told me how good thee
was to the baby, Friend John; perad-
venture thee has child at home to make
thee good to all Others"
held my breath for an instant.
NO." he said, laughing. "the baby
knows better she bore loud testimony
to my awkwardness all the time held
her. l have no children, because my
wife may be a child herself yet, for
aught can swear to the contrary"
knew the sun was setting, for the
room was growing dusky, when he said
this ; but light dawned on me which
has not darkened to this day.
After tea we went out on the vine
covered piazza with Mrs. Newman,
while her mother carried the baby to
her nest upstairs. Mr.. Gordon seemed