Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-03-06

more quiet"
Mrs. CORTLAND declared Alice was
outraging the prophecies most dread
fully when the young girl went to the
house and altered her services as nurse
to the doctor; but Aunt Sophy silenced
all comment by moving her belongings
from the hotel to the quiet boarding
house, and the doctor found that he
had valuable assistant.
Alice explained, in her quiet, low
voice, that her father was i'll for nine
long months before he died and she was
his nurse. This accounted for the
noiseless wooden dresses, the velvet
shod feet, the quick eye and ready
hand, and when the sufferer recovered
CONSCIOUSNESS the gentle voice and tact
that quieted him in paroxysms of pain
and fever. Aunt SCphy was too much
of an invalid herself to help; but she sat
beside the bed while Alice moved to and
fro, and performed all nursing duties
The season was over, and only these
three remained of the summer board
er5 at the house, when, one cool Octo-
Der day, the sick man, now fast recover
ing, called Alice to him.
81 shall soon be well again, he said,
regretlully.
Eyes" she answered. cheerily, Every
soon"
I" | shall miss my nurse"
"And [ my patient; but | am glad
you are recovering. We were afraid
at one time there would be a more pain
ful parting"
You mean was in danger of dying.
Why should that be painful? ! am
Old"
She made no answer, looking sorrow
fully into his uplifted eyes.
"And burden upon you the doctor
tells me. Why did you make yourself
responsible for a stranger.
The fair face flushed, the soft eyes
were dewy with feeling, as Alice said
softly: because you are old and
seemed poor and friendless. | was
glad it was in my power to aid you.
Do not think it was at any great cost"
she added, with q generous desire to
tighten the burden of obligation. II
have some money lyging idle"
For the wedding-day, perhaps.
Well, child you might have poorer
Jewels to deck your bridal than an old
mans tears of gratitude and love. l
am getting well and shall soon leave
you. Will you give me a keepsake p
The girl loosened little locket from
a chain round her throat, cut off one of
her golden curis and put it in the place
of some hairs he took out, and laid the
trinket in the old mans hand.
With my love-" she said, softly.
"Ah, child" ne sighed "an old man
wins little love"
Yet" she said earnestly, "you must
believe that | have nursed you since
you were conscious with affection. My
own father is gone, but if you ever
want a daughters care or affection, be-
lieve me, [ will gladly come to you if
possible"
Three days later the house was de-
serted. Aunt Sophy and Alice return
ed to their home, and Alice cheerfully
paid out of her small patrimony for the
board and expenses of her venerable
patient.
She little guessed how deep an inn
preston her care and tenderness had
made upon the heart SO long closed
against human affection, so distrustful
Of any advances from his fellow-crea-
lures. 1t was a revelation 10 him, this
active charity to an utter stranger. He
had gone to the hotel to see Malcolm's
choice and had purposely left all clue
to his identity behind him. He had in
tended meeting Alice, if possible, IN
known and Watching her unobserved;
but accident had thrown them together
in way he little anticipated. The
first use he made Of his recovery was
to write to his nephew, and Malcolm
met him at the station when he re-
turned home.
Knowing nothing of the recent acct
dent, the young man was shocked at the
change in his uncle's face.
You've been ill?" he cried.
Every ILL.,"
"Why did you not send for me?"
81 had even better nursing than
yours, Malcolm. Don't ask me any
questions now, but tell me about your
marriage preparation"
"Alice has gone home, and will re-
main until November, Then she comes
to Mrs. Haydon's, and will buy her fur
niture.
III ANONtilIUtL
eyes"
Late in November she came, her
trunk full of Aunt SophY's presents, land
Aunt Mary gave her cordial greeting.
A grand wedding was the display upon
which the lady had set ner heart, and
Alice shrank a little at the comment
upon the rich uncle and her own good
fortune in the "frst-rate match"
But just before the wedding day a
a little note was brought to Alice by a
gorgeous footman, who was driven to
her aunt's behind a private carriage.
The note was from Malcolm, and beg
ged her to come to him in the carriage.
Wondering, but obedient, Alice was
speedily ready, and was driven to a
handsome house, where the door was
opened to usher her into stylish
drawingroom, where gentleman
awaited her, and Malcolm advancing
said: my Uncle Hubert, Alice !"
Kindly blue eyes looked into her
own, withered hands were extended
and voice she knew well said: eve
are old friends, Malcolm. Are we not,
Alice ?"
Then. before she could answer, the
old man continued: al have thought,
Alice, that it was unkind to have my
nephew wait for my death, before shar-
ing in my wealth. I have borne curse
of distrust in my heart Tor many years,
thinking my money won me all the af-
lection, save Malcolm's. that was offered
me; but, though you were well content
to we'd the young clerk and put your
own patrimony into his nome, you
must not refuse my heir, who has ac-