The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-08-02
Wis.
BY W. D. H

IL was DlSdhJ COlu HlOTnlng III DeCeln
Der, that two young men followed with the
throng fastening along to their respective
places of business.
One of them, putting his hand with q
slight pressure on the arm of his companion
looked an instant into his eyes, then directed
their gaze by his own to the figure of a wo-
man Just in front of them.
Slowly and cautiously she picked her way
along the ice-coated pavement,
"Well - said Al's companion in low
tone, iuclining his head nearer to catch the
answer,
"Do you not see she is lame2 Dreadrully
50. Icannot hurry by her." An expression
of deep sympathy was in his eyes,
d" Pooh what have you to do with that Z
If you undertake to stand guard over all the
crpples yoh may came across, you'll have a
busy time of it," said the other with con.
tenptuous curl of his lip.
"Hush For shame, Louis"
Just at that instant, as she was crossing
the curbstones, the lame girls crutch slipped
and she fell forward.
Albert sprang to her side, and raising her
asked anxiously: "Are you hurt?"
"Only slightly" she said, throwing uT
her veil and turning her face to answer
him.
She was by no means beautiful.
Only thin, pale little face, on which the
traces of suffering were plainly visible, wa'
looking into Albert Fosters.
Yet never before had any face impressed
him as that
His whole nature was filled with sympa
thy.
Turning to her, he said in an earnes
tone:
"You must permit me to accompany you
1t is very slippery, and see you are suffer
ing now"
An impatient expression caught hrs ear
and turning, he saw his friend waiting
near. The pale face flushed painfully.
She raised her eyes lmploringly, and said
"No, no-please go on. l shall do very
well after few moments rest"
excuse mel cannot leave you,' Alber
said, taking her hand and placing i
within his arm in manner very decided
but so gentle and respectful that the cir
yielded, simply saying: "a have only shor
distance now"
At the entrance of a large establishment
short distance further on, she stopped
Drawing her hand from his arm she said
al am employed here. You have beei
very kind. Few would have"
She hesitatedJ stopped, faised her eyes
filled with tears, to his, and with "thanl
you," in a trembling voice, she turned from
him and entered the house.
"Flowcrs Tor Avis" said bright, prett,
girl, coming into the workroom with th
little bouquet and handing it, with pleas
ant smile.
For me? think there must be SOM
mistake. Who would send me flowers? p
and the gentle girl, raised her dark eye
with pleased yet doubtful look, as if fear
ing to accept the sweet offering.
Oh, no; there is no mistake. hearC
the boy when he said, For Avis" AnC
Pm just as glad as if they were for me
Here, put your little head down int
the flowers, little girt, bifdlke, and enjoy
their perfume" said the bright girl.
Avis bent her head to hide the blush tina
came with the thought, Whe else could p
She thought of him all day-ofhis gentle
earnest manner, as he drew her hand within
his arm his voice so full of sympathy hi
eyes, so clear and truthful when looking
into hers, so flashing and indignant wheI
the cruel words of his compahion reached
his ear.
She thought of nothing but him.
That evening as she stepped from tn
building supported by two of her younJ
friends, she saw approaching, the object o
her thoughts
For an instant she raised her ewes to his.
She knew, then, that her heart had direct
ed her truly, and a glad, grateful lool
thanked and assured~him of the knowledge.
Albert had not intended she should Sc
him. He only thought of getting soine
where near to see il the flowers had reaches
her.
Raising his hat he passed on!
His thoughts, however, followed the "poo
little bird" as he called her.
Many girls with brighter eyes and faire
faces passed him unnoticed that evening.
.'Yes, he pities me. know tits nothin
else" Avis said, as she laid her weary littl
head on the pillow that night, not to slee
much, but to think of one whose name sh
knew not.
Every word and look of his was recalle
and, with sob Of anguish, the poor gil
moanedi
"-h, that I were like others. surrounde
with beautiful girls, how could any bu
thoughts of pity fill his mind for me-"
Frequently they met in passing.
And again came gift Of flowers, sweet o.
fering, bringing hope 10 the weary littl
heart.
"Perhaps--oh, dare think it?-perhaI
he may grow to love-" she said.
A glad, hopeful light came in her eye
! but to linger only few brief moments.