Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-03-19

death gathered IN his harvest with re-
lentless force.
Mr.. Falconer returned from abroad,
and with arapidly organized committee,
tried to turn the course ofthe destroyer,
going from house 20 house, from death
bed to deathbcd, without fear of con-
tagion, spurred on by an accusing con-
science, the words many souls will be
hurried into eternity, and you will have
to answer for them, ringing in his ears.
At last the current of the disease was
turned, the fever abated, and measures
were Immediately set on foot for the
improvement of houses and drainage,
when Mr.. Falconer was struck down.
For weeks his life lay in the balance, the
whole burden of his delirium being,
"And / must answer for them" But
God was merciful, and slowly Gilbert
drifted back to life and its responsible
ties. r.
on the high road to recovery, one day
he heard a name which sent the blood
bounding to his heart = name which he
had not been able to forget.
His aunt was talking to lady friend
at the other end of the room.
Eleanor Eliot is one of the sweetest,
noblest girls ever knew or heard of,
Lady Hargrave was saying, enthusiast
cally. "Her father was q clergyman,
and dying, left her and a young brother
almost destitute; there was just enough
money left after everything was settled
to finish the boys education, and the
dear, brave girl would not let them tell
the young fellow how much it was, and
has kept him at school ever since, and
has been working hard, very hard, be-
lieve, though don't know at what, and
he does not yet know how badly off his
poor sister is. She is distantly related
to the Honorable Mrs. Audley, and she
asked me to look out for some position
for the dear girl"
q think | know of position that
might suit her," said the visitor, "my
sister is looking for a governess for her
two little girls, and, of course, Miss
Eliot being so well recommended, she
might suit her."
"I'Il give you the address,"
Then Gilbert waited impatiently,
was dispatched to find Mrs. Audley's
letter; then there was hunt for her
ladyship's eyeglasses. At last the well
COLu6 WOIu6 lGAl Oh LIS GdI.
Two days after, sadly against his
aunt's advice, Mr.. Falconer started for
London, going straight to a small
shabby house in an humble location.
Miss EliotP" he asked, eagerly, of the
miserable-looking female who opened
the door.
"She's left, sur" was the answer,
"she lett yesterday morning; her money
was done, an l dunno where she's
gone"
Gilbert turned away with sick heart,
and, dismissing the cab, walked aim.
lessly along. By-and-bye he came to a
large dark old church, bearing traces of
lingo Jones in its beautiful entrance.
The doors were open, morning service
was just over, Gilbert was tired and
weak; sudden impplse--for which he
thanked God all his life long-caused
him to enter.
In one of the pews still knelt girl,
the face hidden in both hands. Until
every one had passed out, she knelt
there, then rising, came slowly down
the aisle.
Pale, worn, with weary droop of the
proud little head that made Gilbert's
heart ache, came Miss Eliot.
Trembling with nervousness he
waited until she was opposite to him,
then said, quickly:
"Miss Elliott"
Startled, she looked up, saw him,
and colored to the roots of her hair,
then glanced at the door as if meditating
fight.
"Don't go" he cried, putting out n
&C nn,,1t oh 1icto,, 70
me. Forgive me my brutal conduct
that day. I have regretted it ever since.
Say you forgive mel"
No answer; her head was bent down.
"Nora, can't you forgive me?" he
pleaded. "You were angry with me
once for calling you by your name, but
I can't helpit, dear; if you could only
look into my heart and see the love
have for you. the utter longing. Fol
nearly year have been trying to for.
get you, and to-day | love you better
than ever. Nora, can't you love me!
Won't you be my wifePn
At the last sentence Nora looked uI
quickly.
Are you in earnest? Do you real.
izc who amp" she said, with the ole
proud movement of her head. "Al
operator in your mill-a beggar, with
out a home or a friend. save my
brother, God bless him, in the world
while you area rich mani"
"Oh, come to me-" interrupted Gil
bert, stretching out his arms. If tina
is your only objection, come to M
quickly. My pure, noble darling,
know all your self acrifce. | am no
half worthy of you. Come to me-
make me better man, be good TO m.
people. | know they will bless yol
when they learn how much they ow
to you" Then in low, eager tones h
told briefly of the fever, and of the EN-
tire change in the sanitary arrangement
at Brinsley, touching lightly on his III
ness, and passing over his bravery
"And your prophecy haunted me; a.
through my illness it rung in my ears
and | hungered for q sight OF you
bonny face, for touch of your hand
Moral" with sharp ring of pain in hi
, voice, "take back your bitter words
tell me you do not hate me. Even
crumb of bare liking shall be thank
full for, and if you will bless me wit
your precious love / shall thank Go
, for it. You can make me better MAJ
/ Il better landlord, q true Christian. A
these possibilities lie in your hands"
, Nora's face was hidden in her hands
/ she was sobhing.
e Wont you answer me?" he PLEADED
: bending over her. "Only one litt
word to put me out of suspense. M
v darling, am weary for you. Come
the arms that are waiting for you"
+ And she came with sudden swi
t movement, laying her tired head on h
shoulder, while his glad arms gathert
her close, close to his heart, and ne la
his lips on her forehead with silel
: thanksgiving for the blessed boon of tn
0 "mill-hand's love.