Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-09-15
Hllda,s Experiment.

IL was a tempestuous night in November.
The carved Dutch clock in Judge Harrison's
study had Just struck nine. Judge Harrison
himself, an austere-looking, silverhaired
man, sat upright in his chair, gazing coldly
at his guest.
"Weil," said DR.. Hooper putting on his
gloves, "of course it isn't for me or any
one else to interfere in family matters. But
your grandchild is left totally unprovided
for, sir"
az cannot help that" said the judge, frig
idly. Eight years ago offered to support
the child, and the father too, II he would
only consent to leave that outlandish foreign
wife of his. He married her against my
will he clung to her against my will. Let
him abide by his decision"
ats only natural, judge, that man
should cleave unto his wife," urged the
doctor.
ait is only natural then, that man should
provide for the child of that wife, DIR.
Hooper. At all events, | shall assume no
further responsibility"
"But, Judge Harrison, you are rich
man."
Granted-but as / made my money my
self, feel that have right to spend it to
suit myself
"Hilda is fine girl" pleaded DIR. Hooper.
"No doubt no doubt; but you will par
don me if feel no very great anxiety to see
the child Of the German singing woman
who stole my sons heart away from me-"
DIR. Hooper hesitated.
"Judge," he said at last, in tone Of ap-
pealing earnestness, "you have another
granddaughter"
al have. My daughters child, Marion
Lennox, makes it her home with me-"
Sand you would deny similar home to
TO Hilda Harrison p
Judge Harrisons shaggy white brows met
in straight, frowning line.
"Doctor," said he, "you will fail to make
distinction between dutiful child and one
who has been undutiful."
"Let me see Miss Lennox," said DIR.
Hooper. "Let me interest her in the fact
of this desolate unknown cousin. She has
woman's heart in her bosom. am sure l
can move her !"
Judge Harrison smiled coldly as he
touched small gilded call bell which stood
on the table beside him.
"Send Miss Marian here" said he to
servant, and the man noiselessly obeyed.
In another minute tall, princess s-like
girl stood in the room-a girl with hair OF
pale gold, deep blue eyes, like azure stars,
and a dress of soft blue silk that fell in pic
turesque folds about her, and trailed noise
lessly over the carpet as she walked.
"Marian," said the Judge, "this is DIR.
Hooper. He has come here to plead the
cause of your uncle Severn's daughter
Hilda. Severn deliberately disobeyed me at
first in marrying Hildergarde Boehmer-he
rejected the offer | afterward made OF TAX
ing him and the child home, If he would
leave the siren who had blighted all his life
Now he is dead, and left his child unpro-
vided for. | say, as he has sown, so let his
child reap. What do you say y
al think grandpapa is quite right said
Marion, in short, sweet voice. "Grandpapa
is always right"
"Then YOU have no word to speak for
this lonely little orphan p cried out Dr.
Hooper, deeply indignant Marion laid her
riuged hand upon that OF her grandfather
| and nestled close to him.
81 always defer my judgment to that of
prandpapa," said she-and Judge Harrison,
passing his arm around the girls waist,
looked with ill-concealed triumph at the
luckless special pleader.
| DR.. Hooper bowed, spoke his adieux and
departed.
When he returned TO his own humble
residence, dark-eyed girl met him at the
! door.
Have you seen him, doctor-my grand
father 7" she cried, eagerly.
DR.. Hooper nodded.
ats of no use, though" said he. "The
old man has heart like granite; and that
| girl, your cousin, is of cast IRON
He will not take me Z"
"No"
Hilda Harrison set her lips together.
Well" said she, /" then | must manage
to provide for myself"
No hurry, lass; no hurry" said the
kindly little DOCTOR $50 tell the wife to
bring me cup of hot coffee before start
out again"
"Hilda," he said, presently, as he sat
toasting his feet before the fire, with his wife
knitting opposite and Judge Harrison's
granddaughter leaning against the window
and looking out into the stormy darkness,
"what are you going to do2"
81 don't think quite know, doctor"
"You are sixteen 7"
| "Sixteen and halt SIR"
"Aud you cannot teach 7"
"Oh, dear, no, sir - Hilda shook her
head decidedly. al had no chance for
much education, travelling about as did"
Nor sew"
"Not well enough to adopt it for pro-
| fession."
"Then, for all l can see, there is nothing
left but to go into domestic service"
81 would take place tomorrow, doctor,
if could get good home and decent
wages" said Hilda, quickly.
"Good," said Dr., Hooper. "That " is the
right spirit, child don't fear but what
you'll make your way, in one direction or
another. But think can see something a
little more promising ahead of you than
that"
"What is it, doctor2"
al noticed the way you took care of your
poor father, Hilda, In his last illness. |
thought then you would make good nurse
i think so now There is an opening in St.
Fraucesca's hospital. A good home and 81
per day"
"As nurse, doctor 7"
As nurse"
And | shall see you sometimes 7"
Frequently-twice week at least"
1ilda pondered second or two, and then
came forward with glistening eyes, and red
lips apart.
| Doctor" said she, al will try it,"
And 80 Clement Harrison's granddaughter
donned the little muslin cap, print dress and
white ruffled apron of the st. FRANCISCAN
corps of nurses and set diligently to work
earning her own living.
A year passed by, and DIR. Wallace sent
word that nurse was wanted for small
pox case in the city. The Sister Superior
looked obviously at her women.
"Who will go2" said she-and iilda
Harrison stepped forward.
81 will" said she. 81 have no fears of
the contagion, and want to add TO my ex-
perienoe."
So little Hilda packed her bag and went.
The housekeeper of the great Fifth av.
enue palace was ringing her hands, half
terrified out of her senses the other ser
wants had taken precipitate leave.
And Miss Lennox went this morning.
said she. " j should think she might have
stayed"
| ~ Who Ia M;as I anoox 2n s,,aatio,ad in