Daily Kennebec journal., 1880-03-10
Mlisttllanfons.


ing. suVer-HaireH man, -di upfight Ia ni7
chair gazing coIdly at his guest.
well" said DR. Hooper. pulling On bis
gloves, ''of course. it isn't for me or any
one else 10 interfere in family matters
But your grandchiid il left totally unpro-
vided for, sir.
II cannot help that" said the Judge.
frigidly. Eight years ago / offered to
support the child. and her father. too, II
he would only consent 10 leave that out
landisb foreign wife Of his. lie married
her against my wiII--he clung to her
against my vii. Let him abide by his de-
cisionr'
..It's only natural, Judge. that a man
should cleavc unto his wife" urged the
doctor.
1T il only natural, then. that man
should provide for the child Of that wife,
DR.. Hooper. At alleveDts, shall assume
no further responsibility.
But. Judge Harrison, you are rich
man.
'Gra.,ted-but az / have made my
money myself. feel that have right to
spend it 10 suit myself"
"But Hlda is a 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 wo-
man who stole my sons heart away from
me-"
Mr.. Hooper hesitated.
Judge he said at last, in q tone OF
appealing gearnestness, you have another
granddaughter"
IL have Nv daughters child. Marian
I.cnox. makes her home with me. ~
"And You would deny similar home to
IIilda Harrison ?''
Judge Harrison's shaggy white brows
met in straight. frowning line.
doctor. said he, 'you fail to make the
distinction between n dutifui child and one
who has been undutful.
Let me see Miss Lenox." said DIR.
Hooper LET me interest her in the fate
of this desolate. unknown cousin. She
has woman's heart in her bosom. am
sure can move her"
Judge Harrison smiled coldlv a. he
touched small gildcd call-bell which
stood on the table beside him.
'Send Miss Marian here he said to
servant and the man noislesNy
obcyed.
In another minute tall prnccss-like
girl stood in the room--a girl with hair
of pale gold. deep blue eyes. like azure
stars. and n dress of soft blue silk that
Tell in picturesque folds about her. and
trailed noislesslv over the carpet rs she
walked.
"Marian." said the Judge. This is pr
Hooper. He has come here to plead The
cause of your Uncle Severn's daughter
Hlda. Severn deliberately disobcyed me
at first in marrying Dildegarde Bochmer
he rejected the offer | ailerward made
Of taking him and the child home. if he
would leave the siren who had blighted
all his life. Now he is dead. and has left
the child unprovided for. say as he has
sowed so let the child reap. What do you
sayP"
IL think grandpa is quite right" said
Marian. in soft sweet voice. Grand
papa Is always right"
"Then YOU have no word to speak for
this lonely little orphan - cried out DR.
Hooper, deeply indignant. Marian laid
her ringed hand upon that Of her grand
father and nestled close to him.
II always defer my judgment to that of
grandpapa. said she, aud Judge lIarri-
son. passing his arm around the girls
at the lucklcss special pleader.
DIR. Hooper bowed, spoke his adieu.
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" she cried out eagerly.
DIR. Hooper nodded
''It's of no use though" said he. The
old man has heart like granite; and that
girl, your cousin. of cast-iron.'
ale will not take mep"
"Now
Hilda Harrison set her lips together.
"Well." said she. ''then must manage
10 provide for myself"
'No hurry lass. no hurry" said the
kindly little doctor. $50 tell my wife to
bring me cup ef hot coffee before | start
out again.
"Ililda." he said presently. rs he sat
toasting his feet before the fire. with his
wife knitting opposite. and Judge Harri-
sons granddaughter leaning against the
window. and looking out into the stormy
darkness. ''what are you going to do?"
~ don't think quite know, DIR.
You are sixteen?"
''Sixteen and half. sir
.'And you cannot teach ?''
.'Oh. dear. no. SIR" Hilda shook her
head decidedly. Il had no chance for much
education. travelling about rs did"
Nor sew ?'
Not well enough to adopt it as II pro-
fessiou.''
Then for all can see. there is moth
ing left but TO 90 into the domestic ser.
vice"
Il would take place tomorrow. Doc
tor, il l could get good home and de-
cent wages" said Hilda quickly.
Good" said Dr. Hooper. That is
the right spirit. child. I don't fear hpt
what you'll make your way in one direc-
ton or another. But think | can see
something little more promising ahead
for YOU than that"
.What is it. poctor2''
II noticed the way You took care of
your poor father. dear Hilda. in his last
illness. thought then you would make
a good nurse--l think SO now. There is
an opening in St Francesca's Hospitals
A good home and dollar day"
"As nurse. doctor 9''
AS nurse
II should see YOU. sometimes ?''
''Frequently-twice week at least.
Hilda pondered second or two and
eka., y,