The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-09-11

thlnk my uncle perceived it. As Igrew
up she disliked me yet more; it was
gall and NORWOOD to think of me as
my uncle's heir. ..-.
6 But when l was just twenty-five a
new era opened in my life. 1t began in
avery commonplace fashion; some new
dodgers came into the rooms over nina.
l think | should have hardly observed
this fact had not their predecessor been
a noisy medical student; and the bliss
full lull that took place after his de-
parture induced me to inquire one day,
When paid my rent, if the upstairs
rooms were now tenanted at all. Yes,
they were; widow lady and her daugh-
ter had taken the rooms; should find
them quiet neighbors. Il suppose so, l
said, carelessly, thinking that at least
they would not bring home party of
noisy students late at night; and then 1
thought no more of the new dodgers.
But after that day I constantly met
them on the stairs as was going to my
work; two slender figures in deep
mourning, each carrying what looked
like a roll of music, whence | inferred
they went out giving lessons.
" l suppose it was the monotony of
my life that made me observe any trifie
that varied it; but l began sometimes
to think little about my acknowledges.
did not even know their names, and
of course had never addressed them I;
but one day, in descending the stairs,
the young lady had dropped her roll of
music, and | picked it up and returned
it, receiving a 'Thank you,' in what
struck me was the sweetest voice l had
ever heard. After that | venturcd to lift
my hat when we encountered each 9TH
er on the staircase, and the ladies would
bow in return; but there was something
in their manner that checked any at
tempt at further acquaintanceship.
quite the ladies, and hold themselves
rather high, my landlady informed me,
although they went out teaching. Mrs.
Morton was a clergyman's widow, and
obliged to do something for herself.
Very regular with their rent, like your
self, SIR
81 can not trace how that casual
meeting with my acknowledges grew to
be feature in my days engagements
but, although our greeting was silent
one, should have been sorry somehow
had gone out too early or too late to
encounter these black-veiled figures.
was sure they were very poor; neatly as
they were always dressed, l could see
their garments were well worn, and they
worked very hard. They often came
home later than did from business, and
sometimes when l was returning from
the rare dissipation of visit to the
theater, could see the light still burn
ing in the sitting room above mine. My
garrulous landlady informed me that the
ladies did sight of writing when they
were at home; whence inferred that
they occupied themselves either with
copying or some such employment in
their leisure time. Thus passed some
months. Then came change. Only
the younger lady went out daily. After
observing this inquired of the landlady
ii Mrs. Morton were indisposed. Yes,
the poor lady was 'qveerish, and miss
had persuaded her to keep at home for
day.or two. Meeting Miss Morton on
the stairs next day, ventured to in
quire after her mother, and was an
swered gently and courteously, but not
IN a manner that encouraged further
advances. My acknowledges were de-
cidedly reserved.
"However, having broken the ice, l
regularly inquired after the sick lady
every time | met the younger one, and
was surprised to find how the sweet
face, momentarily lifted to mine in re-
ply, dwelt in my memory all day.
Mrs. Morton did not get better; anx-
ious lines were showing themselves in
the daughters face, and my landlady
told me that she thought Miss Morton
was working too hard. was really be-
coming interested in my neighbors, en-
gagged in fighting the battle of life, so
hard to lonely women. could see it
was the old sad story-illness bringing
increased expenses, and means failing
to meet them, the poor girl working
double to supply the mothers failing
powers. Strangers as they were to me,
pitied and sympathized with them.
"One evening my musings were in
terrupted by tap at my door, and on
opening it, to my extreme surprise, l
found Miss Morton ON the threshold.
In brief, agitated words she apologized
for her intrusion, but her mother was
taken so suddenly worse, the landlady
and servant were out, she was afraid to
leave the invalid; would I pardon the
liberty, and-'I will 60 for the Doctor
at once l cried, Selling my hat and
hurrying off before the poor girl could
stammer out her apologies and thanks,
and being fortunate enough to find that
gentleman at home, we soon returned
together. OF course l did not accom-
pany him up stairs, but, after some in
teryal, he came to my room.
"'Are these ladies relatives or friends
of yoursP' he inquired.
&C. explained that they were not.
"' | fear the case is hopeless one, ,
he said gravely.
" If they have friends they should be
communicated with at once. The young
lady does not realize the danger, but |
believe Mrs. Morton is sinking rapidly.
1t is case of low fever, not Infectious,
but a very bad type; should say great
ly induced by overwork of some kind,
and probably augmented by insufficient
nourishment.'
81 limited that the ladies were not too
well off. Probably, very probably, ;
said the Doctor Che was kind-hearted
man, but cases of genteel poverty were
! ~