The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-03-18


broke out in that part of the town
where the mill operatives lived, and
death gathered in his harvest with re-
lentless force.
Mr.. Falconer returned from abroad,
and with a rapidly organized committee,
tried to turn the course of the destroyer,
going from house 10 house, from death
bed to deathbed, 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 w3s 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.
Lying back in an easy-chair, pale, but
on the high road to recovery, one day
he heard 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 off,
Lady Hargrave was saying, enthusiastic
cally. "Her father was a clergyman,
and dying, left her and young brother
almostdestitute; 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
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"
% 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'm give you the address,"
Then Gilbert waited impatiently,
while his aunt rung the bell. and Parker
was dispatched to find Mrs. Audley's
letter; then there was hunt for her
ladyship's eyeglasses. At last the well
come words leil on his ear.
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.
So she lett yesterday morning her money
was done, an 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 it's beautiful entrance
The doors were open, morning service
was just over, Gilbert was tired and
weak; sudden impulse-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 a 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 Eliotw
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 a
thin hand. "DOn't go. Oh, listen to
me. Forgive me my brutal conduct
that day. I have regretted it ever since
Say you forgive mel"
Nc answer; her head was bent down.
Mora, can't you forgive meP" he
pleaded. You were angry with me
once for calling you by your name, but
| can't helpit, dear; if you could only
look into my heart and see the love l
have for you. the utter longing. For
nearly year | have been trying to for
get you, and to-day l love you better
Won't you be my wife?"
quickly.
Are you in earnest? Do you real
ize who l amp" she said, with the old
proud movement of her head. "An
operator in your mill-a beggar, with
out home or friend, save my
brother, God bless him, in the world
while you are rich mani
"Oh, come to me-" interrupted Gill
bert, stretching out his arms. " If that
is your only objection, come to me
quickly. My pure, noble darling, I
know all your self acrifice. am not
half worthy of you. Come to me
make me a better man, be good 10 my
people. j know they will bless you
when they learn how much they owe
to you" Then in low, eager tones he
told briefly of the fever, and of the en-
tire change in the sanitary arragem ents
at Brinsley, touching lightly on his i'll
ness, and passing over his bravery.
" And your prophecy haunted me; all
through my illness it rung in my ears,
and | hungered for sight of your
bonny face, for touch of your hand
Nora" with sharp ring of pain in his
voice, take back your bitter words
tell me you do not hate me. Even a
crumb of bare liking | shall be thank
full for, and if you will bless me with
your precious love | shall thank God
for it. You can make me better man,
a better landlord, a true Christian. All
these possibilities lie in your hands"
Nora's face was hidden in her hands
she was sobbing.
Won't you answer meP" he pleaded,
bending over her. "0nly one little
word to put me out of suspense. My
darling, am weary for you. Come to
the arms that are waiting for you"
And she came with a sudden swift
movement, laying her tired head on his
shoulder, while his glad arms gathered
her close, close to his heart, and he laid
hia linS ~, ho,. fOrahaad with e;laot