The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1881-12-01

done to deserve this?"
what do you mean?'
''Only that am Rex Reynolds, and that
I could almost bless the wound which has
given me this respite. was on nv way to
call, when that stupid eamekeeper mistook
me for partridge and put bullet through
my arm.
"And you are Mir. Reynolds? Oh, how
sorry they will be!'
"What! Why I thought you told me
they were kind enough to count on my re-
turn"
ayes, yes-but sorry they could not have
helped me nurse you. I-1-doctor ="
But the new conner upon the scene had
barely time to catch in his strong arms the
slight young form before it would have
fallen heavily to the floor.
used up. he suiH. with IN on,inous
shake Of his head. Il don't think she has
slept six hours in week. You have
given me two patients, young man, but /
tell you one thing-she has saved the SEX
ton ard the grave digger one."
With which cheerful homily, he strove to
bring back life and consciousness.
But the doctor could no longer complain
of lack Of nurses. Now that his patient
was convalescent, and that he had acknowl-
edged his identity they swarmed about him
like bees in a hive.
May succeeded Ella, and Elk, NAV,
while Mrs. Ridley hustled about, all moth
erly kindness.
cts too bad, Rex!' she would declare.
! know the girls would have helped you
get we'll sooner; but really YOU looked so
serj disreputable, Ill covered with blood,
and am SO guarded with them"
TO all OF which the young man listened
silently. Day after day he missed his gem
tic little nurse. Tho thought that she vas
i'll and suffering because of her faithfulness
to him distracted him. He would rather
sleep than waken, for in his dreams she
came to him, and once again he could feel
the velvety touch Of the small white hand.
But it was almost harder when, through
the doctor, he learned that she had ro-
covered aid had resumed her usual duties,
though not to him. His room, saw her no
more.
Once he ventured to speak to Mrs.
Ridley
"She is occupied with the children, she
answered. They have already lost too
much time"
"Mauma, she must have suspected all
along" said May.
OF course she did. Designing little
mink" said Ella.
Never mind, my dears. He was delirious
mos: Of the time, AID, besides, he is not
likely to see her again.
Which prophecy seemed in 4 fair way of
being carried out: for when, G fortnight
later, his health gave him no further excuse
for remaining at Oak Lawn, and he returned
to Ronald Manor, he had not been able to
see Rhone, for few simple words of
thanks.
In her own room she heard the sound
Of carriage wheels bearing him away, and q
quick pang of pain dartcd through her
heart.
"Ah. els Il mani" she whispered. He
forgets' but I-remember!"
But mex. day she came in FROM solitary
raa1hle with flushed cheek and sparkling
eye. What had she seen in her walk? Per-
haps he had not forgotten!
The raster Of Ronald Manor was af-
tianced How the runior spread, none knew;
but al! learned il, IS they understood that !.
grand ball, to be preceded BY tableaux,
was to be given in honor Of his tinnce.
TWAS Il crushing blow to Mrs. Ridley;
but she was already looking into the
future.
Never mind: laH dears!" she said 10 her
disappointed daughters. ''We must make
ourselves vastly agreeable, aud propitiate
her all in our ability, for she will be q pow.
or iii the neighLorhood'
The eventful evening came at last. A
futter OF curiosity prevailed the elegant
assemblago rs they sat in the ball room,
waiting the rising Of the curtain upon the
tabieaux; for it WAX suspected that in
! some one of them would be found the
victor of tho prize.
At last the curtain rose and fell. Picture
succeeded picture. All were beautiful and
won enthusiastic applaudits.
Then the last WAS announced. It was
The Sleeping Beauty" The curtain lift
ed. Upon couch lay a young girl, Sleep
!: &, her lips BALI parted in smile; her
long, yellow hair, unbound, covered her
Like a veil, and falling swept the floor.
People held their breath. She was the
impersonation Of an exquisite dream. Who
was she? Who could she be? Four alone
OF all that glittering multitude knew, and
three women turned white with envious
wrath. The man was glad for the little
girls luck
The curtain FELL but rose again upon the
prince, who came to rouse her with kiss.
1t was their host, but when he had awakened
her, he proudly slipped her hand within
ms arm, and led her out among his friends.
1t was Rhons Armstrong, Mrs Rid)ey's last
governess.
But how had she captured him?" asked
one Of the dear FIVE hundred.
"She nursed him when he was ill.," an
swered NJ s. Ridley; and between you and
me, my dear, don't think he's quite re-
covered from his delirlum yet"
Nor ever will, I trust" broke in the
clear voice Of her recent guest. Mrs. Rid
ley, by-the- way, You have not yet congratu.
lated my bride"
Which Mrs. Ridley forthwith proceeded
to do, in her most Goneyed accents and
her most gracious smiles; for had she not
prophes;ed that she would be power in
the neighborhood, and were not her daugh.
ters still upon her hands?
On, heart of woman! truly thou art most
fearfully and intricately made!