The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1881-01-07
eft not even sign behind to mark the place

left not even sign behind to mark the place
where they sank to ruin.
So Lily Edsons surprise was great in
deed when her maid ushered Dora unannoun
ced into her boudoir that evening.
The pale girl came forward with outstretched
hands and excited eyes that saw no one but
Lily.
''Do you remember me?" she asked almost
wildly. I'VE were dear friends and school.
mates once, you and II She pulled the faded
Grape bonnet from her head. "See you used
to envy my golden crown It's all that's left
of those old days. My mother is sck-we
need money very sorey Lily, will you buy
my hair"
And she took out the comb, and down the
glittering treasure fell, no more like golden
crown, but Cloak of shining beauty. Dora
held it up in her trembling hand.
BUY it for heavens sakcw she said, and
burst into n storm of tears "IIelp me save
her lfe'
And them before Lily could gather breath
for a reply II firm hand caught Dora and
placed her in II chair, and a brusque, deep
voice, somewhat shaken with emotion, said {:
Pm your customer! There, there, cry
my poor child, cry all your grief away
You're with friends-look up and see if you
don't know me?'
Dora looked up TO the speakers face.
"Dr. Gray she cried and hid her face in
shame. you here? Thought Miss Edison
was alone thought"
THAT she would buy your crown of gold"
said the doctor merrily. $50 she would, I've
no doubt, be glad of the chance; but I've
bought it, Whatever she offers I'll double
my dear; and you are bound to sell to the
highest bidder Besides it would do Miss
Lilly no good. I'm treating her for the head
ache already"
"And what will you do with it ?" cried she,
who by this time was embracing her friend.
keep it on the original owners head UNI
til want it," said the old man. "How much
do you bid, Miss Lily?"
"An hundred, and here's half of it to begin
with"
So Dora went home in the old doctors
carriage, and in his company and care. He
laughed when she apologized for their mis-
cradle room. "Pooh pooh ~ said he, 81 was
present when you made your first appearance
in this world, child You didn't even have
your crown of gold then. Poor enough, for
sooth You needn't ever mind me. Who's
been attending your mother?"
"Dr. Charles Osborne" she told him tim
idly, and blush stole over her pale, beauti-
full face. Then as she saw him start and
give low whistle, she said
10 YOU hloN llllll, SlI
"Heard of him." said the old man brusque-
ly "Smart fellow, but poor Well, well,
your mother is my old patient. You shall pay
him, and I'll take his case myself"
He did. He took her to his own luxurious
house, thence TO the seaside-restored Mrs.
Tremanc to health at last, and surrounded
both her and Dora with every comfort.
"IIow are We ever to repay your the girl
asked him, and his answer fairly took her
breath.
81 want wiIe,' says he ms abruptly ms
usual. Your crown of gold is mine, Dora,
will you give me all the rest ?"
Poor Dora What is crown of gold COM
pared to heart? She had sold the first
After all no one seemed to want the latter, she
thought sadly. She had neither seen nor
heard of-and then she checked herselfand
left Charles Osbornes name unuttered and
reminded herself of the debt of gratitude to
DIR Gray
81 owe you more than my life, she sighed
but have no heart give you. Ifmy respect
esteem-if my deep gratitude viii suffice
you"
: "They WILL said the old man. u believe
you love me dearly into the bargain. Win
you give me your hand, pray?'
yes" she sighed, and placed it in his re-
luctantly. He gave her sound kiss
pretty little hand " said he 81 shan't
keep you long shall give you to that
lucky dog, my nepheww and he threw open
the door. Come in, Charley" said he. Here
| give you wife,