The Democratic advocate., 1881-03-05

der. Turning quickly, he saw boy, who
passed him a card, on which was written
in delicate hand, which he recognized at
once
"Will Mr.. Thorne please follow this lit
tie boy for the sake of an interview with
Blanca p
Fred. Crosby must have thought his
friend insane, for he seized his hat, and
started after the boy without a word OF
explanation and excuse.
Arriving behind the scenes, he was ush-
cred into a pretty room and found himself
face to face with Blanca.
Harry, my dear BROTHER she cried,
rushing toward him joyously. Have you
forgotten your little sister,
Forgotten you, Blanca? think tits
you have forgotten me. 1t is a year since
we have received line from you, replied
Harry, reproachfully.
a year! Why, Harry, | wrote by
evcry mail until we left Europe, and since
arriving in America papa has visited the
old village home, but he could learn moth
ing Of you. Oh, Harry, why did you hide
yourself from me? But do tell me Of my
darling mother; is she we'll? Does she
ever think of ae !? she ratified on, not
waiting for a reply. will she be glad to
see me ? Say, Harry, would she like me
for a Christmas guest?
Poor Harry's face flushed. How could
he tell this beautiful creature that they
lived in three rooms in 4 tenement house?
We occupy small and humble quarters
now. Bianca-mademoiselle, he STAN
mered. IF you could put up with US, |
--tha, is-shc--
Bianca's merry voice interrupted the
confused speech.
I'm well used to humble life, Harry.
| have no, forgotten the life your good
parents rescued me from. am Blanca
TboTne aud a iambourine-girl still. Sec!'
aud she caught up n tambourine which
belonged to bal ct girl and beginning one
Of her wild dauees which Harry admired
when she was a child, danced into the
arms Of her iathsr, who was jus; entering
the room. oh, papa " she cried, Il have
found Harry. aud We are going to his house
to spend Christmas, I'd it will be just such
! dear old Christmas, as We used to have
at the farm
She had her way, and the great prima
donna spent her Christmas in the humble
tenement house, aud assisted her hostess in
her domestic duties
The two weeks that Blanca remained in
the city she was constant visitor al the
Tborns house, and the day before she
was 10 leave for Europe again, she placed
10 Mrs Thorue's hands deed Of their lost
farm. She weuld hear no objection nor
receive any thanks
Il is OGly slight reeomPcnse for your
grea, kindness. mother dear, she said. Il
sheddcr now, when think uha; might
have happened NE had i, no, been for YOU.
Yea will be glad 10 have the dear OLD home
again and When Harry marrics !, will be
a pretty place for his wife, she murmured,
in a scarcely audible voice.
Ny child. Harry viii never marry
nos, was the reply.
Never marry, mother Why ooll
Because be loves lady 50 far above
him in life that be has not the courage to
AK her hand in marriage.
Blanca made no reply, though she knew
by the dear mothers ,eIl-rale face who the
lady Was.
+ That night Harry attended their guest
back to her hotel.
Why don't you ge, married, Harry p
she asked him bluntly
The poor fellow flushed and then paled.
Your mother told me you loved lady
above YOU in the social sale. she con,in-
ued, not noticing his embarrassment
Why don't you tell her Of your love ?
Nothing venture, nothing have, you
know.
Still no reply
Harry she whispered, slipping her
hand 10 his, II wear your ring still Do
you remember what you said when you
+ put it on my finger? o you stupid boy
Can't You see that love you p Aud she
turned to hide her face.
/ But be caught her in his arms, and the
sweet blushing face found a hiding place
on his broad shoulder
Blanca, my darling, precious Que, is it
true? Can you love me ? Oh, say those
sweet words once more
( She was sobbiug now.
I a It IS true Oh, Harry, know it was
bold aud unmaidenly, but | couldn' think
of losing you forever"
Heaven bless you, my darling little
wife - he murmured, pressing her yet
closer to his heart, and kissing her pas
siouatcly
Aud here let US leave them in the full
ness of their love.