The Baltimore County union., 1881-04-16

property, she did not much seek their
companionship, though they then
redoubled their attention, as their hopes
increased.
Bernard had been an affectionate but
dissipated husband; and il his wife
grievcd for him il was not rs one with
out hope. Little Philip, her idol, now
two years old, was left her, and she
turned to him with all her heart.
And now he was gone Three year
old, and SO ventursome How had he
cluded servants and mother and plays
mates? He had done so, in spite of
every care. The river running past
their park had enticed him, and he was
gone. Every effort had been made,
search, advertisements, rewards offered,
but in vain; and the finding Of that little
body with the golden hair in curls about
the face had satisfied her. A curl had
been given the mother, and putting il
side by side with one she had cut from
Philips head only month before, they
could not be told apart.
Mrs. Beaufort did not return TO Amer
ica, as they had expected. She took a
cottage near and lived in it. She could
not leave the neighborhood where her
darling's body lay, and where his inno-
cent soul had taken wing. Shut up in
this secluded house, which to her was
not home, she abandoned herself to
grief. But after year was past she was
obliged TO rouse herself. Her health
was failing, and the good vicar, one of
her faithful friends, could no longer re-
frain from reproof.
Mrs. Beaufort was not selfish, and she
was not irreligious. At the call she lift
cd her head, looked about the world
outside OF her retreat, and saw work
enough to do. At that sight her energy
awoke, and she laid aside her lamenia-
tions. But no one could see her white,
sad face without being convinced that
life had no charm for her.
And SO four years passed. The Beau
forts of the manor had taken no notice
of her but some Of the country families
still visited her, and she had many
friends. Her means were small, but all
the poor blessed her; for her kind word
and helping hand were hetter than gold.
No one saw the lonely night when she
wept and kissed those locks Of golden
hair, and gazed at the miniature OF her
boys face.
Onc day the widow had been out on
an crrand of mercy, and was strolling
slowly homeward in the soft, rich light
OF a June sunset. The blossoming
hedges were full of singing birds, the
trees bent over, the air was silent and
laden with sweet odors.
As she walked slowly along the road
strange gladness stirred in her heart /;
for something pleasant had happened
that morning. She had met the vicar
that afternoon in her visiting-not for
the first time, by any means, for Mr..
Vernon was friend to the poor and
was also kind friend to this bereaved
lady. But something new had shown
itself in his manner, or il not new, il
was, at least, shown in decided man.
ner that seemed new.
The Rev. Mr.. Vernon had married
early in life, and his wife had lived but
few years. His best friends thought
that the less said about the latter the
better. The gentleman had been drawn
into the marriage at an age when he
should have been at his studies, and it
was a happy thing for him that the COM
panionship lad been brief. He had not
cared to repeat the experiment. With
a large circle of friends, and quite, well
kept house, he said to himself that he
would be foolish to change. And he
had not wished to change till now. His
sympathy had been aroused by The sor-
rows of the lovely Mrs. Beaufort, and
his tenderness by the beauty Of her
character. But not until within few
weeks had he known how deep that ten
derness and sympathy were. nor how
sweet il would be to have that fair face
and form to adorn his home, and be
forever in his sight.
To-day, for the first time, the truth
had broken out. 1t was but word
Seeing her look paler than usual, the
young clergyman had asked impulsive-
ly, "Are you i'll, Alice? ?"
II was the first time he had called her
by that name, and the color flashed over
his face As soon as the words had passed
his lips. But his bright eyes dwelt on
her face as he saw the answering blush,
the sweet, sudden smile, the quick look
up into his eyes, then the dropping
glance.
"No, not ill.," she stammered, al am
very WE'LL"
Others came near, and both interrupt
ed and relieved them. Enough had been
said for that time. But when they part
ed Mr.. Vernon took her hand in gentle
clasp, and asked permission to conc to
see her soon, and thanked her earnest
ly when permission was accorded.
That was all, but that was enough to
change all the world for this tender,
lonely heart.
"How good he is to think Of me who
have nothing, when SO many younger
and richer ladies would gladly have had
his preference -
"Therc is little boy waiting to see
you, ma am" the servant said when
she entered the cottage. "He has a
letter for you." "Who is he 2" Mrs.
Beaufort asked.
"He is stranger, madam, and 4
pretty lad. / think he is sailor-like,
but a gentleman's son."
"You can send him to me-" Mrs.
Beaufort said.
She entered the parlor, and in few
moments the messenger stood before
her. She merely glanced at him, scarce
| Ia ,,,ovin0 nc he Oaye her the note and