Morris tribune., 1881-12-01

she was overcome by fatigue, when Of last |
he wakened to find her still standing.
How long have slept?" he asked.
-Four hours. think" she answered.
And you have stood all that timer"
81 feared to waken YOU"
He made no reply but lifted the little
hand to his lips and kissed it,
How long have I been ill?" he oues-
toned, later.
almost three weeks, sir. +"
And they brought me to Oak Lawn;
remember that; but Mrs. Ridley and the
girls-where are they?"
''You know them, then, sir? That is
strange, for Mrs. Ri Hey did not seem to
recognize you; but they are very busy now;
they are expecting the return of the Young
heir to Ronald's Manor, who is to be laden
down with festivities.
"Shades of my grandfather! What have
done to deserve this?"
What do you mean?'
"Only that am Rex Reynolds, and that
l could almost bless the wound which has
given me this respite I was on nv way to
call, when that stupid aamekeeper mistook
me for partridge and put bullet through
my arm.
"And you are MIR. Reynolds? Oh. how
sorry they will be!'
what! Why 1 thought you told me
they were kind enough to count on my re-
turn?"
Eyes, yes-but sorry they could not have
helped NE nurse you. l-I--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 sail, with an ominous
shake of his head. II don't think she has
slept six hours in week. You have
given me two patients, young man, but I
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 hive.
May succeeded Ella, and Ella May,
| while Mrs. Ridley hustled about, all moth
erly kindness.
otis too bad, Rex" she would declare.
I know the girls would have helped you
get well sooner; but really you looked SO
very disreputable, all covered with blood,
! and am so guarded with them"
10 all Of which the young man listened
slietitiS. Lay dltef gay lie uliSScu LIS gen.
tie little nurse. Th2 thought that she was
ill 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 Veivety touch of the small white hand.
But it was almost harder when, through
the doctor, he learned that she had re-
covered and 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. "Tbey have already lost too
much time"
Mamma, she must have suspected all
along" said May.
"Of course she did. Designing little
mink" said Ella
Never mind, my lears. He was delirious
most of the time, and, besides, he is not
likely to see her again"
Which prophecy seemed in fair way of
being carried out: for when, 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 Rhona, for a few simple words of
thanks.
In her own room she heard the sound
of carriage wheels bearing him away, and a
quick pang of pain darted through her
heart.
"Ah, heis mani" she whispered. He
forgets but I--remember,"
But next day she came in FROM solitary
raiable with flushed cheek and sparkling
eye. What had she seen in her walk? Per-
haps he had not forgotten.
The master of Ronald Manor was af-
fanced. How the rumor spread, none knew;
but all learned it, as they understood that a
grand ball, to be preceded by tableaux,
WAS to be given in honor of his tiance.
twas a crushing blow to Mrs. Ridley;
but she was already looking into the
future
Never mind. my dears!" she said to her
disappointed daughters. eve must make
ourselves vastly agreeable, and propitiate
her all in our ability, for she will be pow.
er in the neighLorhood.
The eventful evening came at last. A
futter of curiosity prevailed the elegant
assemblage as they sat in the ball room,
waiting the rising of the curtain upon the
tableaux; for it was suspected that in
some one of them would be found the
victor of the 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 a couch lay young girl, sleep
/ &, her lips half parted in smile; her
long, yellow hair, unbound, covered her
like 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
his arm, and led her out among his friends.
1t was Rhona Armstrong, Mrs. Ridley's last
goyerness.
But how had she captured him?" asked
one Of the dear five hundred.
"She nursed him when he was i'll, an
swered Ms. 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, blythe way, you have not yet congratu-
lated my bride"
| Which Mrs. Ridley forthwith proceeded
to do, in her most loneyed accents and
her most gracious smiles; for had she not
prophesied that she would be a power in
the neighborhood, and were not her daugh-
ters still upon her hands?
Oh, heart of woman! truly thou art most
fearfully and intricately made!
Bits Of Fun.
Women BARRIERS should have pretty
mugs.