The daily Cairo bulletin., 1881-07-22
TIE DAILY BULLETIN.
MY COMPANION.

Eyes of Heavens own axure-hair
waving softly back from q broad, white
foreheada mouth whose pathetic
sweetness went straight to my old
heart--such was the face before me.
A week before, In one Of the daily
papers had advertised for a compai-
ion. and this was the twentieth appli-
cant for the position. Twas always one
to take sudden and forcible fancies, and
almost ere she spoke, and disclosed o
fresh charm in her gentle musical
voice, had determined what my
answer should be.
So, after little, I said, kindly,
"Well. my child, ~ was so old and
she so yonng that that seemed the
proper way to address her--'if your
references prove as satisfactory asyour
appearance. we will close this compact
at once, and il you like. to-day shall
see you installed as my young compan-
ion and friend"
The delicate color rushed to her pale
cheeks oply to ebb as quickly away
again, as. clasping her small, gloved
hands together, she exclaimed;
''Oh, dear, ] never thought of that!
can refer you to no one; for, though
! have done no wrong, it Is necessary
for me to keep my whereabouts Sc
cret. But, oh, II you will take me,
will be so useful and helpful to you
that you win never repent itr'
Here was perplexing situation; al
ready felt that my old home would
seem lonelier than before, should this
bright young vision vanish forever
from IL; still, such proceeding was
the reverse Of business-like.
That the girl was as good as she was
beautiful. could not doubt for an in
stant. Hers was not countenance one
could be deceived in, and yet all my
life long l had hated mysteries. So I
debated within myself The young
girl watched my face anxiously for
moment then, stealing to my side, she
timidly took my hand.
please let me stay with You. In
deed, indeed, you will never be
sorry"
The childlike voice. with the sad vi.
bration thrilling through its soft tones,
was too much for me. And thus Daisy
Warde came to be my companion, to
brighten with her young life the dreary
stateliness of the home in which for
forty long years had passed my soli-
tary existence. But was solitary no
longer; at last had an interest in my
life, and as time passed became more
and more attached to my beautiful
companion.
From the first it was plain to me that
she was suffering from some hidden
sorrow, and though | respected her de-
sire for secrecy and did not urge her
confidence, l could not help wondering
what the cloud could be that had spread
such deep gloom overher naturally
sunny, happy nature.
By.and-by letter came to me from
my nephew Waltcr--the son Of broth
er long since dead-a bright, inspirit-
ing letter, just like his own CHEEKY self,
informing me that in months time
he would be able to make me . short
visit.
Ihad two nephews, who, in my eyes,
embodied every attribute that is truest
and noblest; but while freq. emily had
visits from Walter seldom saw my
sisters son, as Lis time was too COM
pletely taken up by the duties of his
chosen profession to leave him much
opportunity for pleasure.
Though was well advanced in years,
and an old maid, still was able to ro-
nance little, and now as watched
Daisy as she fitted about the house in
her quiet, helpful way, doing just the
right thing at the right moment,
could not helr smile curling the cor
ners of my mouth. When [ had last
parted from Walter, iu his joking fash
ion, he had said:
"Now, Aunt Margaret, when / come
again shall expect you'll have nice
little wife ID picked out for me.''
He came, and was not slow to per-
ceive how very charming be found my
young companion. And l was we'll
pleased, for though knew so little
concerning her. felt that she could
never have done any wrong, and that
some time-she had told me as much
she would explain the mystery which
Shrouued her past life.
Matters went on, until at length
Walter obeyed his ardent impulses and
disclosed to Daisy his sentiments.
1t was q complete and painful sur
prise TO her. When, later, Walter
came 10 bid me goodbye ! saw at
once that his suit had been rejected.
''Do not blame her, Aunt Margaret"
he said, as he wrung my hand at part
ing. IF she cannot love me it is my
misfortune--not her fault"
He was gone, and losing no time.
with my heart full Of Indignation, l
sought Daisy.
had set my mind upon the match,
for / had begun 10 dread the time
which, sooner or later, must inevitably
come when she should tell me she must
leave me, and had hoped that II she
became Walters wife 1t would take no
very strong inducements TO cause him
To consent TO make his home with me.
found the child in tears, and when
saw the pain in her truthful face my
anger melted away.
'.He is noble fellow, Daisy" said.
why could you not care for himP"
The dropping face flushed rosy red
as she confessed the reason.
because, my dear friend, though
there is nothing but sorrow for me In
that love. my heart In alreadv oivap IN