The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-06-29

The day dragged slowly by, and it
was relief TO hear the light hearted
Charlie whistle on the steps, and the
click of his latch-key, an hour earlier
than usual. There was no one but An
nette visible, and his smiles changed to
q most harassed, painful expression. as
he heard the story OF the days doings.
The snow was already coming down
heavily, but, snatching a cap from the
hat rack, forgetful of overcoat orgloves,
he rushed out of the house the instant
he learned where Norah had been
taken.
The remorseful look upon her cousin $
face somewhat lightened Annette 5
heart, though she could not explain his
haste or the errand to his mother and
sisters. 1t was a very anxious hour of
watching for all; Isabel lying at full
length on the sofa, her face covered with
her hands; Sallieftrying in vain to prac-
tice at the grand piano, and Annette,
standing in the drapery of the front win
dow, straining her eyes through the fast
falling snow st every approaching ve-
hicle or foot passenger.
AT len 9TH the roll of an omnibus ceas-
ed at the door, and the glad cry, Here
he is!'' as gentleman stepped out,
brought them all to the window, was
changed into, Its only uncle" in a
tone more of disappointment than of
welcome. But scarcely had Mrs. Lock
wood opened the door to her husband,
when a vehicle stopped at the door, and
Charlie lifted a woman up the steps,
whose hood falling back, disclosed the
pale face of Norah.
The poor girl said nothing, but crouch
ed down on the stairs the instant Char
lie released his hold, and rocked to and
fro as one in the extremity of grief or
pain.
''Oh, father, for Heavens sake don't
speak sou he interposed to Mr.. Lock
woods angry demand for an explana-
ton OF her appearance in his house
again. 'It was me; got there just as
she had her hearing, and told them so.
1t was me, father She's suffered enough
already, poor thing!'
And more than enough, for pure
minded, innocent young girl, shut up
all day, with the heavy accusation, and
the anger and unbelief of her master,
hanging over her, with the worst of
idlers and vagabonds, and even crimi-
mails, and nothing Before her but the still
darker prospect of conviction and a
prison.
81 hid them, father, to tease the girls
for being SO careless. They are in my
dressing-case," continued the generous
fellow, with vehemence. "Won't YOU
speak to her, father, and tell her so?''
RI,t n cd foil .n OF.
vulSions on the floor, while they were
trying to comprehend her innocence,
and brain fever was the result of the
day. Every one in the family minister
ed to her, from Mr.. Lockwood. who
called in his own family physician, to
the good-hearted cook who had so un-
Willingly given evidence against her;
but it was many weeks before the con-
science-stricken Charlie saw her creep
ing slowly up and down the stairs again,
pale and emaciated, the very shadow of
the blithe young Irish girl who came
there to find a home. She was forgiv-
ing and grateful to all of them, but her
languor and timidity remained q per-
petual remembrancer of the wrong so
heedlessly inflicted.
The faithful Norah's presence in the
household-for Mr.. Lockwood has of
fered her home as long as she may
need one-is a check upon his rash iudg-
ments of the actions and motives of
men, upon Charles wanton needless
ness of the feelings of others. and even
brother Jim's sublime selfishness. AS
for Isabel and Miss Lockwood, who
tended her through her long illness as
If she had been sister or friend, they
have almost come to consider her as
such, and both try to exact a promise
from her that she will take charge of
their homes, now that there is near
prospect of two weddings in the family.
But Norah inclines to master Char
Ge's'' offer, to wait till he gets through
his law studies and takes Annette for
better or worse. So in the end poor
Norah's misfortune proved blessing
IN disguise.