Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-06-15

right to rejoice that you live =? And do
rejoice indeed r.
This time the color rose to the girls
cheek, her long lashes fell; his tones
were so soft and earnest, that hers be-
came less firm in consequence.
"You are very good. Indeed /
would not shun you; but really must
go now"
Goodbye, then, Janet" And after
u glance round to make suro that no
one was near, he extended his hand.
Goodbye, sir" replied Janet, quiet
ly, ard not needing his outstretched
hand, she moved away.
Harry Bridgnorth watched until in
tervening hop-poles hid her; then went
of thoughtfully in the opposite direc.
tion.
Was King Cophetus an idiot or a
wise man 2" he pondered. "Surely the
beggar maid was not so handsome nor
so queenly as Janet Morris2 I must sec
her again" And he did, daily.
Janet Morris had found that instead
OF the sea being five miles of, il was
not two, and when work was over in
the twilight, she would hurry to the
shore. Harry Bridgnorth had discov-
cred this, and not an evening passed
that he did not meet her.
At first she had treated him dis
tantly, but conscious of her power OF
self-protection, finally had yielded to
his coming; indeed. soon began to look
forward TO their meetings as eagerly as
he. 1t was very pleasant, seated with
him on the sea shore, listening to the
break Of the waves, or to his voice tell
ing of so many things, or won into
confidence by his pleasant manner, she
herself relating episodes in her own
wretched life. ignorant that her heart,
which never yot had known love, was
expanding now beneath its influence;
and she, who had drawn back proudly,
mistrustful OF all who we're her supe-
riors, was conading now.
One day Janet became aware OF n
commotion among the gatherers.
What is it' Is anything the mat
ter? she asked Of one standing by her,
Don't you know? Alb, / forgot you
haven't been here afore. It's only the
mad lady"
"The mad LADY, calculated Janet.
"Well, what is there wonderful In
that? Ain't you never seen a mad per
son, eh ?"
1t was Bill Morris who spoke. He
had come quickly to where she stood.
Tell yer what, though, you'd better
keep back, or them big eyes Of yourn,
staring like that will hirritato the
poor lady. They say as how il you
stare at 'em it upsets em like scArlit do
DO a mad bull"
Janet shrank behind the poles, not
taking the trouble to doubt Bill Morris
assertion. Her thoughts, indeed, were
far otherwise occupied, for Just then
advancing toward them came the mad
lady, tall, handsome woman, attired
in deep mourning, that en-
hanced the delicate fairness Of
her complexion. Her years could not
have been much above forty. yet her
hair was white as snow, with tinge OF
sunlight upon it, Her expression was
mournful; but it was only whom you
caught tho vacant look of the clear.
gray eyes that you perceived reason was
wanting.
Who was she? Could she be Harry
Bngnorth's mother? for Il was upon
his arm she leaned, and the likeness
between them was great. Slowly she
approached, turning her gentle gaze on
every side, and ever aud again murmur.
ing with q sad motion OF the head,
mot yet; not come yet Where
-where7 Not here |"
Then she passed on, and went slowly
out Of sight.
"Who is she 2" asked Janet. els abe
Mr. Henry Brignorth's mother ?"
mo; his aunt. Something long ago
sent her crazy, and she Allus comes once
like that when the ops il being gath
cred. don't mind she's 'armless."
That evening Janet Morris learned the
truth from Harry Bridgnorth.
Years ago his aunt, Mrs. Auckland, .
young wife and mother, had her child
stolen while staying with her brother,
Mr.. Bridgnorth. The nurse had taken
II out as usual. and all that abe remem.
bored was that she had sat down under
treO while the child played shos..
Overcome by the heat, she fell asleep.
II was q lovely little thing" con.
cluded Harry Bridgnorth. "The only
conclusion we could arrive at was that