The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-12-22

/ sfQrTef. drew JOHn OUT OI HIS SeciuSlOl.
Your guest is very sick GIRL Mr..
Porter, were his first words Poor John
almost staggered and caught at the balus-
trade for support But" he continued,
sit is merely overtaxed strength and
highly sentitive organizationth that has served
her thus, and good nights rest will do
more for her than all my skill can do, and
so saying he went out into the sharp De-
cenber night, leaving John Porter to his
own sorrowful thoughts.
'.Quiet and rest, that is what he said,
Aand she shall have it for one night if it is
in my power to give it to her. She is as
safe with me as if in her own home, and as
nothing can be done until morning, [ must
try and rest, for tomorrow will bring more
than its share of sorrow, unused John.
But rest was long in coming to the tired
and anxious man. His thoughts were ever
with Violet, who was quietly sleeping the
sleep of utter exhaustion in the warm,
pretty room, tenderly watched and cared
for by the kind hearted Mrs. Duval She
knew Johns sad story, and had recognized
Violet; but she had great faith in things
righting themselves, and she had kindness
Of heart to nurse and care for the sick girl
even though she had blighted the life of
her kind master.
Christmas morning dawned clear and
cold A light snow fall had mantled the
streets in true Christmas garb of spotless
white, and it glittered and shone on the
trees in the squares and parks like myriad
diamonds.
It was late when Violet opened her eyes,
and with wonder she looked about her.
Was it only last night that she had almost
frozen in the streets, seeking her lost John?
Weak as she was, she slowly arose and with
trembling handssput on her dress, which
lay on chair near by with her other attire
When she had finished dressing she slowly
opened the door. As yet she was not
thoroughly awake, but the idea that she
must find John on Christmas was still in
her mind as she slowly descended the stairs.
The door the drawing room was opened,
and bright fire sparkled, on the hearth
Violet who had been thoroughly chilled by
passing along the corridor involuntarily
stepped into the room to get warm before
yenturing out into the cold.
As she advanced into thereon she start
ed and would have fallen, had she not
caught at chair for support, for there, on
the very sofa where she had been tenderly
placed the night before, lay John Porter,
her lover, whom she had almost perished
in searching for. ii
Worn out by his nights care he had
fallen asleep. One arm hung listlessly
down, the other was clasped on his breast,
and the lines of care and sorrow were plain
ly discernible on his pale face.
Slowly Violet approached and knelt by
his side. Long and tenderly she looked at
him, and then STOPPING over she laid her
lips against his and tenderIy kissed him.
John awoke with a start, and opened his
eyes to meet the dark, half-sorrowful, half
happy ones of Violet Marvin.
"Violet, you here p was all he said.
s'Yes, John, said Violet, putting out
two trembling, slender hands.
"But your husband, dear, where is he?"
said John, soothingly, thinking that expos
ure had brought on delirium. Did he
dream that Violet had kissed him or was
it really SO?
Il haven't any husband, John, said
Violet, still holding out her hands.
mo husband, said John, wonderingly,
thinking of how or what had been the end
of the wealthy Mr.. Calderop,
isNo, John, | could not marry Mr.,
Calderon, even to save papa from ruin, and
refused him at the altar; there was no
other way, as | was forced into the mar
riage"
/ aMy poor girl, is all that John says,
drawing her down beside him and placing
his arm tenderly about her.
eyes" she continues II heard that
YOU were coming home this evening, and l
started out to find you, so that could be
here to welcome you, for [ suppose this Is
your house, is it not, John? ! was stay
ing with Aunt Helen in the city. But |
lost my way and grew SO cold and disheart-
ened until I remembered no more. But
who found me? 2"
II did, Violet" replies John, tightening
his clasp about the girls slender waist,
"and you shall never more leave me, for we
win be married this day"
And John kept his word, Good Mrs,
Dqyal was somewhat startled but very much
pleased at the turn things had taken, and
Violet's aunt Helen very angry. But on
that fair Christmas day Violet and John
were Joined together in that no man
can put asunder; and JOY and quiet was in
the home on that eve when the bells ring on
earth, goodwill to men.