The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-05-12
IN THE NICK OF TIME.
ENchanrr

ESSHdDkt.
 Ne are lonely couple, my old man and l. For nearly fifty years we have llved among the Welsh hills in our little cottage. quiet, uneventful life. Nearly three years ago the iron horse came steamihg through our peaceful valley. bearing 10 us. as Il rushed by, some little giimpses of the great busy world from whence II oame-stopping for moment at the tiny station four miles away, then flying on again out into the heart of the hllls beyond.
 This passing of the noon express came to be ,se one exciting event Of onr lives :; and we never failed 10 watch 1t out of sigh, AS l, wound it's way around the curves and among the hills that stretched away as far IS the eye could see.
 One lovely June evening sa, watch 'ng Tor Roger. who had gone over the hills te the station. 4, last he came in slght, ,he ured old pony jogging along at hls own pace.
 X e;,er. Linda" he said. as he stopped at inc gate.
 hatried to take it. for letter was no common thing among us quiet country people. l. proved 10 be from half-sister nj Rogers. from whom we had heard nothing ior years. She was the child of his iatRer by a second marriage. and had, since Ter owa marriage always resided Tn Lpa.on. Her letter requested permis- sion ;e send her daughter Bessie to us for r.sl;. She wished to remove her 'rom the attentions of a young gentleman who had of late become very devoted, anu n ns.ng the entire change of scene m,ght eEive the foolish fancy from Bessie's head sfe had concluded to write us 10 take her for time.
 Ne.s. she must come, of course" said Roger II last, breaking the silence into which Me had fallen after the perusal of 'he !e,ter.
 ~oi course" asserted. still feeling that could not have my quiet home broken n upon by a stylish lady. who would udlcule our way of living, and be tiled win innumerable wants and whims.
 !" Be,. after all" Roger went on in his quiet way. that was always the same. no matter D whom he was speaking. :" think Harre, must have been in a strai, to ,hink ot Us. for sae was always little apt to hold her head higher than the res, of us ba, the girl must come. and we will do our best to make her stay pleasant, hou had better answer her letter ,o-nig ght, Linda
 So the letter was written. and the invi- sauon made as cordial as possible.
 In lbou, a week she came. Roger driv- ing over ;o ;he station with the cart and horse ;e meet her and carry her luggage. l stood in the door as they drove up. try ing my best to appear delighted and hos- ptable but one look into tha, girlish face drove away all fears had entertained in regard 70 airs and graces. The curling hair was pushed back under a net. her cheeks were flushed with excitement. and the babyish lips looked almost ready to qu,vef, ;s home-sick look crept into the brown eyes raised io mine. .ook her r'gh, into my arms. could not help it-l have wondered since how ever came to do i,-and the child. for child she was in looks, lad her head on my shoulder and cried few home-sick tears. Then we went into the house. where the tea was waiting. and although she hardly touched a mouth.ul, still think before the meal was over we had grown pretty we'll ac- qulnted. and at least had determined to do all m my power to bring back the sparkle to those lovely eyes and the bloom of happiness to her cheeks
 She retired early to rest that night. l accompanied her into the great, cool west room, which she was to occupy. and seat ing herself by the window she told me all about her life that was connected with her coming to us.
 | here. she said. " and at first a rebellious feeling took possession of me, but after saw your dear, motherly face was glad l came, and mean to be contented il canno, be happy"
 We mean that you shall be happy. dear" said l, kissing her tenderly. You are tired out. and good nights rest will do wonders for you. Goodnight, now. and pleasan, dreams"
 Goodnight, aun,ie, and thank you for your kindness
 Then closed the door softly and went down to where Roger sat in the deep- ening twilight.
 Why, Roger, she is nothing more than child. don't believe she is hardly day over sixteen years old"
 Yes she is, Linda; she told me she was nearly nineteen as we came from the station"
 Roger said I, after pause.
 "Well, dear?r
 "I think she looks as our Daisy would have looked at her age if she had lived.r
 don't know, Linda, perhaps" said Roger, with deep sigh.
 For, old man and woman that we were, the memory ot our three-year-old dar-