Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-12-25
THE STRANGER WITHIN
THY GATES.
[Annah Robinson Watson.l


we must do our duty with willing heart
- fear it was an evil hour, Joseph, that
led you to make the promise. What will the
small addition to our income be in compari-
son with having strange girl always about,
STAYING III our lest room, turning the house
upside down, making free with the parlor
that L take such pride in and forever juggling
on our mothers piano"
." You would not have me break my word,
Hannah; and having given my word you
would not have me do my duty grudgingly
or with stintl We have not seen the young
person. She ny be very proper and pleas
ant body; Ju re her not yet. l may trust
you Hannah: and the mild, earnest eyes
sought hers ". / gentle yet determined
questioning.
Hannah knew that look; the brother and
sister, older by 10 years, did not always agree,
and when that look came into his face she
was the one to yield.
''Of course, l will do my duty, Joseph.
Never since l came to take dear mothers
place and gave up my free, independent life
to care for you have 1 willingly shirked
duty, but harm will come of the stranger,
Joseph, mark my word-harm will come Of
her-but it's not Hannah is to say WHO shall
come OF who is to go in this house."
4HdAh JOu, Iduudll; W De uOHeSU, l du1
sorry gave the promise, but it cannot be
taken back, aud we will make the best of it
together; L will go and fetch her."
He passed out through the broad piazza
down the rose-bordered walk, where on
either side glowing autumn roses cast their
fragrant blood-red petals across the path;
then hurrying little up the quiet village
street, through the buster portion of the
town, quite to the other. end, he reached the
depot. Only few moments were spent in
pacing the platform and thinking -"they said
young lady, but then she may be CT the
kind Hannah likes. She may not be SO
very different from ourselves for all Han
nahs misgivingS about a city bred, city fed
maiden"
With sigh of ill-concealed perturbation
he heard the shrill whistle, saw the steaming
engine rush by and a few persons alight from
the passenger coach. Before he had found
space TO assert or note them a dainty little
figure N dark travelling suit, hat and veil,
approached with the most graceful uncon-
scious manner, saying: Mr.. Wexford, think
Miss Chatterton," extending a hand as
though they were or We're to be, the best of
friends
He was not prepared for this, but with a
great seEse of relief, a consciousness of some
thing being lifted of responsibility or anx-
iety, said almost as easily as herself, Il am
happy to see you well-ah! may l get Your
baggage"
my trunk is just thrown off; this little
sachel is the only other piece"
Then we will take the omnibus"
During the ride the young stranger chatted
gaily, never giving him time to feel-as was
his won't with young people of his acquaint-
ance-the burden of conversation, nor a
moment to wonder what Hannah would
think of her.
''Oh, the beautiful roses" she exclaimed,
as they passed up the walk 81 have ALWAYS
loved the September roses"
The stiff figure waiting in the doorway
was gazing upon her critically and with a
look of surprise, which deepened into dissatis-
faction. ''Much she looks like a teacher.
Why did they give the school to such chit
of child!' This the spinster was thinking
when her brother the Rev. Joseph Well
ford, said little uneasily: ''My sister. Miss
Chatterton. hope you will be good friends u
The girl extended her hand frankly, saying
eagerly: ''Thank you ever SO much for tax
ing me, Miss Wexford; what lovely, home
like place Pm sure to be happy herer
Mr.. Wexford moved little restlessly, re-
plying, as Hannah was silent: 81 earnestly
hope So"
Into the iavender-scented "best roomn Of
the cottage the girl followed her stiff, angular
guide. what a pretty place you have
given me; everything is so fresh and lovely"
she exclaimed with enthusiasm.
at is our best room,n answered the hostess
in a tone suited to her generally stiff de-
meanor.
''Then must try to be worthy Of it and
not shock the good old walls by my fr;vol-
ity."
The tea bell viii ring at g. there comes
your trunk" There was no frivolity about
Miss Hannah no superfiuities of any descrip-
tlon-not IN speech, not in dress. She walked
away with q pursed-up mouth, and went di-
rect to the kitchen, avoiding her brother.
whom she heard walking restlessly on the
broad front gallery.
half hour later the tea bell rang and into
the supper room fluttered beside Miss Han
nah such bright little figure that Joseph
Wexford found himself gazing again and
again furtively from under his long Iashes to
the side of the table where she sat. The darl,
travelling suit had been laid aside, and about
her floated the daintiest drapery of blush
muslin, which, though Of very inexpensive
material, seemed to these unsophisticated
folk some rare and costly fabric.
''Do you know" she said, 81 feel peculiarly
grateful to you for allowing me to live here -
Miss Hannah lifted her heavy brows lit
tie, but did not answer before she continued.
Yes, so glad that did not chance to stray
into very gay home, because, as am to be
teacher, must try to be grave and digni-
fed. This will not be very easy; have never
tried it before, and perhaps you two will aid
me. 1t would be better, would it nota" turn
ing the clear gray eyes with their dilating
pupils upon Miss Hannah ct would be
much better" she answered with directness
Il have been very gay" she added, apollo
getically, perhaps too gay, and when our
reverses came it seemed strange that could
have been so thoughtless- 1t was very hard
to leave home and all the dear ones, but in
the city all branches Of work are crowded by
those who have been in the line of promotion
for years, so l was most thankful to secure
the place. And now I will try to be so
earnest and faithful TO the duties, if only 1
can"
mere was no answering sympathy in Hiss
Hannah's face, and she turned to the silent
host: You viii help me,n she asked: 81
have no fear of my ability from an edrca-
honal point of view with little toss of the
pretty head, ''but-but-I am so inexperi-
II l..