Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1884-06-27

steps to the door of their nelghbor's tent
next morning. Mr.. Castleman was much
improved, and expressed his appreciation
of the call.
A very friendly feeling was established
between the invalids after this, and Mel
lie or her mother visited the tent at least
once a day during the old gentleman's
convalescence. He softened visibly be-
meath the unaccustomed influence, and
even asked Nellie to bring her guitar and
sing for HIM.
When Mr.. Castleman grew stronger he
came every day to the Loomis' tent. He OBJ
served Nellie's uniform cheerfulness, her
industry, her economies, and he was
never wearied of watching her swift.
bird like movements.
''No porridge for your mother9" he
asked one night when ht had remained
for tea. "Why, how is hat, little girl2"
81 am sorry have ne for either her
or you, but-we have nGs3ing to prepare
il in. y
''Bless my life! No saucepanl Why
did you not speak of it long ago?
The next morning a new saucepan was
set inside the tent door.
1t was addressed to Nellie, and, re-
moving the cover, she found within
thick paper marked: Medicine for your
mother"
ooh, mamma, do open it quick; curl
osity has taken complete possession of
me-"
"Why Nellie" said her mother in
choked voice, ''it is a deed to our old
home, given in Mr. Castleman's name.
What does it mean, my child2"
"Ah! know, l know, ;" she cried, be-
side herself with happiness "and, oh! I
am so glad"
She could scarcely make explanation
to her mother for the exuberance of her
joy.
Her face was radiant when she re-
turned from her visit of thanks to Mr.
Castleman.
"He was'so kind, mamma; and when I
kissed him he kissed me back again.
The days that followed were golden
ones to Nellie. 1t seemed that the sun
had never sent down such soft, life
giving rays before, and it was a wonder
full moon that flooded the valley with its
radiance through the long summer nights.
Her GOODNESS toward Frank Castleman
diminished in marked degree as the days
sped on, but there was an intangible
barrier between them yet.
The two invalids grew stronger every
day, and now that Mr.. Castleman's horses
and carriage had arrived, they, with Frank
and Nellie, took long trips to Glen Eyrie,
Cheyenne Canon, Monument park and
other points of interest.
One day Nellie was sent on "a pressing
errand to Colorado Springs, and Frank
accompanied her as usual as driver. AS
they returned across the mesa (tableland)
the sun was throwing its last, slanting
beams on the Garden of the Gods, which
lay in beauty beneath them.
81 always supposed" said Frank,
laughing, 'that tulips two lips lady
fingers, heartsease, and all such flowers
boomed in the Garden of the Gods, did
not you? Hope I shall yet find them,
Pm sure"
81 doubt if you will, replied Nellie,
bright red staining the ivory of her
cheeks.
Whereupon ensued conversation of
such absorbing interest that full hour
had elapsed ere they reached the "Bal-
ancing Rock"
81 shall never forget" said Nellie, ir-
relevantly, ''that it was here we found
that dear little saucepan"
"And shall never forget, said Frank,
radiantly, "that it was in the Garden of
the Gods found my dear little sauce
pan, too"
"And the tulips, the lady-fngers, the
heartsease as well" /" he slyly whispered.
"Blessed little saucepans both," he
added. "Uncle and l may well thank
the fate that brought them into our
lives. -Chicd00 Current.