Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-12-07

very soon the car W0lSIle DleW, anu
the train paused long enough to land
passenger, who made his way struggling
under an umbrella to our gate. His fran
tic efforts at holding the umbrella and
his hat at the same time were so ludi-
crous that a fit Of laughing was irrepres-
sfble. Even when Mr.. Williams was
ushered in by the servant, met him I'M
the hall with eyes brim full Of merri-
ment.
..Ahy' calculated he. in a true French
pantOmlme. ''Ihat smile of your was
hardly earned; but it pays me-ah! it
pays me for that battle with the ele-
ments."
'.she's fresh as daisy" cried out
father, who followed close after me.
pray forgive her for not trimming her
sails after the fashion of stiff ladies'.
When she laughs it reminds me of the
BOb-o'-link's YOice-a sort Of burst-out
song.'
What was coming to pass? Father
was growing pOetical. While 1 was red
GenIng at this compliment, Mr.. Williams
said to father:
May 1 call her Daisy, then?7
''Humph! Well enough. Shes nothing
but child. and it suits her very well.'
'ChildY' repeated /, Il was sixteen
years old yesterday
Ny dignity seemed to amuse father still
more, who laughed immOderately.
When Mr.. Williams was Invested of
waterproof cloak, we there sat down. and
father asked after Harry.
Il came with him this far on the train,
and started him safely on towards his des-
tinatiOn. We parted fast friends"
"Glad he has found one steady ship
mate.'
Father was serious enough now.
suppose you let me assist in preparing
him for college, proposed Mr.. Williams.
81 have had some experience in teaching,
having only lately given it up on account
OF mothers Illness"
Father was only too happy to accept
this offer, and it was arranged that Har-
~ should spend part of each day at
Strassmere. How light my heart was
growing. The day continued SO stormy
that our guest remained several hours.
After luncheon l left the gentlemen and
wandered off. and soon became absorbed
in my pet ''BOb," who appeared close to
the low window Of the parlOr, from which
dropped him crumbs. Now and then he
hoped upon a rOsebush and sang me lit
tie twittering notes, and then returned to
his dinner.
s'Ah. Robbie" said I, half aloud, ''yOu
were a dear bird to sing me lullaby
night before last. l want a glad carol to-
day. Eat your cake crumbs, and away,
away to that tree where your throat will
I'LL full. Quick. for the clouds are break
ing"
Robbie had learned his mistress will,
and no gladder song ever filed a birds
throat than did his when be reached his
perch upon the bOughs of the myrtle tree
close to nay room above. l was sitting on
the low windOW-sill with happy hands ly-
ing idle, while the song I heard seemed
but the echo Of my hearts music. / did
not hear Mr.. williams coming. but felt
that he was near, and did not start when
ne said:
- glad carol, indeed! Docs it suit
y0u:7
.'Ycs-yes,'' nodded; q am 50 happy
today"
"Piease tell me why"
Because 1 answered, frankly, 81
have found a kind friend who is able and
willing to help me out of the great sOr-
row."
'.You have been lonely then?' he said,
slowly, after a long pause.
There was such a peculiar emphasis
upon his words, that l looked up earnest
" into his face to see if / could define the
drift OF his thoughts. He was looking
out at Rob, but something told me he had
not spoken all the meaning in his serious
eyes. There was a friend who seemed far
away from NE, who perhaps was very
close to him. He looked as if there was a
! heavenly friend near, and it might have
been that was why 1 felt so sure that he
could help me.
You will not let me be so lonely again,
viii ycu?' pleaded.
Il may not prove TO be infalIible," he
replied, smiling and looking at me at
/ last.
"Ah! but teach me to lean upon the
rock that uphOlds YOU. Then if you
should fail me, 1 Will never more sink
where l have once beeni'
/ could rot help shuddering.
''NOw," he cried, you have lost the
happy face loved to see."
Il lost il because you tried to keep me
from thinking it was your work.
sob, Daisyl" he exclaimed in a low
voice, show rarely sweet Is your flat
tery!"
Ibecame indignant, and turned away
with flushed cheek.
"HOw can you accuse me in that way ~
asked; but father came up and I never
received a reply.
He babe US goodbye, and went back
to my seat upon the windOW-sill to think
about what he had said. can look back
and easily see how l must have been rare
ly ingenious to him. 1 gave to him all
unccnsciously the simplest of offerings.
vet one that has wOndrous pOwer-the
power of sOftening and melting stubborn,
proud hearts when all else fails. l did
not know it then, but found out long af-
forwards how men of lofty intellect and
cold, proud hearts, who are apparently
scornful of emotional weakness, can be
touched by tribute to their power, even
if it come from a child. / was innocent
in praising his power. yet it pleased him,
and was happy.
In the same way that Robbie gave sweet
songs to me, told my new-fOund friend
OF the gladness that had come into nv
life through him. Well might be call me
Daisy. 1t came about that /, too, became
a pupil of Mr.. Williams, and accompanied
Harry to Strassmere daily. Father gave
up his intention Of sending me back to
the institution where had already passed
a year, for he soon discovered that my Op-
pOrtunities of being thoroughly instruct
ed would be greatly improved by being
under the care of Harry's tutor. Mr..
Williams was unwilling to take other pu-
pils-said he had given up all such labOrs
when he left louisiana. l wondered why
he was willing to teach US. and, being
truly grateful, determined to be a great
student.
Several months thus passed rapidly by.
The days were all too short for me. RO-
seate clouds hung over my sky. even
when darkness was spread over the na-
tUraI heavens. Such jOyOusness as can
not be described was in my heart then. l
could not tell why it was or
whence it came. but was happy
as bird. The rides that Hal
and took in going to and returning from
Strassmere were of every variety, and
formed no incOnsiderable part of our
daily pleasure. Our preceptOr was often
of our party. Sometimes, when the air
was balmy, he would place his mother in
some gentle-gOing vehicle, and her sweet,
sunshiny face gladdened our eyes as we
rode along. Filial devotion from a son 1
have never seen comparable to his! 1t
was beautiful to witness. His mothers
comfort and well-being came first with
him in all things. More than once, after
Hal and l had come all the way from our
home, we were told that he could not pos
sibly leave his mothers side, and our
studies were given up for the time. How
we learned to respect and honor her to
whom so much honor was given! We
had not long been pupils of his before we
persuaded him to allow US to give him the
title of Professor, which it seems he had
only laid aside in coming to our neighbOr-
hood. l felt much more at my ease in be-
slowing upon him what he certainly fair
~ deserved as master of literature. He
was so learned that it made my young
brain ache to think of what he knew, yet
he was withal so genial and approachable,
l never felt that ne placed me at dis
lance. 1t was IN an odd way that we
came to call him Professor. / had just
- I L. l.