The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-06-28

"You avoid us, Miss LOomis,n said
Frank on the very next morning, as the
two CHANGED to meet at Ruxton Creek.
"You never give us nod and smile
as YOU pass. Has anything my uncle
may have said in regard to that wretch
ed little saucepan aught TO do with the
matter?"
"By no means" was the frigid re-
ply. "That was too slight an affair to
be worthy of remembrance"
"Please explain, then,' an honest
trouble in his dark eyes. "Have done
ANYTHING to offendp"
''No, it is nothing. Why vex your
self about trihe? You have many
friends in the village, doubtless, who
are congenial, andwho enjoy your COM
partnership"
'As you do not, am led to infer"
he replied. bitterly, as he left"
81 intend to enjoy myself" thought
Nellie, defiantly, a few nights later,
notwithstanding the proximity of
those two gentlemen.
Mamma, it is lovely out here in the
moonlight. Old Cog and Magog are
staring down stonily at me, and the
pine trees on the slope look like darkey
ghosts. What Shall ] sing for youP'
tuning her guitar. I" Oft in the Silly
Night would be appropriate.
Twas a very sweet, tender voice that
lifted forth the old song. Then fol-
lowed: 1.-The Last Link is Broken"
"Why do 1 Love Thee" and others,
until the night was filed with music.
sob, Nellie" said her mother, as she
entered the tent, 81 forgot to tell you
that Mr.. Castleman, Sr.. called this
afternoon while YOU were at the spring.
He made quite visit, admired our
bright porch, and asked me to call
when he left"
perhaps he is sorry he spoke so I'M
kindly when j was there said Nellie,
with q sudden sense of compassion for
the sick, lonely man.
But soon all thoughts of Mr.. Castle
man, Sr.. and his tantalizing nephew
were merged into that beautiful sleep
which comes only to the just, and to
campers in Colorado.
"Nliss LOOMS! Miss Loomis!" she
heard an anxious voice call through the
mist of her dreams, and she gave a
startled answer.
my uncle is very i'll. the voice con-
tinued. ''Will it be possible for you
to come and stay with him while L 90
for the doctor? Our man has gone to
Denver for the horses"
al will come Immediately. Go right
on to Manitou."
Mamma, ring this bell if you need
me" she said on starting.
Mr.. Castleman's condition brought
her ability as nurse into immediate re-
QUESTION.
She built fire in the camp stove,
but, finding no vessel in which to boil
water, bethought herself suddenly Of the
returned saucepan. GLOW glad am 1
brought it back, she thought grateful
ly, 'for there is MT one moment to
| lose"
By the time the physician had arrived,
and constant applications of hot water
to the patient, and the immersion of his
feet in it, had very much improved his
condition.
The doctor commended in highest
terms the course pursued by the
trembling little nurse, and said that her
speedy action had saved the patient
life.
|
man, ST., and one of intense admiration
from Mr.. Castlsman, Jr., fell upon hel
flushed face and shining, disheveled
hair at this statement.
at was the saucepan" she cried
impulsively. 81 could not have heated
the water but for it,"
Nellie guided her mothers feeble
footsteps to the door of their neighbor'
tent next morning. Mr. Castleman was
much improved, and expressed his ap
probation of the call.
A very friendly feeling was established
between the invalids after this, and
Nellie or her mother visited the tent a
least once a day during the old gentle
mans convalescence.
He softened visibly beneath the un
accustomed influence, and even asked
Nellie to bring her guitar and sing TO
him.
Specimens of her cookery often founC
their way to his bedside, and she reaC
to him almost daily.
Matters did not progress so favorabl,
between the young people, however.
Day after day, at the spring, Nellie
saw Frank Castleman apparently alb
sorbed in the society OF a naughty
dark-eyed girl from the village.
The vision of this proud beaut,
reigning as queen, at some future day
in her beloved home, while she, he
mother and brother, drained out bar
rem existence elsewhere, gave her ever,
action toward the young man tinge o
GOODNESS.
When Mr.. Castleman grew stronge
he came every day to the Loomis' tent
He observed Nellie's uniform cheerful
ness, her industry, her economies, ant
he was never wearied of watching he
swift, bird-like movements.
mo porridge for your mother?" h
asked one night when he had RENAME,
for tea ''Why, how is that, littl
grip"