The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-08-02
FLAGS resumed her tale.


"Then he couldn't call to mind the rest
of it-how he were called wunst. 1t were
long time coming, but it came at last.
James-James Holt, was how he said it. "
The lady unclasped her hands and stood
up. "Ah," she said, with long-drawn
breath, inclining her head toward the man
tleboard
The needlewoman could not now see the
lovely face. So Miss Ruthven stood for
the space of few seconds. When she
turned to go, her face was very pale. Her
eyes had the strangest look of pain.
81 can do nothing more here to-day,
she said in weary voice. II am going
home now, but will soon come again. l
will try, Flags, to be-your friend-if you
will let me-in the place of those who are
gone. Together, perhaps, we might do
little-to help those who suffer, or are
wicked especially those who have been
good and innocent-onee. All, don't turn
from me
at won't never be the same, said Flags
with angry resistance towards the sweet
pleading. you're lady, and there amt
nought can do for you, nought as 'ull,
better and help you" Then the wretched
Flags laid her unkept head once more upon
the rickety table, recipient of so many sor-
rowful condolences, sobbing out her heart
with bitter signs.
"Oh, Daddy, Daddy, old man, whatever
shall do all along of myself"
Miss Ruthven came nearer, and touched
her on the shoulder. Then Flags burst
out once more with fierce vehemence. at
were your folks as treated the old chap so
bad, as set him forward in his wicked ways.
Did you know of it afore? Was it to pry
out of his doings as they sent you here p
The lady drew back, lifting look full
of agitation.
''How do you know this?" she said, in
breathless amazement. 30, no; it can't
be true. My mother, indeed, had cousin
many years ago, called James Holt, have
heard of him, but he was wicked and died
before | can remember"
Flags watched the quivering lips and
softly falling tears without apparent pity.
1t was meet that the sin of the mother
should wound the heart of the child.
''Ah, it's fine for them as druv him to
drink to talk of his badness! How did [
know? Why, l heerd the tale from his
own lips, when he were talkin wild. Now,
you just go home and tell them charerta-
BILE folks O yourn the rights of the case,
and say James Holt he's been Twin in
hiding next door to starvation for ive-and
twenty years Linnet Lane is mighty
easy place to lose yerself in, 1 can tell yer. y
Flags shifted a while without speaking,
taking up her task of needlework with de-
signed disregard of her visitor.
"Good-bye," said Miss Ruthven, low
ering her veil as she passed toward the
door. There was solemnity in her tone
which might mean final farewell. Flags
looked up, but he words choked her. The
door was slowly Unattached. The lady
looked back. Flags stretched out one
hand, and the visitor came back at the
signal.
aSay as yerll come agen, as yer don't
mind my words. The world it's all topsy
turvy, and | don't understand the rights
of things. You wasn't to blame for Dad
dy's wickedness and-and he called Lilly
at the last, and smiled as pretty and happy
as baby. o Lord, o Lord, o, my pretty
lady, don't you 60 and be unforgivin' to
me. I'll do all can to help in the Lane.
My poor old man he died happy along of
you.
And so at this day paralyzed needle
woman and a beautiful young lady work
hand-in-hand in the task of redemption in
riverside slum The downtrodden and
neglected sinners are made known to IA
visiting sister in way that seems miracu-
lous, and few there are that reject the offer
of that gentle hand to help. The saving
presence of "Our Lily" in the vicinity of
Linnet Lane makes itself felt. Out of the
ashes of Daddy's ruined life rises the beau
tiful angel of love and pity, carrying heal
ing on its wings.