The Indiana State sentinel., 1885-03-25
A RIET IN TIE CLOUDS.

Marian, dear, how is the morning-fair
or cloudy 81 inquired Ethel Ray, turning on
the invalid couch, where she lay day as well
as night.
Marian swept the scant curtain from the
narrow window Of their poor room.
Dark and cloudy" shs replied, the cold
dreariness Of the new day striking chill to
her sensitive, heavily .buTdened heart. A
tired, hopeless look swept over her delicate,
noble face, leaving a slight droop at the COR
ners Of her mouth, shadow in her eyes.
Ethel saw the change OF expression, and for
= moment her own grew less cheerful and
bright.
''Never mind; there will be a rift in the
clouds By and by" she said, with renewed
hope.
II am glad you have such faith, pet"
said Marian, still looking out on the street.
A poor beggsr cTept ieebly along, his rags
huttered in the bitter wind, and in pity for
q lot sadder than her own the girl lost some
of her discontent She turzed from the
window with brighter expression and put
on her hat and cloak to start out on that
weary round Of music Lessons which wer
their support.
II am sorry to leave you al day, Ethel,
but it will be late before I ca get through"
do not fret about me, Marian. Mrs.
O'Malley viii come in and give me my lunch
and fresh glass OF water. and have this
beautiful lace 10 mend for Miss Constantine,
and that magazine you brought me yester-
day to read. On, shall be fully occupied
until you return"
We'll, well, it is comforting to have so
brave and busy a little sister at home. 1
think of il often when l an out, ana il gives
me courage" said Marian, bending over the
couch with tender, misty eyes.
The crippled girl elasped the slender hand
caressing her hair and drew it down against
her pale cheek.
"Am / help TO you. Marian? Oh, that
thought makes me happy! l lie here such
helpless, useless creature; sometimes l have
feared that l was only burden to you"
''Never think that again, dear one-never.
II 1t were not for you"
She broke of, aud stopping, kissed the
sweet, pale face resting on the pillow, but
when she would have moved away, Ethel
neld her a moment longer.
marian, darling, do not lose your faith
and hope. There will be clear sunshine
after while, and sll the dark clouds will
vanish"
'T will trY to think So" she replied with
3 smile-a emile that vanished the moment
shs left her SISTERS presence, and memory
beganto bring up one by one the events of
the two years just passed.
The girls had been left orphans at an early
age. but with property sufficient to supply
all they could ever need, not only OF necessi-
ties but even Injuries. Their guardian con-
trolled and managed the money, and they
lived in his house under the care Of his good
hearted maiden sister. Ethel had always
been lame and delicate, bat Marian went out
into the world, seeing and enjoying its beau
ties and pleasures.
Walking swiftly along 10 give her first
MUSIC Lesson, she drew sharp breath OF
anguish, as memory too faithfully re-
called all the glory and hap2i-
ness OF a three months tour in
the downfall Of fortune. At the very outset
they met Mark Keller, handsome, Travelled,
and 20 the young girl very king among
men. He ioined the party, and singled her
out as the object Of bis attentions. The
routes they travelled he had been over be-
fore, and he could point out all that was
beautiful CT interesting. IL was golden
season, and the girls hsart surrendered in
spite Of womanly pride and reluctance. But
abe had DO cause to feel shame or ID believe
her love unsoUght for. One mellow moon
lit night in an old Italian garden he
stretched out his hand to her with sudden,
passionate words Of love. and 50 eloquently
did lie plead for the sweet gift OF all her fu-
fure life, she eo1ld not withhold the promise
to be his wife.
'FYcu shall never regret il. You shall be
happy" he cried, with lovers confidence.
al sm happy row." sac whispered, flushed
and sby, but radiant
They wandered long among the flowers,
feeling that heaven lay about them; but the
next morning the girl received bad news
from home. She only made clearly that her
TreseDce vasneeded, and with only one re.
gretful sigh for ths bright dreams she had