The true northerner., 1885-01-29
UnDECEIVED.

tatlBue CAUSED Dy laDOf nor the naru-
ship and suffering entailed by poverty !;
and one would be quite sure, to see her
ss she sat listlessly before the piano in
her rich and tastefully furnished apart
ments, that the thoughts of woe and
misery never found even a transient
place In her breast But although
young and beautiful, and possessed of
every luxury which money could pur-
chase, or a refined taste could contrib
ute, she imposed upon herself the duty
of helping bear the burdens of her sex
who were less fortunate than she, by
providing each day for the wants Of
some unhappy creature. For this pur-
pose her trusty servant Peter was sent
out every evening to investigate the
condition of such as were receiving her
assistance. or to discover new objects
for her generosity. At the time she is
brought to our notice, her attitude
indicates that she has been indulging
in one of those harmless reveries called
"day dreams" Her thoughts seem to
wander far away from her surround
ings, and even the crumpled letter
which she holds in her hand has appar-
emily ceased to excite her emotion. The
reader may, however, glance at this let
ter. 1t was written in q plain, school
grill hand. and ran thus:
MY KIND FRIEND: The trouble you have
already taken in my behalf causes me 10
hesitate before acquainting you with what
has produced my greatest anxiety; but as
you requested me to notify you i'll case any
thing occurred, AMI rs you are my only
friend in whom i can confdc, feel it my
duty 10 comply. The man who has 50 greatly
wronged me, and at whose door l lay all my
misery aud degradation. passed the house,
whore l am living this morning He has
certainly discovered my whereabouts, for be
looked very hard at the windows and will, 1
fear, uso every means TO Illustrate my inten-
tions. Had he never treated me cruelty,
aud then left me TO die alone, could still
endure him; for, notwithstanding all the dis
tress he has caused, tho vision of happy mo-
ments still haunts the vacant chambers of
any heart. What his object may be in seek
ing me out cannot say. He may fear will
discover his true NAM, for L am sure he
made use or fictitious one and disclose his
base conduct, but this will never do.
IL could only SO away from here, think
would be happy, but am so weak that
can scarcely move.
What shall 1 do? Cannot you, my good
friend, advise me? am entirely alone.
Your humble friend, MARY.
Miss Powers had read this letter an
hour Or so previous to our introduction
all interest in its contents.
Presently O servant entered bearing
O card which he handed to his mistress.
@Ah, Mr.. Waltser," she muttered half
aloud; "show him in, William" A
moment later Mr.. Waltser was ushered
into the room. His appearance was
that of man about six and twenty,
not over handsome, but with face
filed with intelligence and tall, we'll
proportional Frame As his eyes met
those OF Miss Powers his countenance
plainly told the admiration with which
he regarded her. All his inmost soul
seemed expressed in that one look. Il
have brought you," he said, after mo-
ments panse. "some money your father
requested me to hand you. He also
wished me to ask, now that Peter is i'll,
If could be of any assistance by ac-
.companying you on your visit to that
poor girl of whom you spoke to him
this morning?"
How thoughtful papa is" interrupt
ed the girl; "and am sure it is very
Kind OF you, Mr.. Waltser, to consent to
render me such a service. 1 am quite
certain you did not understand this was
to be part of your duty when you en-
tered the banking house of Powers,
Far1ow & Co."
The young man was about to make
some remark expressing his willingness
to undertake the mission with so agree
able companion, when he was inter-
rupted by the entrance of q servant
bearing the card of Mr. Nathan Far
low, Mr.. Powers partner in business,
~fA
claimed that gentleman moment later.
Il am indeed happy to see You
docking so much better than
you were yesterday. All! good after
noon. Mr.. Waltser." for the first time
,glancing in the direction of his en-
ploye, you have left the Office rather
early this afternoon"
~It was to deliver message from Mr..
Powers" expl ined the clerk.
"Yes," added Miss Powers, ~Mr
Waltser has come TO offer me his serv-
ices by accompanying me on visit of
mercy this afternoon"
~Ahl" and Nathan Farlow's face lost
its pleasant expression. Il should like
TO offer my assistance if could hope TO
gain that confidence which Mr.. Waltser
.~eems to have inspired
"Wby, Nathan !" exclaimed Miss Pow
-ers, 81 always imagined you would much
rather be at your club than wadinp
through filthy streets and tenements in
search of worthy destitutes. But if you
would really Ike to accompany me,
should be so happy to have you go to
night" and her face lighted up with
real pleasure as she spoke.
"What is the especial object of your
visit, and at what hour do you inteno
going?' inquired Farlow.
@Oh, there Is no fixed t'me," respond
ed Miss Powers; Il usually send Peter
cut shortly before dark. IL is the time
most people who deserve assistance ar'
TO he found at shat they call theil
homes"