The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1885-05-29
A RIFT In THE CLOUDS,


"Marian, dear, how is the morn
ing, fair or cloudy n inquired Ethe
Ray, turning oil the invalid couch
where she lay day as well as night
Marian swept the scant curtain
back from the narrow window Ol
their poor room.
"Dark and cloudy she replied
the cold dreariness of the new day
striking IA chill to her sensi
sitive, heavily burdened heart
A tired, hopeless look swept over
her delicate, noble face, leaving a
slight droop at the corners of hel
mouth, IL shadow in her ewes. Ethel
saw the change of expression, and
for mOment her own grew less
cheerful and bright.
"Never mind; there will be lift
in tire clOnds by aud by" SIZE said,
with renewed hope.
81 am glad you have such faith,
pet" SAID Marian, still looking out
Oh the street.
A poor beggar crept feebly along,
his rags tlutteTing in the bitter
wind, and in pity for Il lot sadder
than her own, the girl lost some OF
her discontent. She turned from the
window with a brighter expression
and put on her hat and cloak to
start out on that weary round OF
music lessons which were theil
support.
81 am sorry to leave you all day,
Ethel, but it will be late before !
can get through"
'DO not fret about me, Marian
Mrs. OMdlley will come in aud give
me my lunch and fresh glass OF
water, and | have this beautiful
lace TO mend for Miss Constantine,
aud that magazine you brought me
yesterday to read, Oh, | shall be
fully occupied until you return"
"Well, we'll, it is comforting to
have SO brave and busy little sis
ter at home. | think of it often
when | am out, and it gives me
courage" said Marian, bending
over the couch with tender, misty
eyes.
The crippled girl clasped the
slender hand careSsing her haIr,
aud drew iC down against her pale
cheek.
Gam help to you, Marian 7
Oh, that thought makes me happy !
l lie here such a helpless, useless
creature; some times / have feared
that was only burden to YOU"
"Never think that again, dear
If it were not for
yOu'-
She broke of, and STOPPING, kiss.
ed the sweet, pale face resting on
the pillow, but when she would
have moved away, Ethel held her a
moment longer.
"Marian, darling, do not lose
your faith aud hope. There will be
clear sunshine after awhile, aud all
the dark clouds will vanish"
81 will try to think So" she re-
piled with a smile-a smile that
vanished the moment sue left her
sisters presence, aud memory be-
gan to 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
to supply all they could
over need, not only of necessities,
but even of luxuries. Their guard.
an controlled and managed the
and they lived in his house,
inder the care of his good hearted
maiden sister. Ethel had always
been lame and delicate, but Marian
vent out into the world, seeing
md enjoying its beauties and plea
lures.
Walking swiftly along to give
leT irst music lesson, she drew a
harp breath of anguish, as memo
y too faithfully recalled all the |
,lory aud happiness Of a three |
mouths tour in Europe, with
'arty of friends just before down
all OF fortune. At the very outset
hey met Mark Keller, handsome,
raveled, aud to the young girl
cry king among men. He joined
be party, and singled her out as
be object Of bis affections. The
outes they travelled be had been
yer before, aud be could point out
II that was beautiful or interesting.
{ was a golden season. and the
iris heart surrendered in spite OF
TOmanlv uride aud reluctance.