Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-08-05

down unheeded. Iknew then that this child
had wept her tears of bitter agony, of pas
sionate bewailing, and now all that was left
in the poor, worn-out, timid heart, was
quiet, sad submission to whatever came.
Well, she staid with us that night and told
MS her story; common story enough, Of a
poor, weak, widowed mother working for
herself and child, then later the child work
ing for the mother, till at last disease, aided
by insufficient food and protection, did its
| fatal work and the child was left alone. How
the child struggled on till at last she fell ill
and lost her place as nurse girl where she had
been some time.
at was hard work, )" she said simply, when
her little story was told; "the children were
troublesome, and the baby so large and heavy
and thought may be could stand house
work better. But am so afraid cannot get
a place because don't look strong, but can
do great deal, really" and the brown eyes
looked into mine with mute appeal.
looked at Jane and she hooded her head
spprovingly, then said ~ believe we need
some one to help us, the work would be light,
what do you say to staying with us?''
"Stayp' cried the girl, 81 think it would be
just like heaven" Seem like heaven to live
with two quiet old maids
My eyes were dim for a moment and saw
Jane covertly wiping hers on her handker-
chief.
So it was decided that Maggie Tanning
that was her name-should stay with us, and
it was not long before we ceased thinking of
her as our hired girl, but made her as one of
the family. She had grown very dear to both
of us, and we often said to each other, "How
did we get along before Maggie Gamer"
And think the child grew tolove and cling
to us as much as though we had been of her
own kin.
"Why not take Maggie instead of baby,
JaneT' 1said one day boldly.
Sister James face glowed with satisfaction.
1--WE will, she said, then added hesitating-
ly, 81 don't believe we are young and strong
enough to try to bring up little children.
Helen.'
So it was decided between us, and when we
told Maggie what we wished and asked her
consent to the plan; it was perfect picture
to see her. She turned white, then red, then
white again, and her little hands shook like a
leaf. Then she just threw her arms around
James neck and kissed her and turning to
me, fell into my armes sobbing for very joy.
So Maggie became our own little GIRL 'lit-
tle," we called her, but she was really seven
teen and as tall as either Jane or myself, but
someway she had such child-like loving way
with her that she seemed like child to us.
1t was about this time that Jack graduated
from the law school and came home to stay,
for he decided to begin practicing right there
in l., and of course he made his home
with us.
saw at once that Jack was pleased with
Maggie, and that she, in her sly, timid way,
liked him, did not doubt, but 1 never
thought of possible love between them until
but must 60 back little.
Inever saw anyone happier than our little
| girl appeared to be that summer. She seemed
to be fairly overfowing with JOY, her merry
laugh rang through the house clear and sweet
|
pretty that she hardly looked like the pale
white-faced little creature that she was when
she first came to us.
Jack was always quiet boy, not given to
speak his thoughts lightly and easily, andhe
was quiet man. There was something so
sure about Jack, you always knew just where
to find him, and he was true as steel. He was
always kind and friendly with Maggie, and
often saw his eyes following her as she moved
about the room, or resting on her sweet face
as she sat quietly sewing, but he treated her
more as one would child than as woman,
and Maggie seemed to resent it.
One night 1 sat in the parlor, Jane had
gone to bed and Jack and Maggie were out
on the porch in the moonlight She sat in a
low chair and Jack occupied the porch step
near.
They had been talking busily and now and
then heard Maggie's sweet laugh ring out
like happy child's, and smiled to think how
happy the children were together.
Maggie's hands lay in her lap, two little
white things against her dark dress, and I saw
Jack lean over and take one in his strong,
fine hand; "what little hand, Maggie" 1
heard him say, II could crush it if had a
mind"
She snatched her hand away and sprang
away from him, and came into the house.
Her face was white and her lips trembled.
She passed on to her room and soon follow
ed, for feared she was not we'll.
"What was it, dear child?" asked, "you
looked so strange when you came in. Were
you sick or did Jack displease your"
A great rosy wave crept up into her face
and her head dropped.
"He treats me like child she said, and I,
and I,'-she broke down here and began Sob
bing like child. took her in my arms and
soothed her, and smiled little as thought
how like child she was.
By and by she grew calm and raised her
head like flower after shower.
SIT was very foolish of me" she said, 'and
and you will not say anything to him?"
"No," answered, "of course not. Now go
to bed. dear, and bring back the roses to
those white cheeks" f,
She kissed me tenderly and when / crept
into her room an hour later, she lay fast
asleep looking as fresh and sweet as little
innocent babe, but there were tears on the
soft round cheeks. ......-,,.........