The Irish standard., 1886-07-24
''My uncle"

30, thought you We're speaking Of
your own griefs.''
"No; never had anything to grieve
for but hinl-he is all the world, though,
to me: for indeed, I think, Kate, he
loves me more than his life.''
Don't wonder much at that, Mary .
"To sec him falling, step by step,
from the proud position lie once occ'l-
pied among the best and noblest Of the
land; to see his friends-alas! they were
sorry misunderstanding him day after
day; to see his creditors, who were wont
to come to him bowing in lowly rever-
ence, now insolently rebuking him for
his reckless extravaganza to see his
stables empty, his hounds all dead and
gone, his servants forsaking him one by
one; and to see himself smiling and
happy-looking as q bridegroom in the
midst Of all that desolation,-O. Kate,
it was that which almost broke my
heart
"On rhe contrary, Mary. 1 think it
should have consoled you to see him
bear his misfortunes SO bravely.''
''Ah, yes; but it's all deception--an
outward show. He only affects to be
happy on my account
You may be mistaken, Mary; it's his
natural disposition, perhaps
80, no. replied the gentle girl: II
can tell his very thoughts, though he
fancies them hidden from all the world
Often have [ watched his countenance
as he read over those insulting letters
OF his creditors, and seen how he
struggled to hide his Indignation under
a smile. And now, Kate, they have
found us out at last"
"What---discoyered your retreat?''
Yes; and Threatened Mr.. Lee with
arrest, il their demands are are not inn
mediate]y satisfied. One man has bought
up several Of his bonds. and demands
payment before the first Of next month .
| 'And what's to be done? Can my
brother do anything to avert the blow?
Shall speak to him on the subject?'
''Not for the world, Kate
"And why SO? you know he loves
your uncle.
| Eyes, but for that very reason he
would be the last man OF whom he
should ask favor"
| ssTo whom, then, will you apply for
help?"
II have applied already. Kate, to a
dear fsiend.'
stYou have?"
"Yes; to one who never refused me in
my need"
"Ah! I understand you. Indeed! And
you expect succor from her. But why
not apply to the Redeemer himself-the
fountain of all goodness?"
Because, dear Kate, I fear I'm not
worthy to approach him; and I know,
besides, he will hear the prayer of the
Mother who bore him sooner than
1nine.''
"Then you apply to her merely as an
intercessor? Why, I always thought
you expected aid directly from herself, y
ssKate, Kate, how often have I told
you the contrary!''
eyes; but have heard it preached
about SO often in yonr pulpits' %
t'Hush some one knocks. Come in. -
The door opened, and Else Curiey.
wrapped III her old gray cloak, entered
the ROOM
Without utte1ing word Of recogni-
tion or apology, she advanced to che
bed, and laid her withered hands on the
temples of the patient. Then, having
satisfied herself as to the progress OF the
disease, she turned slowly round, and
throwing back her hood, addressed Miss
Petersham in her usual hoarse, hollow
tones:
young woman, why are you here?"
she demanded.
'sThat's my own affair, y replied Kate.
s:By what right do you ask?''
''The right which the age and expert
ence of eighty years give me-. / have
seen many a fayer, girl, IN my time, but
niver yet so dangerous a faver as this,
Away from the room-it's no place for
idle visitors. y
''And pray, old woman, what reason
have you to feel SO much concern for my
safetyH'
''The raison's too ould." replied Elise,
$50 spake of now. Yer grandfather, ii
he lived, cud hardly reminder it. But
here" she continued, drawing piece Of
folded paper from her bosom, read
this, and Judge for yourself, if it's at
Araheera Head ye ought to be.''
Kate took the paper from her hand.
and accompanied Mary to the parlor.
"Ha!' said Else, now that she found
herself with the sick boy; eff he hasn't
lost his senses, I'll try what can be done