The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-08-14

thing but praise.
Cora remained up stairs for an hour,
indulging her fit of ill humor, and came
down into the kitchen again just as a
woman with a bundle on her arm enter
ed at the little garden gate.
There's Mrs. Conrad now" said Jane.
81 told Andy there was chance she'd
bring the dress, and he'd better not go,
but he was so anxious to please you that
he started off anyhow"
Perhaps Mre. Conrad met him." said
Cora, going to the door to speak to the
woman.
But Mrs. Conrad had not seen Andy.
She had come by the river road. which
was not much travelled.
You might have known I'd bring the
dress since I'd promised it," she said. 81
was always one to keep my word. It's
too'bad for the boy to have such walk |!
L came over in Farmer Doyle's wagon, so
l didn't mind the heat; but it was power
full dusty
out the new muslin dress. 1t was pref
tily made and trimmed, and Cora was
delighted with it, But she did not say
much, for her conscience was troubling
her little about Andy. She wished she
had not asked him to do her that favor.
She wished it still more when he came
IN little after six o'clock, warm and tir-
ed, and in profuse perspiration. He had
to sit down TO supper at once, however,
for his duties as night Waterman in Mr.
Grigsbys factory began at seven o'clock.
II am the most unlucky fellowp' he
said, as he took his seat at the table. 81
hoped lift part of the way to Densboro,
anyhow; but not wagon passed me,
either going or coming; and il I'd only
taken the other road I'd have met Mrs.
Oonrad Well, you've got your dress,
anyhow, Cora. I'm glad of that. You
won't be disappointed in going to the pic
MIC"
"Yes, can go now" returned Cora.
She wanted to thank her brother for
what he had done, and to say that she
was sorry his long walk had been for
nothing, but strange shame kept her
silent. She didn't like to humble herself
before Jane, who, she knew, was expect
ing her to make some sort of an apology
for the temper she had shown. So she let
Andy finish his supper and go off to the
factory without even thanking him.
at is to be hoped he will be able to
keep awake tonight" said Jane as the
boy went out. "He will never take an
other such walk if can help it, no mat
ter what your need is"
Cora bit her lips and the angry blood
flew to her cheeks. But she made no
reply. For perhaps the first time in her
life she felt thoroughly ashamed of her.
self.
She helped her sister wash and put
away the supper dishes, and then went
up stairs to lay out the clothes she want
ed to wear on the morrow. She knew
she would have no time to waste in the
morning, for the picnic party was to
start very early so as to reach the woods
before the heat of the day.
At nine o'clock she went to bed, think
ing she ought to have as much rest as
possible. But try as she would she
could not fall asleep. Her uneasy con-
science kept her awake, and che could
think only of Andy and the long, hot
walk she had taken. She saw now, as she
thought it over calmly, that she had been
selfish and exacting, and the tears rose to
her eyes as she wondered what Andy
must have thought of her that she had
failed even to thank him for what he had
done. He had always been good BROTH
er to her, and no matter how unkindly
and ungenerousiy she had spoken to aim
at times, he had never cherished any i'll
feeling against her.
She grew so restless, at length, that
she rose, and going to the open window,
stood there looking out on the silent
night. Suddenly the thought came to
her that, late as it was, she might go to
the factory and make the confession that
should have been made hours before.
The longer she thought of it the strong
er became her desire to go. She felt sure
she would not be able to sleep until she
had seen Andy.
At last she dressed herself, and going
softly down stairs opened the kitchen
door and went out. 1t was hale a mile to
the factory, which was situated in the
suburbs. of the town; the road she had
to take was rather lonely, but she sped
along as if there were wings to her feet,
and breathless and painting, arrived at
the factory just as the town clock struck
twelve.
She pushed open the big door and en-
tered large hall. At the end of this was
the door leading to the office in which
Andy always passed the night. 1t was
slightly aiar, and as Cora approached it
she heard swapping, cracking noise
which struck terror to her heart.
"Fire Firel Oh, Andy, dear Andy
Firep che screamed, as she pushed the
door open and rushed in.
But Andy was deaf to her call. Seat
ed on a low stool, his head against the
wall, he was in deep sleep, breathing
heavily, and not five yards away fire was