Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1886-06-24

w ncn again LOOKUP dt Tic stranger
her face was raised, her eyes looking
steadfastly forward; no trace of tears
on that naughty countenance. The
last peal of music, and the vas: corgre-
CATION rose and began to move toward
the door. Could 1 not comfort this
girl who appealed SO strongly to
my sympathies-almost to my affec-
ton? I was wealthy; perhaps spoiled
child of too indulgent parents. The
thoughts that flashed through my mind
were more selfish than these. con-
fessed to myself that my wish to know
the stranger sprang first from my de-
sire to CRAFTY myself in knowing her.
We had both waited till the greater
part of the people had gone. She
turned to leave the pew. No longer
trying to resist the impulse that pos
sessed me. stepped nearer and laid
nv hand lightly on her shoulder. She
looked up with movement of question
ing surprise; her eyes met mine, and
grew gentle as she looked.
'.Pardon me, and do let me help
you!' l exclaimed, in low voice,
holding her glance with my eyes, that
must have shown how sincere were my
words.
Her eyelids dropped, not with anger
at my intrusion, but because her soul
was looking too freely from its beauti-
full windows. The fingers that held
the prayer-book clasped closely round
it.
"You are kind, very kind" she MUIR
INJURED, and / knew that her voice ac-
corded with her face; ''but' lift
ed her eyes for an instant to my face
''but l do not know how you can help
me. But you have helped me;
your words have strengthened and re-
freshed me. l shall not forget you"
She spoke rapidly, as though only so
could she command her voice. As she
ceased speaking. she made movement
to leave me. l detained her.
IF you think me kind, why do you
reject my kindncss?" l said. '.You
have perceived that am sincere. Do
not leave me. Let me walk with you;
it is not right for you to refuse me-
Ispoke with vehemence, for indeed
l was impetuously in earnest. She
tacitly assentcd, and we left the church
together.
Il do not know why you have had
the power to melt my reserve" she
said, ''but l feel willing to tell you of
the troubles that have come upon me.
Perhaps you have guessed that l am a
Southern girl Parents, fortune. hap
piness, all have been destroyed in this
war. Twas sent North, supported by
money my father gave me. until he was
| killed. Since then do not know how
l have lived. For the last month l
have been trying to get some sort of a
situation which would support me.
But have no recommendation. Who
would intrust children to an utter
stranger
''You wish to be a governess?" in
terrupted, eagerly.
Il would rather be music teacher. "
she replied; .'for that know l am fit
ted-but l feel more uncertain in re-
gard to being able to teach children
that which is the duty of governesses.
l was educated at convent, and par
! ticular attention was paid to music,
for my tastes all led in that direction"
While l listened, l was deciding on
the proposition to make her. She
looked. and almost stopped in her
walk, saying:
Il do not recognize myself in thus
speaking to stranger. Trouble has
increased my natural reserve"
We were at corner, and she ex-
tended her hand.
''Let your dreams tonight be of the
good you have DONE" she said, her lips
curving sweetly as she spoke.
'.Do you 90 down this street?" ]
asked. She bowed. IF you leave me
now" l continued, ''at least promise
to call and see me tomorrow. Ibelieve
can get you situation"
Her eyes shone at the hope. She
took my card with subdued eagerness,
pressed the hand that gave il, and
walked quickly away.
Ito what absurd church have You
been this morning?" asked my moth
or, when came down to dinner that
day. She was in full outdoor dress,
having just returned from listening to
the Rev. DR.. --, the minister. par
excellence, of the creme de Ia creme,
to whose discourses very seldom lis
| tened.
ITO the new Catholic, my mother"
replied, sitting down. inwardly hop
ing that she would not scold me for
not accompanying her.
"What, way out there! Did you
walk?'
Eyes, all the way
How odd of you. You don't know
how much you missed in not being at
our church. DR.. --- had such a
sweet sermon-and young Varens was
there with the Chapman girls. You
know he's just from Europe. and is
looking perfectly splendid. Wonder
if one of those girls expects to catch
him? Mrs. Chapman will do her best
to secure him-doubtless he'll fall into
the trap. We must give = party on
purpose to have him here. He'll be
overwhelmed with invitations. When
shall it be?"
had hardly listened to her talk TIL
felt conscious of the question she had
asked. looked up in some bewilder-
ment. saying:
Excuse me-what is it you say?"
''You never listen to me-" she ex-
claimed, petulantly. Il was telling
Won abOut rmaduke VarenS He is