The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-07-30

duoCIlOA, "Au, Do grow oAucI, CIlcu W.
fill sons place to her, n brothers to
Minnie. We were happy in spite of
our poverty, until year ago. when
terrible misfortune fell upon us. My
aunt's little house, all she could call her
own in the world, caught fire. and was
totally destroyed with everything it
contained. Worst of all, Aunt Clara
herself, in trying to save some of her
clothing, was horribly burned about the
neck. arms and face. For several
months she lay in the hospital, suffering
tortures, but she recovered at last most
dreadfully disfgured for life.
1--WE were all boarding in New York
when the news of my uncle's death
reached me. and came to Keyport. It
took me some weeks to prove my claims,
to take possession of my inheritance,
but Us soon as my hands were free
was anxious to have my aunt share my
prosperity. wrote to her, urging her
by every loving word at my command to
share my home, telling her of your
gentleness, Marian, and my hope of
winning your love for her as we'll as my
own. She answered me, refusing my
offer. Her terrible misfortune has made
her morbidly anxious to avoid stran-
gers, and in my home she was sure to
meet him. ......g ........
"'If,' she wrote, you could give me
tiny cottage, where I could hear the
sea, and get the pure air, without meet
ing strangers, l would come, but not to
your grand house, Frank.
"Upon this hint T acted. I had such
q cottage of my own, and it was empty.
I sent to New York for paperers, up
holsterers and painters. and had the
house made as pretty rs possible. Then
coaxed again, aud this time more sue
cessfully, for aunt Clara and Minnie,
with old Hannah, their servant. came to
take possession. -r. .
"Since they have been here have
tried to alleviate aunt Cara's suffering
by every means in my power. She is
fond of music, and Minnie has q fine
piano to touch for her. She loves books
and flowers, and I send them to her
daily. But not until to-day have been
able to overcome her morbid desire for
seclusion. so far as to obtain leave to
bring you to call. Only this morning
pleaded in vain, but this afternoon she
sent me little note asking me TO bring
you to see her.
"Will you 60 Marian. You will see
face that will shock You by It's dreadful
scars, but you will find heart of pure
gold under the frightful mask. And viii
you be sister to Minnie for my sake?
She is a dear. good girl, Marian, and
you will soon love her, am sure"
II Shall be glad to go with you, Frank,
and we must try to have your aunt
receive Hester. too. Nobody is so tender
to an invalid as Hester, and we can coax
Minnie out, when my sister is at the
cottage. Oh. Frank" and the brown
eyes grew misty with tears, "I am so
sorry for your aunt. It must be
terrible!"
''It is terrible. She was very hand
some woman before the fire, n matured
likeness of Minnie, and Minnie is
beautifully"
$50 heard" said Marian.
Have you seen her? She does not
go out yet, but she is in the garden
sometimes"
Il have not seen her; but Miss Del
mont, who lives nearly opposite Myrtle
Hill, told me she was lovely"
"Marian!" cried Frank, as n sudden
suspicion flashed across his brain,
"what else did she tell you? never
thought of the misconstruction that
might be put upon my visits to the cot
tage till this minute. I remember now
how often l have seen Miss Delmont at
the window as I passed to and from the
cottage. Did she tell you L sent fruit
and flowers there, that | kissed Minnie,
my sister in all but name from baby
hood ?"
Marian's face was sufficient answer to
Franks eager questions; but the brown
eyes met his own fearlessly and frankly,
as he asked:
"And did You donbt me, Mariana"
chester told me to trust you. Frank,
and did trust you fully. Had you
thought best to keep your secret longer,
/ should have never doubted or ques-
toned you"
The hOrSes cto,oyoad INaforo 41,o 1;tI1o