The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1886-11-18


waiting maid in happier times.
This woman came at stated intervals
and did what she could for her old mis-
tress. The remuneration for such SER
vices had long since ceased. but the
faithful Mamie insisted that 1t was a
blessed privilege "to be lowed to wait
on Miss Nora"
Our story opens in November of 1860,
the day before Thanksgiving. This
little cottage, with Clustering, lcafess
vines and little patch of flowers stuck
in front, whose glory had long since de.
parted, was particularly dreary. And,
what added most to make the picture
touching and one to be remembered,
was the sad, hollow-eyed woman, with
her hands clasped together, whose look
told of despair of hope deferred until
the human heart could bear no longer.
Every chord was strained to its highest
tension. If another wind of adversely
should sweep over them with chilling
blast they would never more vibrate to
tone of love or kiss Of affection. The
heart, that harp of countless strings,
would be broken and voiceless. As the
woman sat there, very picture of de-
spair, a rider passed BY. The splendid
horse upon which this young man, per-
haps twenty years Of age. was riding,
had been curbed to suit his masters
pleasure. He was dreaming sweet
dreams of Lizzie Miller. the fairest
daughter of old farmer Miller, of Darby.
As he rode slowly along, the face at
the window awakened him from his
reverie. "What can be the matter with
Widow st. ClairP" he exclaimed aloud
after he had passed the cottage. II
wonder if nybody ever looks after that
poor. forlorn creature? 1t is shame
in Roland to allow her to wear
her heart out in waiting, if he is
alive. He is probably dead, though,
years ago. 1t is quite evident that
something must be DONE"
The rider passed on, but all day long
that white face at the window haunted
him. He thought: "It's a burning
shamc-a woman alone all these years.
It's partly her own choosing, of course,
but why don't somebody look her up for
sweet charity's sake?"
Then after thoughtful silence he
tossed back his head. brought his gloved
hand down upon the pommel with a
vigorous blow and exclaimed: "By the
great horn spoon, I'll do it,
As the evening approached cool
breeze sprung up, and the air began to
bear indications of snow. The comfort
able, happy homes were all ablaze with
light. Joe Bruff's restaurant and bill
lard parlors, just round the corner from
the American House, had never looked
more inviting than tonight. Several
young men were already standing about
in groups talking, and some were ap-
parently waiting for others. The
Thanksgiving ball tomorrow night was
the subject of conversation amongst
them. This was to be a marked event,
and every one was going.
The door opened again and Will
Kirkland, the young man who had rid
den down the Darby road in the morn
ing, stepped in. The boys all greeted
him with a hand shake or "Hello,
Billy. am glad you've come" He was
evidently favorite and leader
amongst these boys, or rather young
men. The former knots of two and
three were broken up and they all gath
cred in the group about the last conner.
whats up now, BillyP" said one.
"Did you get the mitten this morning !?
Had some fellow got ahead of we, or was
the old man at homep" The boys all
laughed and Billy blushed to the roots
of his hair, for it was generally under
stood that the young mans wooing of
Farmer Miller's daughter proceeded
under difficulties.
Billy had heart as big as an OK. but
he had neither money nor expectations
of any sort and Farmer Miller's heart
opened only to golden keys. When the
laugh was over, the young man replied,
nodding his head to the young fellow
who had chaffed him: "It's all right on
Darby, George. Every thing for the
bali tomorrow night is arranged. Wen
let that rest"
'Now, boys" he added, addressing
the whole group, i've got project on
hand. and shall need the assistance of
every one of you to help me carry it
out"
"All right" chimed George Crutz,
'.TEl with you in any sort of good
tire. you know"
"And /. and X" went the rounds.
"What is it, Will?" queried tall Char
lie Deland.
'Now, boys" said Will, II must con-
fess that this matter is little out of the
usual sort for us, but when you under
stand it. I'm sure of every one of you"
"Spit it out, Billy; the crowd is o X
every time.' said young giant who
lowered nearly foot above the rest.
The speaker continued: "You see,
boys, when / rode up toward Darby this
morning, as l passed the Widow st.
Glars shebang-that isn't quite the
name for it, you know, but it did look
mighty poor this morning. tell you,
and her wretched face at that little win
dow has haunted me ever since-friends,
l tell you that woman-who has been
such a martyr to mans inhumanity-
has felt the pangs of both cold and hum
ger. and she needs help from somebody
soon, that's certain"
"Do you think she's starving, Will?
How did you find it all outp" said Frank
Thompson, whose pocketbook was al
ready in his hand. "She is a woman,
too. and of the pluck that have always
admired. Why, boys, heard some of
the old folks, Squire Gregg, Mr.. Clarke
and some of the others up at the bank
the other night, saying that thirty years
ago she was an awful pretty girl. an
orphan. and owned the finest house in
town.. four hundred acres on the Picka-
way plains. and no end of other prop
erty besides. That dandy. St. Clair,
came into these parts. He claimed to
be relative of old Governor St. Clair,
had inst returnad from Enrona and wo