Connecticut western news., 1886-08-11
THE ORPHANS.

"Marian, dear, how is the morning fair or cloudy an inquired Ethel Ray, turning on the invalid couch, where she lay during the day as we'll as at night.
 ''Dark and cloudy" she replied, the cold dreariness of the new day striking chill to her sensitive, heavily -burdened heart. A tired, hopeless look swept over her delicate, noble face, leaving slight droop at the corners of her mouth, a shadow in her eyes Ethel saw the ex- pression, and for moment her own grew less cheerful and bright.
 "Never mind; there will be rift in the clouds by and by" she said with re- newed hope.
 ''I am glad you have such faith, pct, {" said Marian, still looking out on the street.
 A poor beggar crept feebly along, his rags futtering in the bitter wind and in pity for lot sadder than her own, the girl lost some of her discontent. She turned from the window with brighter expression, and put on her hat and cloak to start out on that weary round of mu- sic lessons, which were their support.
 ''I am sorry to leave you, Ethel and It will be late before can get through" {" Do not fret about me, Marian, Mrs. O'Malley will come in and give me my lunch, and fresh glass of water, and I have this beautiful lace to mend for Miss Constantine, and that magazine you brought me yesterday to read. Oh, I shall be fully occupied until your re- turn.n
 We'll, well, it is comforting to have so brave and busy little sister at home. I think of it often when am out, and it gives me courage" said Marian, bending over the couch with tender, misty eyes.
 The crippled girl claspel the slender hand caressing her hair, and drew ;t down against her cheek.
 'Am l help to you, Mariana Oh, that thought makes me happyl lie here such helpless, useless creature; some times I have feared that I was only a burden to you"
 '.Never think of that again, dear one never. If it were not for you"
 She broke eff, and stepping kissed the sweet, pale face resting on the pillow but when she would have moved away, Ethel held her moment longer.
 '.Marian, darling, do not lose your faith and hope. There will be clear sum- shine after while, and all these dark clouds will vanish.''
 'I will try to think so," she replied, with a smile-a smile that vanished the moment she left her sisters presence, and memory began to bring up one by ono the events of the two years just passed.
 The girls had been left orphans at an early age, but with property sufficient to supply all they could ever nee l, not only of necessities, but even luxuries. Their guardian controlled and managed the money, and they lived in his house, under the care of his good-hearted maiden sister. E.hel had always beer lame and delicate, but Marian went out into the world, seeing and enjoying its beauties and pleasures.
 Walking swiftly along to give her frs music lesson, she drew sharp breath o anguish, as memory too faithfully recalled all the glory and happiness of a tour ii Italy with party of friends, just befor' the downfall of fortune. At the yer, outset they met Mark Turner, handsome intelligent, and, to the young girl, & yer. king among men. He joined the party and singled her out as the object of hi attentions. The routes they travelled h. had been over before, and he could poin out all that was beautiful and interesting It was 8 golden season, and, the girri heart surrendered in spite of womanly pride and reluctance. But she ha6 no cause to feel shame, or to believe he love unsought for.
 One mellow, moonlit night, in an olt Neapolitan garden, he stretched out hi hand to her with sudden, passionat words of love and SO eloquently did h plead for the sweet gift of her future Tiff that she could not withhold the promis to be his wife.
 "You shall never regret it No shall be happy!" he cried with lover confidence.
 "I am happy nowl" she whispered flushed and shy, but radiant.
 They wandered along among the flow CTS, feeling that heaven lay about them but the next morning the girl receive