Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1888-12-27

should think Of that time nowl Twelve
years ought to heal the old wound, ma it
does. rve enough on my hands, enough to
rack my brain without becoming senti-
mentaln
With sigh Aunt Grcll came to her feet,
crossed the plain rag carpet, aud stood Mt
another window Past tins the road ran,
and beyond was mass of trees and bushes
OF recent growth, the whole rapidly becom-
ing crowned with white particles that fell
faster and faster, as tho cold north wind
congealcd the drops of rain.
II was not q pleasant scene. The sullcn
woods and long sweep OF country road, un-
relieved by farm buildings, gave the sccnc
q lonely aspect.
The Weeds were poor people. An cpl
demic of scarlet fever had passed through
tho neghborhood, Many Of tho first fami-
lies had lost their little ones, and Aunt.
Grcll had been like ministcring angel
among them. When tho fever foil upon the
Weeds no ono venturcd near save the coun-
try doctor. Mrs Weed was an invalid, and
her husband an Indifferent nurse, clumsy,
yet good-naturcd and willing.
When she learned of the situation Geral-
dine Ward went at once and offered her
services. She was kind, patient and capar
bic, and none in that country ncighborhood'
appreciated her tender regard for tho suf-l
fermg rs did the Weeds. Johnnie and
Madgc passed through the fever and were
convalcscing when the dawn of New Year's
day found Aunt Grcll, as Miss Geraldine
Ward was termed, musing in her room at
the Weed farmhouse over tho past
W., 1 A..
patient old maid OF Burktown Corners.
While she stood at the window, the snow
swirled about, and siftcd against the mar
row pancs in way that indicated sudden
increase Of cold in the atmosphere without.
The brown eyes were filled with u yearn-
ing that remained unspollcn even TO tho
dumb walls of the room. The face of this
good angel of the Corners was not bcauti-
full, not oven good looking one might say at
first glance, but were you to mention her
name to u citizen within ten miles of BurlS-
town Corners, you would be told that Aunt
Grell was the handsomcSt woman in the
world.
Miss Ward did not lingcr but hurried
into the next apartment, where she heard a
low voice calling her name. 1t was Mrs.
Weed, who reclncd in an easy-chair, pale
and worn, yet with grateful glow in her
hollow eyes.
am sorry we can not pay you for your
services, Miss Ward" said the invalid.
Madgc and Johnnie are beyond danger,
the doctor tells me, and we owe it all to
you"
Tears filed the mothers eyes Mt the last.
Geraldine stood calmly by her side and
smoothed her faded hair with tender touch.
81 am glad if have been Of service, Mrs.
Weed" returned she. "0f course it is
best for me to go now, but shall always
hold kind regard for you and tho children,
that has grown in my heart during my two
weeks stay with you" '.
Then Aunt Grcl left tho room. The
crunch of wheels on the frozen ground re-
minded her that Mr.. Weed was without,
and would convey her to the Corners. Kiss
ing the invalid, and going once more 10 tho
children, Aunt Grel made ready to depart.
Don't go, aunty, don't 60" sobbed little
Madgc, who was only four, and as sweet q
child us the kind old maid had ever held to
her ycarning heart That appeal, and the
pitiful, pleading, upturned face, brought
tho tears to Aunt Grelrs eyes.
Il must 30 hoW' Dut VIII como again"
said she. .... ........
"To-dayp' qucried Johnnie, a boy of
eight, who clung to Aunt Grell's skirts
and looked up with bright eyes into her
face.
mot today, dear, but SOON"
"But mamma says it's Now Years. Aunt
Grell, and-and when VIC was so sick Jest
Christmas, she said when New Years
come we'd get some prcsents-me m Madge.
Mamma says the DOCTORS to pay, and we
can't get 'em. thought"
"That might bring you something's"
cried Aunt Grell, quickly. "And will, my
dear children. Before bedtime tonight
look for something and now good-bye'
Both children she kissed again, and then
hurried from the room and the house. Elr.
Weed assisted her to scat in the old buggy,
and soon the two ratified away, two pairs OF