The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-04-07
Found a Husband.
BY ALICE DALE.

Only the mistress of a village school. 1
was an orphan. and lived with my aunt, my
mothers sister, to whom / owed debt of
gratitude. We lived alone, in a modest,
unpretending way, in neat little cottage
situated on the outskirts of the village, ten
minutes walk from MY school.
had no sister nor brother, therefore was
devotedly attached 10 my now absent cous-
in, GerLle, whom my mother reared from
infancy.
We naturally looked on each other as
sisters, and the dearest of companions.
But she left the village, prepared to trayel
and seek position as goYerness, while l
remained with aunt near the lonely old
home that was now deserted. 1t was near
ly three years since we parted, GerLie and
L. l heard frequently from her. In her
last letter she told me she was engaged to
De married, but declined to give me the
particulars, saying she hoped soon to have
good news 10 tell me.
Oh, how l waited and longed for letters
from Gertie. thought often,as the weeks
went by, that she must have entirely for
gotten me. 1t was probable that she was
married, and had found new and nobler
| love than mine.
was absorbed in these reflections, when
the postman thrust in the open window OF
my schoolroom letter which he held in
his hand. In moment the envelope flew
open.
"Oh, 1t is from Gertiel Dear Gertie, how
could think you so heartlessP"
The letter read as follows:
"DEAR LoTTIE,-It seems very long
tince last / wrote, but 1 have abundant
| good news to tell you. have now beau
tiful home, with the noblest and best Of
husbands. The one wish to he gratifed Is
your presence here. speak of you almost
increasingly to my husband, who know:
how much we love each other. Now thai
your holidays are come, won't you spend
them with George and me? The beautiful
surroundings, know, will please you, and
perhaps you will be persuaded to live witt
me and share my home; it will be but q
small return of the debt owe you. DE-
not hesitate; come as soon as you are free
Write to us; and appoint the time OF you
arrival. George will meet you at thu
depot, as we live a short distance in thu
country. Do not fail, dear Lottie. Low,
to auntie and yourself.
Your affectionate cousin,
GERTIE DENT"
Never did letter bring so much pleasur
to dreary spirit as Gertie's brought u
me. determined to accept hei invitation
as early as possible. l hurried home, as
was unusually late, to meet my aunt look
ing for nv return.
"What in the world has happened, child
You are excited. Is anything wrcngP"
"Nothing, auntie. 1 have received
letter from Gertie, who is married, an
sends a pressing invitation to spend m
holidays with her."
"But, child, surely you would not thin
of such thingP You have never been ava
from home; the distance is long for ayoun
girl"
"Auntie, 1 have determined to go, s
don't try to persuade me differently. Jus
read Gertie's letter, and know you wi
approve"
. swell, suppose shall have to give 20
your own way" wlping her glasses prio
TO adjusting them on her nose.
. Kissing her gratefully. ran up stair
TO pen few lines to my cousin, fixing th
time of my visit The next task was nc
so easy. My wardrobe was not very eS
tenslve, ane to adapt it for the advent a
hand required tact and ingenuity. how
ever, with my aunt's admirable judgment
combined with my own taste, In less tha
week was perfectly satisfied with IN
, outfit.
The day of my departure came at las
lntolerably warm, but bright and sunny, 8
July DAYS usually are. / bade my aunt a
affectlona:e adieu, wlping away tear as
looked back, only TO see her gazing at N
through the window. half regretted II
step was about to take as the dlstanC
: heightened andI could see her dear old fat
no more. and thought how lonely 81
; would be in my absence. But unconsc
f, ouslv drlfted from home thoughts when
/! found myself in the train.
During my entire journey my mind vi
busy with my intended visit.
\ 1 had pictured TO myself Gertie's husbar
\ waiting to receive me, but how should
recognize him?
IN AT last my destination was reached, al
my heart gave throb as stepped fro
lhe train to the platform, anxiously sea
Alng every face, hoping to find friend.
Suddenly my attention was attracted
algsntleman seated in a carriage, behind
Aenlacent pair Of grays.
perceived, at glance, that l was I
,pblieot Of his earnest gaze.
- fhoughl AH(