Daily Republican., 1888-03-29
AN ORPHANS CaoIUn.

at her fathers grave she had been of
tered d home with her wealthy school
mate. Laura Goodwin.
she would not, however, consent to
become an inmate of the Goodwin
home unless she could do something
to pay her way; so LaurS procured
some embroidery work and Minnie
never asked ii the sums shs received
gained or lost anything ly passing
through her friends fingers.
AS for Mr.. Goodwin, he tieated the
orphan as If she were his own daugh-
ter and Minnie could not be too CRATE
full for the kindness that was lavished
upon her.
When Laura became engaged to be
married to a very estimable young
man there was no change in the fam.
lily affairs. Minnie was lett alone with
MIR. Goodwin great deal, and they
found mutual interest through the
long winter evenings in reading and
talking to each other.
II wanted but a month of Laura g
wedding day when the girls heard a
heavy fall overhead, as they sat in the
parlor together.
Mr.. Goodwin's library, which was
directly above them, was evidently
the room whence the noise came; and,
after mbment of silent CONSERVATION,
the two ran swiftly upstairs. The
friend and father lay upon the floor,
where he had fallen after leaving his
chair, struck down with paralysis, in.
sensible.
1t was many days before speech was
restored, more before motion came to
any limb; but in the long illness Min
ME threw off all timidity and Laura
was not herself more tender or care
tul nurse. The appointed wedding
day was over. when one morning
Laura beckoned Minnie from the inva-
lids room and took her into her own
chamber. Her face was pale, but
resolute, her eyes full of supprt ssed
pain, as she said; Minnie, will you
do painful task for mc?"
"You know that will do anything
for you, Laura"
"Then you will see Herbert for me
and tell him this; DIR. Holmes said
to. day that my father will never re.
gain the use OF his lower limbs. His
mind is clear and he can use his arms
and hands, but from the lower limbs
the power to move is gone for lie.
lie will be crippled, almost helpless.
and /, his child, can never leave himl"
"Does he know about all this?"
"Who? Papa, do you meanf Yes;
DR. Holmes told him.
"But of your decision?"
1 I iii alI IL l.
you-you tell Herbert. Tell him not
to try to see me, for l cannot bear it.
Herbertl'
1t was wailing cry of parting; but
Ninnie's lips smiled as she drew her
friends head to her bosom to caress
her and soothe her unspoken agony
After long silence she said, Come
with me to your father, and tell him
lnow."
And Laura complied.
Mr.. Goodwin heard the resolve ST.
lently, though his bowed head and
lgrieved face showed how deeply he
felt the necessity for such a sacrifice;
but as Laura bent caressingly over
him, Minnie's voice. low, sweet and
Iclear, broke the sad silence.
81 will not tell Herbert, Laura, mol
must you break your engagement
You will not hesitate 10 leave your
father in my care. My hands will
minister to him as tenderly as yours;
lmy feet shall fill the place of his
Imy"-
"Stop. this must not be-" said Mr.
Goodwin, 81 cannot consent to bint
Iyour youth to my infirmity, your &C
Itivity to my helplessness
/ "You would keep LauraP'
"she is my child; her own low
keeps her."
| "IIer lovei'' The child's pleading
face was gone and she stood erect be
fors them, a woman speaking he
heart '.Her love calls her to Herber
as truly as mine-Oh, spare mep sb,
icried. covering her hot bushes will
her hands. "Do not force me to tea
away from my heart its veill Do yol
mot know" and she crept close to tn
bedside to whisper, ''that as Laur
loves Herbert, | love you'll Do no
turn me away; let me be your wife
happier, tar happier in ministering t,
you than could be in any ireer, gaye
lite."
1t was strange wooing where al
! the pleading came from the woman
Hips, the reluctant admission of low
= returned from the mans, but the tall
{ stately bride who gave her hand to he
-lyoung lover was not happier than In
: young bright maiden who bound he
love 10 the crippled inyalid's.
t Royal Road to Matrsmony.
Z RrIlinutota RraA PraaE