Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-09-20


indifferently. Nor l amt going to
concern myself in it,
Michael Hardwood went back to
the room where the two little orphans
were admiring a gaudy, stuffed parrot,
that swung from the ceiling.
Children said he, get on your
things
"Ain't us to stay here?' piteously
demanded Becky. I'm so tired and
hungry. We didn't have any break
fast this morning
Please, Mr.. Harewood," said Billy,
where are we to go? Nobody wants
us"
Il want you said Michael Hare
wood, his heart giving a great jump
as he saw Kate's old look shining out
of the wistful, upturned face of the
child. You shall be my little ones
henceforth."
There was no lack of talk and gos
sip in the neighborhood when Michael
Harewood left his brothers house and
set up housekeeping for himself in
little unoccupied cabin just on the
verge of the woods, with the Hale
children as proteges and companions.
Michael Hardwood was an artist by
profession-one of these erratic geni-
uses who do not make much money,
vet possess natures of genuine gold.
He paid little attention to the buzz OF
the neighbors, the sarcasm of his sis
ter-in-law, and the criticisms of the
world in general, but painted serenely
on, disposing of his pictures at ludi-
crously low prices as fast as they were
laid off his easel.
For it isn't as if / could wait for
good chance said he. They must
sell at any figure; the little people
can't starve."
So the three led strange, eccentric
life.
Little Becky swept and busted.
Billy brought water, weeded the onion
beds and made himself generally use
full, and Michael Hardwood did all the
rest. When there chanced TO be meat
enough for three he ate and was
thankful. When there was not he
made meal off vegetables and told
the children it was for his health's
sake.
Don't you love Uncle Michael,
Becky" said the little boy one night
when Michael had tucked them safely
in bed and heard their simple pray
ers.
Yes" said Becky, rearing up in
her little nest. And when | grow up
| mean to marry him.
Michael Hardwood, smoking his
pipe under the window below, heard
the little voices, and his heart grew
soft within him.
"God bless the little ones" he mur-
INJURED. "And God bless Kate where
ever she may be!'
Kate was nearer than he thought.
Have you heard the news?" said
the widow Castleberry to Mrs. Hare
wood. kate Hale's come back"
"Humphln was Mrs. Harewood's
comment. "a bad penny always re-
turns. Who does she suppose Is going
to run after her now!m
"Ah, but" said Widow Castleberry,
wagging her head, You didn't hear
me through. She's a widow, and
she's rich as Crpsus."
Nor said Mrs. Hardwood. 1T
amt possible"
But it is though" said the widow.
Wears diamonds as big as dew-drops
and a black silk dress as will stand
alone in richness, and has her maid as
genteel as the Queen of the Cannibal
Islands"
"Ah. dear, dear!n said Mrs. Hare
wood. Wonders will never cease.
Them children will be brought up
like a princess, now, suppose. L
most wish I'd taken them myself, as
Michael wanted me to do"
For once the tongue Of rumor was
correct. Kate Hale, now Mrs. Alden
Armitage, had been, in very truth
left a wealthy widow, and she had re-
turned to her native land to adopt
her brothers orphaned children.
Kate had been pretty as girl-as
woman set of by the accessions OF
wealth, she was royalty beautiful.
Nor was she devoid of feeling. When
she first came into the presence OF the
artist whose magnanimity had saved
her brothers children from the poor
house, she knelt down and kissed his
brown hands with tears.
Kate! Kater' he cried, what are
you doing?"
II can't helpit, " sobbed Kate. You
are SO kind, so noble. What would
INV little ones have done but for you?
And when remember how / treated
you"
I'VE won't recall that, Kate, said
the artist quietly. But 1 have grown
to love the little ones dearly. do
not wish to part with them, although
/ feel that you have the best right to
them"
He was standing with one hand on
Beckie's golden head The child
glanced eagerly from one to the
other.
Couldn't Aunt Kate come and live
with us, Uncle Michaelf' said she,
with sudden Frightening up Of
every feature.
The eyes of the elders met-Mi-