The national leader., 1889-04-13

cases squalid. She had hard work to
gain admlttance sometimes, and de-
SPARED of reaching the people in her
assumed character. at times she found
it a relief to wander near Ridwen
Grange, and was glad to find the place
let and we'll cared for. There were
nice cottages near it. and when resting
In one after long walk. Flora met
another visitor, who knocked and en-
tered cbeerily, all the children running
forward to meet him. He began fumb-
ling in his pockets for apples, and then
as he offered them, caught sight of
Flora. The woman said:
"It's Miss O'Moore, sir; young
lady from the town. She does a deal
of good among the nail makers
Flora colored brightly, but before
she could disclaim the gentleman said:
They need friends, ignorant and
down-trodden as some are, and puffed
with discomfort and arrogance the rest.
1 hear good deal, for rent my house
from the agent of one of the big FIRMS
Flora said she had seen some trou-
bic in her short acquaintance with the
people, and then telling the woman she
must hasten home, she left.
The early shadows of a dull, frosty
December day were falling, and she
walked quickly. as there were two
miles of lonely road t, travel. Sud-
denly. from the hedgerow, a wild look
ing, dirty man stepped before her.
Flora tried to move aside, but the man
held out both hands, saying:
'I'm starving. You look we'll fed
enoughl Give me money, or it'll be the
worse for you.'
The girl turned pale, but resolute.
Il have no money-let me pass.
you've got watch If you have no
money! said the man, 'and I'll ave
it,
His dirty hands just clasped her del
icate wrist; she shrieked for help,
though fearing none was near: then a
mans figure followed by huge dog,
leapt the hedge, and the dog seized the
beggar by the shoulder. The wretch
let Flora's hand drop with howl of
pain, and the girl felt dazed darkness
surrounding her, and became uncon-
scious.
My love- said Lady Margaret
l { inlT
should be ended. We promised to re-
turn to Terrick on Christmas, and
there is only fortnight left
Flora was looking meditatively across
the prim little front garden at the milk
mans cart.
You have done all you can for the
poor people. am sure the good vicar
and that very gentlemanly man who
has Rldwell Grange speak most highly
of the good you have worked, pursued
her aunt. And the Grange itself
could not be in better hands than Mr..
Observation-Disclosures you lived there
yourself
quite true, auntie,' said Flora,
turning towards her. You have been
very patient and good to stay so long.
am only sorry to leave my quiet busy
lite for all the humbug shall have to
endure
Lady Margaret looked keenly at her
niece.
"You would not be a coward my
dear?'
mo; don't think so at least. Dear
me, there's the door bell, and Hannah
is just bringing our cozy tea! Some old
gossip from the villas, dare say-you
are good natured to them, auntiep
But the visitor wore mans attire,
and was Mr.. harrington. He came, he
said, to ask Miss O'Moore's advice to
some Christmas festivities for the poor
and would her niece do him the kind
ness to help him?
Il feel great sympathy in your work.
Mr.. Darlington, but my niece and l
are leaving almost directly.
For Christmas?' he asked in a low
voice.
Altogether said Flora quietly. My
aunt and only intended stay here
Mr.. Darlington became wonderfully
silent and distrait, and drank his tea
in an absent manner, breaking in upon
some conversation with the inquiry:
when do you leave?'
In four days. said Lady Margaret.
.Pray have some more toast Flora
left the room to send off some letters,
and Mr.. harrington said hastily to her
aunt: