San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-01-25

out Sne sat beside tine DeQ wnlle Auce moved
to and fro, made dainty soups and tempting
dishes, and performed all nursing duties.
The invalid had one long talk with the doc
tor and then submitted to the gentle minis
tration of the two women, only insisting upon
a man the doctor provided being with him at
night and within call
The season was over, and only these three
remained of the summer boarders at the lit
tie cottage, when one cool October day the
sick man, now fast recovering, called Alice
to him.
81 shall soon be well again." he said, re-
gretfully.
eyes" she answered, cheerily, every soon"
81 shall miss my nurse"
"And l my patient; but am glad you are
recovering. We were afraid at one time
there would be a more painful parting"
"You mean l was in danger of dying.
Why should that be painful. i am old"
She made no answer, looking sorrowfully
into his uplifted eyes
"And a burden upon you, the doctor tells
me. Why did you make yourself responsible
for q Stranger
The fair face flushed, the soft eyes were
dewy with feeling as Alice said softly;
because you are old and seemed poor and
friendless. was glad it was in my power to
aid you Do not think it was at any great
cost, !" she added, with a generous desire 70
tighten the burden of obligation. IL have
some money lying idle
'For the wedding day perhaps. Well,
child, you might have poorer Jewels 10 deck
your bridal than an old mans tears Of graft
tude and love. am getting well and shall
soon leave you; will you give me q Keep
saker"
The girl loosened little locket from .
chain round her throat, cut off one of her
golden curls and put in the place Of some
hair she took out, and laid the trinket in the
old mans hand.
with my love" she said, softly
"Ah child" he sighed, IAN old man, sick
and feeble, wins little love"
YET she said, earnestly "you must be-
lieve that have nursed you since you were
conscious, with affection. My own father is
gone, but If ever you want daughters care
| or affection, believe me i will gladly come to
you, if possible"
Three days later the little cottage was do
serted. Aunt Sophy and Alice returned to
their home to make up for lost time in dress
making and sowing, and Alice chcerfully
paid out Of her small patrimony for the
board and expenses of her venerable patient.
She little guessed how deep an impression
her care and tenderness had made upon the
heart 90 long closed against human affection,
SO distrustful Of any advances from his fell
! low creatures 1t was q revelation TO him,
this active charity to an utter stranger. he
| had gone to the hotel merely 70 Sc Aalcolms
choice and had purpossly left all clev to his
identity behind him. He had intended
meeting Alice, if possible, unknown and
watching Der unobeerved, but accident had
thrown them together in a way he little an
| ticipated. The first use be made Of bis
recovery was 10 write 70 bis nephew, and
Malcolm INST him at the depot whom he re-
Hrned hons.
Knowing nothing of the resent accident,
| the young man was shocked at the change in
his uncle's face.
"You have been illF' he cried.
every i'll"
"Why did you not send for mef'
81 had even better nursing than yours,
Malcolm Don't ask rae any questions now,
but tell me about your marriage prepare
tions."
"Alics has gone home and wilH3remain
until November. Then she comes to Mrs.
Haydon's and will buy her house and furni-
| ture."
"In November
"Yes"
Late in November she came, her trunks
full Of Aunt Sophys daintiest stitching, and
Aunt Marcia gave her cordial greeting. A
grand wedding was the display upon which
this lady had set her heart, and Alice shrank
a little ut the comments upon the rich uncle,
and hsr own good fortune in the FIRST rate
| match"
But just beSors the wedding day, little
note was brought to Alice, by q gorgeous
footman, who was driving to her sunts be-
hind private carriage. The note was from
Malcolm, and begged her to come to him In
the carriage
Woodsring, but obsdisnt, Ali>p wss
speedily ready, and was driven 70 hand
some brown stone house, where the door was
opened to usher her into stylish drawing
room, where gentleman awaited her, and
Malcolm advancing said:
my uncle Hiram, Alice"
Kindly blue eyes looked into her own,
withered hands were extended, and a voice
she knew well, said:
1--WE are old friends, Malcolm. Are We
not, Alicsi"
Then, before she could answer, the old man
| continued:
II have thought, Alice that it was I'M
kind to have my nephew wait for my death
before sharing Of my wealth. have borne
a curse Of distrust in my heart for many
| years, thinking my money won me all the
affection, save Malcolm's, that was offered
me. But though you are well content to
wed the young clerk, and put your own
| patrimony into his home, you must not re-
fuse my heir, who has accepted from me an
| IT, 1. 1