Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-17
CHAPTER IN

Next day Patience had sickened with small
pok' and Mrs. Abbott hastily migrated TO Ora
hams bungalow to nurse her. IL was a sharp
attack but the little woman weathered il brave
~ thanks to ner naturally wiry constitution
and her friends careful nursing. When she
was allowed TO sit up in bed she asked for a
looking-glass, trembling exceedingly lest one
more trial might be m store for her in the dis
hgurement of her poor little face AT no time OF
more than passable comeliness. Was il wrong
OF her TO thank God tor having spared her this
turther ainlcuon! IL meant so much 20 one of
her shrinking disposition. whose path throuqh
lie would have been even harder had she be-
heVed herself 20 be a repulsive object as well "a
stupid, dull awkward. and unwelcome. And she
had dreaded-for was she not a woman2-the
painful impression which her countenanoe
blurred and altered. would have produced upon
her heros mind. kindly A. he would have striyen
TO conceal the fact
When she was considered out of quarantine
Graham came TO see her and her shyness i'm re-
eeivlng him was much tempered with gentle
sympathy, for she had shared his sorrov VIII
him and no longer felt herself on a different
platform. He md not allude TO his loss hut
kept the conversation on everyday subjects
never permitting IL 10 flag and drawing ont his
companlons Ideas with so much tact that she
forgot to be nervous and delighted him with
her quaint sayings and simple unworthy WIS.,
dom. Now Graham had just heard the true
story OF Patience Owen from Mrs. Abbott and
plted her sincerely, though he could not rid
MS mind OF the notion that glrl who allowed
herself, without word of protest. 70 be put in
the undignihed position Of a candidate for
marriage with a total stranger would hardly
have the strength of character to steer straight
course through life speaking the truth aud
shaming the deyil-and SO he proposed 20 him
self to put her TO the test. with the idea that II
she came through triumphantly he would con-
slider the ACCESSIBILITY of asking her 20 be his
wife. Therefore, when at length a pause oc-
CURED IN their conversation, Graham. instead
OF rising to go, suddenly resumed ms serious
manner and remarked I'VE are friends Miss
Owen, are we not?'
Yes" faltered Patience, all at once grown
shy.
''And friends will not fall out for trifeY"
NO, indeed" she answered. Il have SO few
that could not afford that"
Then. will you tell me what brought you
out to Pagiri?"
Poor Patience blushed painfully. twisted her
fingers in her pocket handkerchief. and showed
every sign of distress Il left home be-
cause they didn't want me-" she said hurriedly
and with downcast eyes. land came out 20
marry one OF the missionaries. No one would
have me, SO Mrs. Abbott took me to live with
her."
What il cost her 10 make such a confession
Graham dimly guessed. He hated himself for
ms cruelty, and great wave of compassion
for the poor, forlorn girl swept though his
neart-compassion mingled with admiration
for her couarage. Forgive me-" he said
Poor child, there is a great deal Of happiness
owing to you DO you think / could make your
life brighter? Patience, will YOU let me trvY"
But before she could answer him Mrs Abbott
had hustled into the room.