Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1889-05-04

Certainly; but there is not none,
enough about him to pay his board a week.
"Iwill pay it."
"Yes: will not let him die for want ot
money have. He''-and her lip quiveret
-"he looks like my dear father who is
dead.'
"H'm-yes. Here come the fellows te
take him to the station. think will take
him to the little cottage where board. II
will cost less and be more quiet.n
Mrs. CORTLAND declared Alice was ont.
raging the proprieties most dreadfully
wheI the young girl went to the cottage
and offered her services as nurse to the
doctor; but Aunt Sophie silenced comment
by moving her belongings from the hotel to
the quiet clearinghouse, and the doctor
found he had valuable assistant.
Alice explained, in her quiet, low voice
that her father was ill for nine months be.
fore he died, and she was his nurse. This
accounted for the noiseless wooden dresses,
the velvet-shod feet, the quick eye and ready
hand, and, when the sufferer recovered con.
sciousness, the gentle voice and tact that
quieted him in paroxysms of pain and fever.
Aunt Sophie was too much of an invalid
herself to help, but she sat beside the led
while Alice moved to and fro, made dainty
soups and tempting dishes, and performed
all nursing duties.
The invalid had one long talk with the
doctor and then submitted to the gentle
ministrations of the two women, only insist
ing upon man the doctor provided being
with him at night and within call.
The season was over, and only those three
remained OF the summer boarders at the
little 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, cheerilv: uverv
SOON"
II shall miss my nurse"
And l my patient; but am glad you
are recovering. We were afraid at one
time there would be more painful part
ing"
"You mean was in danger of dying.
Why should that be painful l am old"
: She made no answer, looking sorrowfully
into his uplifted eyes.
"And burden upon you, the doctor tells
me. Why did you make yourself RESPONSE
BILE for strangers"
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 generous
desire to tighten the burden of obligation
~ have some money lying idle."
"For the wedding day, perhaps. Well,
child, you might have poorer jewels to deck
your bridal than an old mans tears OF graf
itude and love- am getting well and shall
soon leave you; will you give me keep
sake2"
The girl loosened little iocket from a
cnain round her throat, cut Off one of her
golden curls and put it in the place Of some
she took ,ut, and laid the trinket in the old
man hand
"With my love-" she said, softly.
v" All, child" he sighed, ian old man, :.
sick and feeble, wins little love-"
"Yet," she said, earnestly, "you must
believe that have nursed you, since you
we're conscious, with affection. My own
father is gone, but if ever you want
care or affection, believe me,
will gladly come to you, if possible"
Three days later the little cottage was de-
serted. Aunt Sophy and she returned to
their home to make up for their lost time in
and sewing, and Alice cheer
fully paid out OF her small patrimony for
the board and expense of her venerable
patient.
She little guessed how deep an impress
sion her care and tenderness had made upon
The heart so long closed against human az
lection, so distrustful of any advances from
mis- fellow-creatures. 1t was revelation
10 him, this active charity OF an utter
stranger. He had gone to the hotel merely
10 see Malcolms choice and had purposely
eft all claw to his identity behind him. He
had Intended meeting Alice, if possible, un-
known, and watching her unobserved, but
accident had thrown them together IN a
way he little anticipated. The first use ne
made of his recovery was to write to his
nephew, and Malcolm met him at the depot
when he returned home
Knowing nothing of the recent accident,
the Young man was shocked at the change
IN his uncle face
You have been ill.," he cried
Very ILL.," a..
"Why did you not send for meP'
"I had even better nursing than yours,
Malcolm Don't ask me any questions now,
but tell me about your marriage prepara-
tions."
"Alice has gone home and will remain
until November. lucu BIG CoihCo W Ala o.
and will buy her house and fur
piture,"
: SIN Novembers"
"Yes.'
Late in Novem ber she came. Her trunks
full of Aunt Sophy's daintiest stitching,
and Aunt Marcia gave her cordial greet
ing. A grand wedding was the display
upon which this lady had -et her heart,
and Alice shrank little at the comments
upon the rich uncle and her own good
fortune in the ''first-rate match"
But just before the wedding day little
note was Drought to Alice by gorgeous
footman, who was driving to her aunts be-
hind a private carriage. The note was from
Malcolm, and begged her to come to him in
the carriage.
Wondering, but obedient, Alice was
apeedily ready, and was driven to hand
some brown stone house, where the door
was opened to usher her into q stylish
drawing room, where gentleman awailea
her, and Malcolm, advancing, said;
ssMv Uncle Hiram, Alice"