Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1889-09-18
Nettie's Place.
A ~. PAYNE

world TO make her happy Loving
parents, dear friends, n beautiful home,
and every wish gratltied, what could
one desire more. She was ten years old
the summer she spent at Greenfield,
which was where she met with the acci-
dent which literally changed her life.
On her pretty little black poney jet"
every day she rode the length of zee
park, and out at the great gates; and
the te-keeper's daughter Lima watched
to see her pass, and wondered often why
Nettie shoIld have all things, and she
nothing. Nevertheless she never failed
20 be at the gate when NettIe passed, for
the bright smile and, ''thank you,
never were wanting from the pretty
rider The day came however, when
Lena did more than watch and wait.
Nettie had taken long ride for a
mile or more beyond the park gates,
and at a quick pace, along the level
road, when the saddle slipped, and the
pony was frightened and ran With the
saddle slipping Nettie managed to keep
her seat, that Is, she chung 10 the little
pony's neck, while he tore along the
open road But by the time he reached
the gate, both he and his rider were
exhausted and almost blind with fright.
The gates were closed, Lena heard them
coming, but had no time 10 reach the
gate before the pony dashed against 1t
and fell, carrying his rider down with
him.
In moment Lena had the gate open,
and although usually timid, she seized
the struggling pony 10y the bride, and
with a voice of command, and a strong
hand, managed to help him n little 10
regain his feet, with one mighty plunge
he was up; the saddle had broken and
Nettie lay besideit on the ground, white
and still. Lena lifted her head gently .
and then finding she could not move,
she left her where she was. and hurried
away for help. She found one Of the
gardeners = short distance away and
calling him, they managed to free Nettie
from the stIrrups, and carry her INTO
the little cottage 10y the gate. soon all
those tu whom Nettie was dear gathered
around her IN the gate-keeper's parlor,
and tried TO bring her back 10 life She
came slowly TO cuu~cIuusuesS. and said
she WAS not badly hurt; that she had no
pain; but the doctors looked grave, and
shook their heads. She was sent away
in few days to her own home IN car
riuge. filed with cushions and pillows,
and AS she passed the gates she reached
ont her hand 10 Lena, who stood tear
fully looking at them Il viii never
forget YOU Lena, she said, you saved
my life. -
But Lena never Thought of that Her
whole heart was full of sorrow for NettIe,
and love for the gentle injured girl,
whom she knew could never walk
again.
For weeks the friends about her
looked for her absolute recovery, but
although she wHs bright and cheerful,
and sometimes free from pain, At was
soon evident To- all about her that she
would always be an invalid. They did
not tell her this, but her mother trir,
to bring everything To- her side which
could IN any way add to her comfort,
and neither trouble nor money was
spared 10 add 10 her IuNuries.
one morning, us her mother sat hv
her side with the breakfast tray and,
helped 10 cheer her gentle child rs she
gave her the daintIes she had prepared,
Nettie suddenly spoke:
Mamma, she said, ''if / had been
well and strong. You would have done a !
great deal for my education, would you
not2"
Il am going to do everything for you
as II Is, Nettie, she replied. u
eyes, but mamma, / know / shall
never walk again, and there Is So much
that l might nave had which Will never
be mine" Il
Her mother did not reply. She could
not for a moment.
well then, you see, mamma, " Nettie.
went on, without waiting for her. II
have a good deal to give away, and Il
want to give this chance, my chance If
l had been strong to Lena"
Her mother looked at her in astouish-
ment. ''Your chaucet" she said
Yes, mamma, my education and
travel and Accomplishments. Whatever
she can have, that | caI.Aot You know
he saved my life, mamma"
Dear, you shall have whatever YOU
wish" said her mother tearfully. 2.
NettIe seemed from that moment To.
take new interest in life, and dav bv
day she planned what she wished TO do
for her friend.
Lena was sent for, and came joyfuIly.
NettIe received her with bright smile.
and Outstretched hand
Il am going 10 give you all YOU want.
Lena" she said, ''education. pleasure
aud everything you can desire, for you
must have my chance Lena. 1 shall
never walk again"
Lena tried 10 speak. tried 10 thank
her friend for this new life, and in her
own honest heart she wished Nettie
could, still enjoy her rich life herself,
But such a future as opened before her.
She determined then and there To- 50
fulfil Nettie's expectations Of her. that
she could make the broken life brigh-
ter.
She did this. The DAYS and months
flew by and Nettie had the pleasure of
watching Leua's progress, and 1t seemed
to her that she had never really had a
supreme happiness before. To see the
Joy she brought into Lena life. t. know
that every day Lena thought of her and
loved her, Was striving 20 please, and
growing wiser and happier every day.
Was this broken lfr2 Was there,
not a compensation in lt ull2 Could IL De.
called "A terrible atfliction? As Lena
grew and gained IN every way. So Netti,.
grew IN sOul-gruwth in that beautiful
spirit progress which comes to all those
who give up their lives for others.
Never call life failure. Out of
seeming failures may grow that which
lends brightness to all those who come
under the blessed influence.
Or. Lore. the chemist, testified re-
Gently before New York legislative
committee Investigating the bogus but
ter business that he could not diStiu-
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