Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1889-04-24

herself to help, but she sat beside the ben
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
illustrations 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.
shall soon be well again." he said, re-
gretfully.
"Yes," she answered, cheerily; 'very
soon"
81 shall miss my nurse"
"And my patient; but am glad you
are recovering. We were afraid at one
time there would be more painful part
ing"
"You mean I was in danger Of dying.
Why should that be painful. am old"
She made no answer, looking sorrowfully
into his uphfted eyes.
"And burden upon you. the doctor tells
me- Why did you make yourself response
BILE for a strangerl"
The fair face flushed, the soft eyes were
dewy with feeling as Alice said, softly:
because you are old and seemed poor
and friendless. l 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. 1 am getting well and shall
soon leave you; will you give me keep
sakel"
The girl loosened little locket from a
chain round her throat, cut of one of her
golden curls and put it in the place OF some
she took out, and laid the trinket in the old
mans hand.
"With my love-" she said, softly.
All, child" he sighed, san old man,
sick and feeble, wins little love-"
"Yet," she said, earnestly, "you must
believe that have nursed you, since you
were conscious, with affection. NY own
father is gone, but if ever you want a
daughters 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
dress-making 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 af-
lection, so distrustful of any advances from
his fellow-creatures. 1t was a revelation
to him, this active charity of an utter
stranger. He had gone to the hotel merely
to see Malcolms choice and had purposely
left all clew 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 he
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 ct the change
in his uncle's face.
"You have been illl' he cried.
"Very ILL.,"
"Why did you not send for me2''
81 had even better nursing than yours,
Malcolm. Don't ask me any questions now,
but tell me about your marriage prepare
tons"
"Alce has gone home and will remain
until November. Then she comes to Mrs
Haydon's and will buy her house and fur
niture."
'In November2"
Eyes"
Late in November 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 set her heart,
and Alice shrank a little at the comments
upon the rich uncle and her own good
fortune in the ''frst-rate match"
But Just before the wedding day little
note was brought to Alice by gorgeous
footman, who was driving to her aunt's 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
speedily ready, and was driven to q hand
some brown stone house, where the door
was opened to usher her into a 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, Alicel''
Then, before she could answer, the old
man continued:
II have thought, Alice, that it was unkiAd
to have my nephew wait for my death be-
fore sharing my wealth. ! have borne a
curse Of distrust in my heart for many
years, thinking my money won me all the
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
income that makes him independent, and
this home.n
my love for Malcolm can bear riches or
poverty" was the answer; ''but, sir, our
home needs you. You will come, will you
not to the children, who will try to make
your life happy by loving carel Long be-
fore knew you, Malcolm told me he hoped,
when he had ahome, to win you to live in it.
Win you let me, too, beg Of you TO come to
usP'
"Gladly, child Gladlyr' the old man
said.
50, where the rich lonely man had feared
to lose the one love of his life, he gained an
other tenderer, sweeter love, to brighten
his declining years By a daughters devo-
ton and affection.-Boston TRAVELLER.
STORY OF A GIANT.
Interesting sketch of a MapnfAcant SracR