The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1889-03-29

she reigned as belle that DR.. Har.
court learned TO love Meta Leslie; /;
1t was in the pretty cheerful room
where her gentle, suffering mother
claimed his professional care. Day
after day he found her there, ma
king her mothers life bright, in
defiance of pain, bv loving gentle
care and joyous, happy converse
ton An hour would fly by often
unheeded by Willie as he sat be-
side the invalid's couch and listen
ed TO the sweet voice that made
such music to his heart.
1t was the morning OF The bright
winters day after The night of the
strugs lie, and Meta sat beside her
mother, waiting for the doctors
visit. The doctors chair stood
ready for him, but the morning
passed and he did not come.
Late in the afternoon he called,
staying long enough to attend to his
patient, and then, for the first time
declining his seat. bowed and left
the room. Weeks passed, and still
these shcrt, hurried visits were all
that he paid but the task told fear
fully upon him. One day he did
not come; friend took his place,
Or Harcourt," he SAID, "was i'll,
and had requested him to call"
The strange doctor had taken his
leave and Mrs. Leslie lay still, mu-
sing, when Meta came in.
"Moiher p there was a world of
sadness in her once laughing voice,
and Mrs. Leslie noticed that her
cheek was very pale-I am going
to see Mrs. Harcourt. Oh, mother,
mother!" The hot tears were
streaming down the young girls
face.
"Why, Meta! dear, what is the
matter with you ?"
a was always afraid" sobbed
Meta--"I was always afraid he
would die he is so good, so learn
ed, so far superior 10 other men.
He has growa so palid lately, and
his face is so sad. Oh mother what
shall DO if he dies 2"
Mrs. Leslie was utterly amazed.
She saw now how pure hel daugh-
ter's love was for this young Grip
ple-llke that of a child for teach
er, looking with worship almost
upon the wisdom and goodness OF
one far above her.
"You may 90, cert ainly, Meta" "
she said. "Giye my regards to
Mrs. HarcOurt and ask ii there is
anything can do that will be OF
use."
Again the bright sunlight stream
ed INTO The chamber of The young
physician. The cheeks that lay
upon the snowy pillows of the bed
mocked their whiteness, and the
thin hand seemed almost transpa-
rent in the bright light. The doc
tors eyes were closed but he did
not sleep. Light steps crossed The
room and he heard his sisters voice.
"Come in Meta; he is asleep !"
Metal His heart gave a heavy
throb, but he lay still 4; then the low
sweet voice he loved TO hear so
we'll fell upon his ear.
SLOW pale lie looks!"
Eyes, very pale. | hope this is
only weakness. As spring opens |
hope The warm weather will give
him strength"
"GOd grant it" There was ear
nest fervor in the tones.
"Stav here a moment, Meta, till
| send KITTY for some medicine |
shall want tonight"
They were alone together. The
voice he loved grew trembling in
its own emotion as she whispered ::
$50 pale! Oh, God, spare his lie !!
How can live if he diesg"
"Metar'
She did not start, only bent over
him.
II am herel"
"Meta, Lowell My Meta! Can
and will you be my wife! Think
what / am"
"Your wife? | am not worthy.
You so good, so far above me. Your
wife? Oh, Willie, only live and |
will prove 10 you how deeply, how
humhly | love you"
There was not a loud word, only
low, almost whispered tones, but
she bent nearer and kissed his
broad, white forehead, and The Grip
pie knew that for his heart and
mind she loved HIM, aad he had
found him a true wife.