Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-11-28


"Oh sir, it can't be my Nora. She is
an orphan and has no relatives, SO they
told me at the asylum, cried the aston
ished Catharine.
Mrs. Simms came in just then, and
gave Catharne her money.
Miss Cooper, when may call to see
you about this matter? 1t must be set
tied as soon as possible"
"Just whenever it suits your conven-
ience, Mr.. Simms, answered Catharine;
and she and Mr.. Simms having agreed
upon that evening Catharine went home
in a strange state of feelings.
"lIow straDge!" she thought, that
Nora should tell the story, and it should
be so nearly coming true. Except the
marrying, of course" she added, blush
ing, though no one was near.
When Catharine got home she hugged
aud kissed Nora so that when Catharine
paused for breath Nora exclaimed
why, Auntie, what's the matter? Are
you crazy?"
Then Catharine told her all about it.
We'll, don't it seem funny!" cried
Nora. But Aunte Kate, you're only
joking, just to see what l would say.
Now. amt you?"
NO, dear, honestly, am not"
well, if it is so, " and Nora laid lit.
lie emphasis expressing doubt upon the
is, well have Thanksgiving after
ALA great big dinner, too, with turkey
and cranberry sauce, and hot custard,
and pies, and cake-fruit cake-and Jelly
cake-all kinds-and-well rything
good, now, won't We Auntie?"
After supper Mr.. Simms, accompanied
by his sister in law, called at the cottage
He, after hearing all about Nora. was
satisfied that she was the little girl of
whom he was in search. When he had
finished talking of Noras great great
uncle who had left her the $20,0 he
did not 90 home Immediately, but asked
Catharine to play for him, which, of
course, she did. Then, having secured
Catharine's permission to call again, he
and Mrs. Simms took their leave.
Miss Cooper, l am going to look for
you at dinner on Thursday. Will you
come, you and Nora?" said Mrs Simms.
Catharine thanked her and promised,
and Mr. Simms and his sister in law went
home.
Amt he handsome and nice, Auntie
Kate? How much is 100000? Is it
much?" said little Nora after they had
gone.
"Yes, DEAR" and Catharine turned her
blushing face away from Nora's sharp
eyes. Twenty thousand dollars is ever
SO much"
"Oh, amt glad!" cried Nora.
Three days later a letter came ad-
dressed Miss Nora Lynne Enclosed
was check for $50, and great many
compliments on the story. Nora pre-
sented her money to Catharine as a
Thanksgiving present-something to be
thankful for, you know, Auntie Kate. -"
Thanksgiving Day came, and when the
hour arrived to go to Mrs. Simms's, Cath.
arine dressed herself and Nora with great
care, and each, warmly wrapped, started
to the village.
When Mrs. Simms excused herself
from the parlor to "see about dinner, ="
Catharine was left alone with Howard, for
Nora was upstairs playing with the chill.
dren, and Mr.. Simms-Howard's brother
was in the library reading. Howard
had fallen quite in love with Catharine's
modest ways and personal charms which
were not few, and as he intended asking
her to be his wife some time he concluded
there was mo time like the present, "and
l. Lor 60
able opportunity.
So down upon his knees he went, pro.
posed, and was accepted.
"Catharine, this is indeed day upon
which I should be thankful, and 1 truly
am, said the happy lover. "You won't
mind, will you, dear, if tell them at
dinner of my good fortune7"
"No-o." stammered the blushing Cath.
arine.
So, when Mr.. Simms finished saying
grace, Howard said:
Il would like to add few words to
your grace, brother" and stealing his
arm about Catharne, who sat next to
God for the happiness He had given him,
and asked the dear Lord to make him
worthy of Catharine.
And make me worthy of him, added
Catharine
Nora's eyes were as Large as saucers :"
and her mouth wide open.
"Auntie Kate!" she gasped; and Mrs.
Simms, when the first surprise was over,
said merrily:
"The idea of an old bachelor, 40 years
old, falling in love!"
"Well, my dear sister, could not help
it, honestly. Don't mortify me by show.
ing my weakness before Catharine: be.
sides, it amt my fault, it's all Nora's. II
her great great uncle had not left her so
much money for me to give her"
II couldn't help that, said Nora.
"And if Nora had not written that
story"
II didn't write that story. Auntie
Kate wrote it. ="
We'll, it can't be helped now Won't
we have jolly time Christmas, Nora,
my wife Catharine (for so she will be
then, eh, Caharine p, and myself. Well
have a great big dinner-turkey and
cranberry sauce-and hot custard-an6
pies, and cake, fruit cake, and jelly cake,
all kinds-and-well, everything good to
eat, now won't we, Nora?"
Nora laughed and wanted to know how
he knew anything about that
Years and years after that Thanksgiv.
ing Day Nora came into possession of
her $50, 900, and she did great deal OF
good with it, and everybody loved her.
but no one loved her half so well as Cath.
arne and Howard. Nora always claimed