Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1892-03-23
CHAPTER TX.


Uncle Wake was alone in the house
when Olive came in; his wife had gone
to see their married daughter, and had
left him, surrounded with books, at the
open window of the sitting-room up
stairs. He had not thought that Olive
would return till evening.
When he opened the door and saw
her standing outside alone, he knew
that the time he was looking for was
nigh at hand. 1t was time that he
dreaded, for there was no torture on
earth that Samuel Wake would not have
endured to save woman from pain.
But who does not know those dark
places where we must leave our beloved
ones to walk alone? 1t is their feet,
not ours, that must tread the thorny
path; we can but wait till the trial is
ended, before we come with our balms
of healing. And the old man. wise
with the knowledge of one who has
studied humanity, was waiting pa
tiently for the hour when his help
would be needed.
so you have come back to cheer the
old uncle in his solitude" he said, as she
entered. "My wife has gone to spend
the evening with poor Jessie"
She tried to speak, but her lips
trembled, and the words would not
come.
You are tired, my child,'' he added,
with a tenderness that set her tears
flowing. $50 and lie down on the old
sofa in the parlor upstairs; it is a good
resting place. as have reason to know.
No need TO talk TO the old unclel He
understands silence, and it comforts
him to look at you, even if he does not
hear your voice.
Already soothcd, although she could
not hide her tears, Olive went STRAIGHT
70 her own little room, and laid aside
the pretty bonnet that she had trimmed
with such natural pleasure. What had
she TO do with 1.-THE outward adorninp''
any more? a sore heart has little
thought for the body that contains it.
Poor Olive tossed the bonnet on the
bed, and glanced with disgust at the
bunch Of scarlet poppies and wheat
ears that she had arranged with skill
full fingers. Michael had not given them
one look. and they had been worn for
his eyes alone
IL was no small consolation to feel
that she need not wear a mask before
Uncle Wake. lie had seen that She
was crying, and she knew that he
would not question her She went
softly down 20 the large parlor. and
made her way 81 the old chintz-covcrcd
sofa that was pushed into q shady cor
Nor out Of the light, and then, worn out
with her sorrow, she closed her ewes
and lay still
Large men. like Samuel Wake. often
tread lightly. and his niece did not hear
his approach till he came to her side.
| speaking in the deep. kindly voice that
always conveyed ideas OF help and
strength
Come, Olive, he said, "i am as good
tea-maker as you can find anywhere.
Drink this and cat some Of my toast.
Young people always forget food when
thcy go ont and take their pleasure"
To please him tho weary brown head
| lifted itself from its resting.placc. Olive
ate and drank, and was surprised On
find herself really better for tho tea.
| lie went back 20 his books. and She
sank again on the sofa cushions. bu,
presently her voice called him 10 her
side once more
Uncle, do you mind sitting nearer %
me? am 50 very, very lonely"
The poor voice quavered sadly. Sam.
uel Wake rose from his scat and drew a
chair close 30 the couch.
TO BE Continued