Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1892-08-18
LOVES MIRACLE.
BY D. F.


l was the only child of wealthy
and every pains were taken
with my education. l was taught the
language of the mutes, and more than
that, was taught to understand what
was said by the motion of the lips.
In this way, too, l often learned peo-
ple's real opinion of me.
who is that young ladyT would
see some one ask.
That is Miss Agnes Temple
She is very pretty. She has a
lovely complexion
Yes, but poor thing, she is deaf
Deaf What pity
lit is, indeed; but she is a great
heiress, and she has plenty OF admir-
ers.'
One morning 1 was intending to
90 to New York with my mother to
try on some dresses just ordered, but,
on coming in to the breakfast room,
papa informed me that mamma was
i'll with violent headace. l flew to
her room"
Agnes, I am too sick to 60 with
you, she said. But l will tell you
what I think, you had better 60 alone
and not be disappointed about the
dresses.
So, after little more talk, it was
decided Papa saw me on board the
cars, and l embarked on my first
journey alone.
For a little while | had my seat to
myself. Then we stopped at a station;
there was a rush of people, and a
young gentleman, coming to my
place, asked:
is this seat engaged?
No, sir, and moved to give him a
place beside me.
He was evidently gentleman, tall,
fair-haired, with face, thought
even then, one of the noblest | had
ever looked on. I sat with my eyes
fixed on my book, till the conductor
aroused me with his:
Ticket, mum!'
I looked up, then hastily glanced
in my lap; neither ticket nor purse
was there. l felt in my pocket
emptlnessl
i put the ticket in my purse ]
gasped.
But the conductor had passed on,
impatiently.
Perhaps l can help you find it.
said the stranger, politely.
thanked him. We both rose, be
searched under the seats, and every
where near us-the purse was
nowhere 20 be found.
The conductor returned with his
Ticket, num-, this time rather impa-
tiently given.
Il have lost both my ticket and my
purse l sale. 4 don't know what
can do.'
1T is no matter, Miss Temple said
the man, who knew me. Its all
righ%'
He walked away, and the stranger
turned to me again.
MAY l ask if the loss Of the purse
will put you to any Inconvenience, or
if you are expecting to meet friends
who can supply you with money!
i am expecting to meet no one,' l
said. Il only came down to go to my
dressmaker's, but she will no doubt
lend me some money"
"Then you must permit me either
to lend you enough for your fare to
her house, or allow me to wait upon
you until you are safely there"
1t was a civility needed only toe
much. l could not refuse it, yet
felt very awkwardly TO receive such
service from stranger.
"You hesitate" he said, looking
earnestly at me. "But here is my
card, and if you will permit me tc
lend you S. you can send it to my
address as soon as you reach home.
The neat pasteboard bore the name
of "Mr. Paul Chester" and thu
service was offered with such perfec
delicacy I could not refuse 1t.
After this 1t was of course, impossi
bic not to talk with him, and very
soon discovering that we had many
mutual friends, my first shyness TO,
want of a regular introduction wor'
away, and we were soon conversins
like old acqueintances.
Sitting near each other as we die
in the cars, not only made out wha
ae SAID by the motion of his hand
some, clear cut lips, out also hear(
almost always his pleasant voice
Once in the station of New York
however, I could only rely on m.
eyes to tell his words Twice i
happened that | did not quite cato
his meaning, and at last when a hack
driver spoke to him and he appeale'
to me, I had to ask:
"What does he say?"
l saw the surprised look on MI
Chester's face as he answered, and q
l took his arm to go to the carriage
said
"You thought me stupid just nov
but, to tell you the truth, am quit
deaf"
Really, as made the avowal l fe
more regret and pain from my mis-
fortune than ever before in my life.
I went off to my day Of shoppin
with strange mixed feelings, th
handsome ewes of Paul Chester haun