Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-04-04
AN EAST WIND.

mound. Only few weeks before the
death angel had swiftly and silently en-
tered the Challis home, claiming for his
own the wife and mother.
Stern judges said of the girl, ~She is
intensely selfish" More lenient ones
corrected, ~only a bit spoiled. as the
only daughter of fond parents is apt to
be.
There is no grief like minel" said
Dorothy.
The wind whirrsd briskly. waiting ts
her ears the sound OF homely Neighbor
Plummer's voice.
ats nat'ral Dorothy should grieve, but
she doesn't see that her father bears a
heavier burden Of grief an responsibility.
Christians must not allow sorrow TO blind
em to their duty to the ivin'. Dorothy
can't fill her mothers place, but she can
cheer lonesome father, brighten the
house bit, an be lovin' sister to the
little boys. She can open the closed parloI
an the piano. A daughter can be q
bright jewel in darkened home. Ii is a
selfish grief that blinds one to homely
everyday duties. The little boys begin
10 look neglected. Maggie is a faithful
girl an knows Mis- Challis' way of dom
things, but she wants help. Their Aunt
Margaret is rally needed.
Dorothy's cheeks famed scarlet. In.
dignantly she thought. "The meddlesome
gossips! What do they know about low.
ing and doing and real grief-a sorrow
like miner"
Again the wind whirred, waiting into
her ears sounds from the summer
kitchen, Neddy's boyish wall and Maggie's
shrill voice
"Masther Neddy, you've been wild the
alley boys sphatterin' your clane suit
Your feyther bid We bide at home"
Dorothy went at once to Neddy's aid,
and saw tear-stained, dirty faced, mud
despatched little boy in torn kits.
"Why do you play in the alley when
papa bids you stay at home ?" she asked.
IL doesn't know what else to do, a" sob.
bed Neddy.
"The poor child is lonesome, explained
Maggie. II thry to moind the boys, bui
me work. kapes me busy. I'll be PLACED
whin your aunt cooms to moind things
Loving and doing go hand in hand,
thought Dorothy, as she made Neddy
presentable, remembering that for the
last few weeks she had done few helpful
things for any one.
A sisterly kiss was warmly returned by
the child, and he asked:
Won't you stay in the parlor with us
after tea and singh"
"Yes, darling, replied Dorothy.
A little later Mr.. ChalIis came home,
having picked up Dick and Joe upon the
way. He smiled approvingly upon
Neddy's neat appearance.
"Sister mended my clothes and combe6
my hair She's goin' to sing for us after
tea, said the child, triumphantly.
1t cost Dorothy heart pang TO sit ib
her mothers chair and pour the tea.
Upon this evening she resolved to lay
aside her mourning gowns. Mrs. Chall S
had always worn and loved pretty colors.
After tea the piano was opened. and
the little boys delightedly sang their
favorite songs.
"Oh, said Neddy, when being tucked
into bed, you're most as nicea ma nnl.
do want her so much. | cry lots an
lots, an 50 does joe an Dick when
they're lonesome.
1t is nice to have you to hear our
prayers, said Joe, gratefully.
Dorothy's heart smote her when she
thought of the times they had gone to
sleep without a sisters goodnight kiss.
In the parlor Mr.. Challis sat beside the
lamp, reading. Dorothy resumed her
place at the piano, singing softly, Go
Bury Thy Sorrow"
Thank you, daughter, for your music.
You and may share our SORROW" re-
marked her father.
"Oh, papa" cried Dorothy, creeping
into his arms, mamma was so much to
me, and ] have missed her so sadly, that
forgot that your burden was heavy,
too2"
Mamma was everything to us all, but
she was only loaned for season., re-
piled Mr.. Chailis, brokenly.
Dorothy wept unrestrained. Her
fathers sympathy was very precious to
her, and this evidence of daughterly
trust was sweet to him.
Upon the next morning Dorothy felt
repaid for the effort it cost her to ex-
change the mourning gown for rose
colored one when the boys openly adj
mired her pretty dress.
She opened a window. Neighbor Plum
mer was singing, "A Charge to Keep |
Have" She looked about her. seeing
evidences of neglect in every room.
Il have charge to keep, sacred
trust, thought Dorothy, resolving to
shrink from no duty though it be dis
agreeable one.
Two busy months followed, in which
failures, successes. and real work were
mingled. As Maggie said, Things had
run down bit.
There came a day when Maggie must
leave the Challis family for some time,
and Aunt Margaret could not come to
Dorothy's aid. Then Neighbor PIummer
came over. saying:
~Tm not the woman to see a young
girl left in pinch 'tbout lendin' heIpin'
hand. You've come 10 a hard place. but
well wade through it. can help little
every day until your aunt comes.
Dorothy welcomed gratefully this
friend in need, and strong friendship
grew up between the plain, practical.
sturdy woman and the young girl who
had not dreamed that Neighbor Plum
mer's coarse exterior contained a beauti.
full soul, one purified by tile fires Of aillic-
\ ton.