The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-03-11

''But Kate is not Wanda!''
There was a world of meaning in his
words, and the girls eyes filed with
tears she could not repress.
''It seems but the other day." he con-
tinued, fretfully, that good old Bladon
brought me to Glastonbury. The physi
clan had said that change of scene
would do me good-fancy change OF
scene for blind man, Wanda-and l
cared not where went, for all places
were the same to me. But the smell of
the pines was pleasant, and felt the
presence of the river. Little did think
that there was in store for me such a
year of happiness as have enjoyed.
What lucky day it was for me when
Harry Evesham found me laundering
along in my poor, helpless way right in
front of runaway horse and took me
to his home. Then how generously
Mrs. Evesham received me into her
family circle, and - I met geu, Wandai'
'.Yes, yes!'' the girl said, hurriedly;
but he could not see the quivering of
her lip nor the deep crimson of her
blush. ''Alone as you were in the
world, it must have been pleasant ex-
perience FOR you"
'Ah, you may well say so, never
knew how sweet one till now. But
let us not waste words, Wanda, for this
may be the last chance may enjoy for
months of speaking with you alone.
You and are similarly situated-waifs
and strays in the world"
Then he added with sad smile: sYou
ahave given me the priceless blessing of
a sisters love-alas, with my affection,
dare not ask for more"
"A sisters love give you freely" !"
Then her face lit up with smile as
she said: ''You promised to tell me
about yourself, George, Now. be a
good boy and crafty nay curiosity
''Well, sister mine," he said, 81 will
give you my autobiography. cannot
say in the orthodox manner of story
tellers that was born of poor but re-
spectacle parents, for ! am afraid mine
were unromantically well to do. The
early past is yelled in much obscurity
1 have a dim recollection of a happy
home across-the seas of time when
could see all the beautiful things on
earth-of long illness which left me in
total darkness-of a frantic father hur-
rying me away from the place of my
birth-of long years of restless travel
and-that is all, Wanda"
''But, your father?''
''Ah, he was the dearest, kindest man
who ever breathed the hreatb Of lifa.a
Ibid he neSer speak to you of your
childhood?"
Never on the contrary he forbade
any allusion to it. For years he hur-
ried me from place to place with rest
less persistency, always accompanied
by old William Bladon, who seemed to
be more trusted friend than servant to
him.
''What object could he have in lead
ing such nomad life?"
''That is more than can tell you. AS
l got older fancied he vas Aying from
some terrible trouble - he seemed in
such constant dread of recognition or
pursuit.
"How stranger
''Was it not? Well, the elimax game
at last, Just ysaE ago we reached Chi
cago from the far west. was tired
with travel, and my dear father was
anxious about my health, for no woman
could have been tenderer in her solici-
tude than he was of Fae. pue day we
were walking down State state, he, in
gayer mood than usual, describing to
me the stores and the sights. Suddenly
I felt his grasp tighten on my arm and
a thrill of emotion shake his frame-you
see we blind are very sensitive, Wanda
then, groan escaped his lips, !
knew he was suffering frona some great
shoak. Father what is it2' ! said.
Then ] heard q woman's voice quite
close to us. so, we meet at last. Ar
thur Arundel it criedin a clear. music
al tone, which Revertheless had ring
9f anger in It, but which my quick per-
ception recognized as the voice of
cultured woman. The next instant NV
poor father fell prone on the pavement;
a crowd gatheredi and he was carried
to the hotel where he died in less than
an hour"
Without recovering cOnsciousnessa"