Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1892-01-08

her rosy face between his hands and kissed
IL affectionately. Then, with nod and
smile, he went TO warm his hands before the
blazing fire before shaking hands with his
patient.
Rubbing his hands together, he cat down
beside the bed, saying:
We'll, you are looking quite bonnie, how
do YOU feelY'
VERY much better, doctor. i want you to
let me get up"
40 you think you could bear it?"
'Yes l am sure l could, am tired OF the
bed"
"1hen you shall get up; but you must no.
leave your room. You are so delicate now,
and it is intensely cold; there is q hard
FROST"
Dorothy looked towards the window
where she could see the outside world bright
and clear with frosty sunshine.
'You must see this young lady is well
wrapped up, Bessie, my dear, and donot let
her tire herself"
II will take care Of her. Look here, Mr.
Penfold has sent beautiful warm dress
ing-gown for her."
The little woman opened a box and drew
out white cashmere dressing-gown, lined
with white satin, and bordered everywhere
with wide white swan,down.
1t was long, full, and had a Vatican pleat
behind.
Dear me- what n grand arrangement l
understand now why the young lady is so
eager 10 get up-she wants to get into that
dream of a dress. Oh, vanity thy name is
woman. | shall run in TO see Miss Snow in
her robe of state; remember you are to keep
a cup of tea for me.
Now | must be off. Lie down now, young
woman, and rest. She is not to get up till
she has eaten good dinner, Bessie, and
had sleep"
"All right, dear, will sec that she obeys
orders. Goodbye dear"
When they were alone again Mrs. Steel
said, as she poked the fire into blaze:
shall | read to you, dear; | have all the
ANIMALS and monthly magazines here?'
Dorothy readily agreed and listened to the
little woman's pleasant voice contentedly
for long time, then the heavy lids dropped
over the tired eyes, and Dorothy slept
serenely with her lovers letter in her
hands, and bunch Of early violets by her
side.
And Mrs. Steel, who, woman-lille loved
the idea of a wedding, was mentally arrang-
ing everything in most satisfactory way
aS she sorted her silks and toasted her toes
by the fire.
After time Dorothy woke up, ate her
dinner, and then said eagerly:
Il can get up now, can't |, Mrs. STEELE"
Eyes, dear; | will help you dress, and you
must sit in an eaSy-chair and keep quiet.
Perhaps Mr.. Penfold will return to-day"
Il think he will. DO you know, | dreamt
| saw him riding along the high road on
Blanche, and heard the ring of her hoofs on
the frost-bound earth. Somehow the sound
seemed sweetest music TO me-"
81 can scarcely hear she murmurcd,
For my heart beats loud and fast;
But surely in the far, far distance
| can hear sound AZ last,
sang Mrs. Steel, as she shook ont the pretty
white robe, and placed ready fox Dorothy's
use; and the shining hair was brushed, and
the pretty girlish figure was adorned in the
picturesque dresSing-gown.
ut is 4 pleasure only to look at you, dear,
you are so nice" said good-natured Mrs.
Steel, as she fastened the last satin knot
ander Dorothy's pretty dimpled chin.
Il never thought 10 be well again. week
ago death seemed 50 near; Yet, though
have so much 10 live for-loye, lite, and
earthly blessings was not afraid"
"IIark! What is that Someone mas come
In; 20 and see who II is, there's dear little
woman
Mrs. Steel left her patient to 60 down.
stairs. Jane took her buster away, and
Dorothy was left alone 90 listen and long
for the sound Of voice that was the best
music in the world to her.
Presently she heard the sound Of eager
footsteps, and Pierce-a haggard and alter
ed Perce-enterrl with ou'stretched arms.
TO BE CONTINUED.