The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-11-22
THE UNSEEN HAND.

| Ill UNOEEN HAM.
Amt Maria remarked just now that
had looked kinder peaked ever since
came from Barton E Corner, but to-day
looked downright sick an as white as o
sheet"
She had not seen the letter took from
the postoffice broad, yellow envelope,
directed in a firm, manly hand. She did
not see me go to my room and opon If
with shaking hands. knew what would
fall out-snowy wedding cards tied with
narrow white ribbon
To.day-now, while write-they are
in the church, the man have loved
with life,s devotion, and his bride. l
must love him no more. may pray for
him and his wife may be their friend.
true, earnest, sincere but my love must
die now-to-day.
Connie thought it was very hard |
would come to Aunt Maria's just when
she was 80 busy with her trousseau; but
there were Others TO help her, IL could
not bear it.
Barons Corner was but a tiny cluster
of cottages when my father and Hilman
Crosey started the woolen mills there
and made fortune. They married each
others sister, and Constance Grossly and 1
were not only cousins, but companions
from our cradles. When Hilman Grossly
died, ten years ago, father wound up the
affairs Of the firm and sold the mills, re-
tiring from business 4 s.ch man, but fret
ting for employment. lie built magni-
iicent house in what was then flourish
ing town around the mills, but he did
not live long, and when ne died We and
mammals brother-my Uncle Charley
Wilton--all lived together in the big
house that was my fathers last piece Of
worldly work.
The mills were bought by company
whose fOreman-Stephen Derriek-was
brought into contact with our family
during his business intercourse with faith
er. Finding him gentleman by birth,
education, and manner, father made him
welcome in our home circle.
From the hour when Stephen Derrick's
frank, noble, face and tall, manly figure
first came before me l loved him. did
not define the pleasure it gave me to see
him in those days; but know not why
l felt utterly happy in his presence rest
less when ne was absent.
When father died Stephen Derrick be-
came our close, intimate friend. Uncle
Charlie was in California, and Stephen
was as son to my mother and as dear
brother to Connie and me. A dear broth
er! Even in my own heart called him
so then.
And soon, in return for all he gave to
Us in time, sympathy and attention. he
began to demand Of me the same, half
unconsciously. He was alone in Barton's
Corner, boarding with the clergyman
Mr.. Patterson-and / think when once
he found a friend to sympathize with
him, it was an unutterable relief to take
that friend into full confidence.
Connie used TO yswn and walk of then
we got Stupid" as she called US when
business affairs occupied our attention;
but it interested me deeply to hear all
the vexations and trials Of Stephen Der
rick's position.
The mills were owned by a company,
who, throwing all the work and all the
responsibility upon the foreman, hinder
and hampered him on every side.
They are badly managed" Stephen
said, with biting emphasis. Managed by
man who IS expected to run them with
out expense. Our profits are falling off
every month, because no part ofthen
will be allowed for improvements. Oh~
he cried suddenly, '.if owned the mills
And then he added, in a low confiden-
tial tone:
"But shall probably be discharged.
The company are tired Of their specula-
ton, and are talking of selling out the
whole concern"
But they did not, and the whole con-
cern, in spite OF Stephens efforts, became
a failure.
1t was early in the fall when he came
to tell me the tidings.
TO think they will fall to ruin proba-
bly," he said, while must 20 into the
world again and look for work, leaving
all love here! have hoped against
hope, bat all in vain"
My heart beats nearly choked me, but
my voice did not falter as said F.:
"You may obtain the same position in
q new Company
'No; for bore the whole blame Of the
failure here. And i'll did, what is my
paltry salary to offer to the woman who
has wealth will never stand in the
position Of fortune-hunter, even for my
loves sake"
Bot if she loves you p / said.
81 have never asked-I will never ask
that question till can offer her at least
q home Of my own"
Could throw myself In bis arms
His love was in his yoice-in bis eyes
He loved deeply, earnestly, as he did in
all things else.
talked again Of the mills. With ten
thousand dollars above the cost Of pur-
chase Stephen vas sure he could start
the work again in good order, relying