The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-07-26
LIGHT AT LAST.
BY FRANCES HRNsHAw BADEN.

BY FRANCES HRNsHAw BADEN.
The little town Of Claremont was cele-
brated for its pretty girls. The palm of
beauty, however, was yielded universally
to Jewell Hastings Yet, strange to tell,
although twenty-five, she had never had
an acknowledged suitor; but there was
not one of the boys who had grown up
with her who would not have been proud
nd happy to have served her in any
a ay.
There was one, young Harry Lawton,
the doctor, who was oftener seen with
her than any other.
When Harry's uncle, the best loved
and most skillful physician in the town,
passed from earth the folks transferred
their confidence to his nephew and name
sake Thus it was that Harry, being
JEWELS aunt's medical adviser-in fact,
her adviser on all subjects-was thrown
almost constantly in the beautiful girls
society. And she, ike her aunt placing
full confidence in the young man, did
not hesitate to call on him if she needed
an escort at any time. Yet never for
moment did Harry Lawton draw any
flattering inference regarding his position
with Sewel. He understood her perfect
ly.
Jewell Hastings lived with her aunt, a
maiden lady, whose worldly goods
amounted only to the little cottage in
which they lived and small amount of
money, the interest of which supplied
their necessary wants. The neighbors
all knew exactly just their situation. But
after few years, when Jewell was eigh-
teen, there began something that they
could not understand. No girl in the
litsle town dressed better; few as well.
And as the years passed on her robes in
creased in elegance.
Now, where do they come from ?'
"How on earth does she manage to pay
for them?g were questions of the time
and town.
Some Of the wise folks declared she
made money by embroidery, and that
was why she never ran about like the
other girls. But this was not much cred
tied, for it was generally known that, ad-
mitting her dresses numbered Dut few,
years hard work of that kind would not
do it. And so the mystery remained to
all but Doctor Lawton.
There was on a high eminence, in
Claremont, an old mansion, once very
elegant. For years it had been untenant-
ed. At the time of the beginning Of this
story it was rumored to have been pur-
chased by the family of great wealth.
who were to occupy it. Very soon the
windows were thrown open, and band
OF workmen entered. Immediately after
the completion of their work the new
purchasers came-only widow and her
son.
A few days after their arrival Doctor
Lawton sat reading in his office. A
knock called his attention. In answer
to his "Come in" gentleman entered.
Before one word had escaped his lips,
Harry Lawton mentally exclaimed
Here is the prince who may win our
jewell" yet it vas not merely the ply
sical beauty thai attracted the doctor, but
the soul that beamed in his eye, the
spirit that pervaded his entire bearing.
"Will you be kind enough TO come
with me Immediately? My mother is
extremely i'll. l dared not trust a ser
want, as haste is all important. Ny name
is Fielding. l have conveyance here.
Doctor Lawton was drawing on his
coat, while his visitor spoke.
A few moments drive brought them
to the mansion on the hill.
Mrs. Fielding's illness proved to bean
attaet of appoplexy, which required Doct-
or Lawton's attention through the night
and for several days after. During these
visits quite an intimacy grew between
Harry Lawton and Ernest Fielding. The
favorable opinion formed on their first
meeting daily increased, and Harry found
himself continually thinking:
"Yes, they were made for each other"
Ernest Fielding was an artist his soul
filed with poetic visions. Every hour
that Harry Lawton could spare from his
patients and study was spent in the
studio Of his friend. During one of these
visits it was that Harry spoke Of Jewell,
fancying some slight resemblance in one
of the ideal faces.
$50 with me TO church tomorrow.
You will see her there. Afler, if you de-
sire, will get her permission to intro
duce you" said Harry.
Gladly Ernest Fielding accepted the
invitation. The next day, before enter
ing the church, he expressed the desire
to find Miss Hastings without Harry di-
recting his attention.
There were at least q dozen beautiful
girls that passed out of the chucrh as
Harry and his friend stood near the
door.
When Jewel came, with expression Of
mingled admiration and surprise, Ernest
Fielding moved slowly behind her out Of
the ehurch-yard. Harry following besides
him. Neither spoke until Jewell had
passed out of hearing
"Well ?" Harry said.
"Of course, that wss Miss Hastings.
She is beautiful. Ifyou can, present me
as soon as possible"
Jewell had not failed to notice the