The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-10-24
AMY's WEDDING GIFT.

AMY'S WEDDING GIFT.
When Bert Hammond was about 18
years old his mother died. But before
her death she exacted from him prom
ise that he considered it his sacred duty
to fulfill. He was conscientious boy
and had been a good son.
our father" the dying woman said,
took $1,000 from Seth Manning, of
whom you have often heard me speak.
He is a hard man, treating those less
fortunate than himself coldly and SUI
pereilioIIsly-B that was-not the
slig ghtest excuse for your father dishon-
esty. Mr.. Manning never even sus-
pected his guilt. have tried during
all the years of my widowhood to earn
the stolen money and restore it. I
found it utterly impossible to do SO, for
it took all could earn to support my
self and you in even the humblest way;
But you are young and strong and
brave. Bert, dear, if you want me to
rest quietly in my grave, you will
strive to return that money"
He made the promise without any
misgivings, too young to realize how
severe the task might be. He was nat
urally gay and happy, and what upon
some shoulders would have been.a very
heavy burden rested lightly and easily
on his. He expected to work hard, and
was determined to spend no more mon
ey upon himself than was absolutely
necessary. He tried to find better sit
uation, and after few months his per-
severence was rewarded. He lived
quite as simply as before, managing to
save $3.50 or more every year.
When Bert was about 21 years old,
he was walking one day in the street
carrying a valuable vase home to it's
purchaser. Suddenly he heard great
noise and outcry, and as he turned a
corner he saw dog, his mouth covered
with foam, just ready to spring upon a
young girl, who stood as if paraiyzed
with fear. The vase was large and
heavy, and without a moments hesita-
ton Bert threw it at the dogs head. 1t
stunned the creature for few moments,
and before he could spring up again
two policemen attacked him with their
clubs, and soon all danger was over.
When Bert picked up his vase, he saw
with sinking heart that the handle
was broken. He sighed involuntarily.
VIII you have to pay for that?" asked
the girl.
''Yes, l think So. he replied gravely.
"How much will it bep"
Twenty five dollars at the very
least"
"Oh, I am SO sorry!" she exclaimed.
''You did it for me-and l am not worth
it."
"You must not say that, he answered
approvingly. "What is this thing COM
pared with the life of human beingf
Think of your mother"
q have no mother"
"Your sister, then, or brother"
"I have neither-nor relative of any
kind"
mo one?"
mo. So you see my life can not be
of much consequence, although thank
you for saving it"
81 am all alone, too," Bert said. eve
ought to be friends"
'How can we be?" she asked sadly.
"Do look like rascal?" he demand
ed in his brusque, impetuous way.
NO." she replied, gazing straight in
to his big, honest eyes. Il wish yol
were my brother. If you will let M
help you to pay for that vase, broker
on my account, shall be very glad.
can give you $40 now, that | hav
saved"
"What were you saving it for?"
ITO buy a winter cloak; but I cal
wear my old one."
mo, you can not Do you think
would deprive you of a garment yo1
really needP Nice brother | should be!
The acquaintance did not end here
Amy Billing painted pictures for an ar
store. They showed no great taste @
talent, yet they sold, as such things d
sell, in way that seems unaccountable
Doing fancy work beside, she manage
to supply her simple daily wants. Tn
poor woman with whom she boarde
took great interst in the desolate child
befriending her in many ways.
Very soon Bert did what young me
. who are in no position to marry are a
most sure to do. He fell in love, an
with little Amy. It must have bee
from pure pity in the first place, for th
girl was neither pretty nor especial
attractive. Constant care and anxiet
had taken the color from her cheek an
the glad brightness from her eyes. Bt
the expression of her face was sweet an
gentle and her smile was like sunshine
the more charming, perhaps, on az
count of its purity, for she was usual
grave even to sadness. Bert was a
ways delig ghted if he succeeded in bring
ing q merry look into her face even fl
moment.
"You poor little thing!" he exclaime
one day, 81 would like to take you
my arms and carry you off where yc
would always dress in satin and live c
nightingales' tongues"
"You are dear, good Bert" she sal
"but would rather have muslins
wear sometimes, and I should pref
b a generous slice of roast beef
the nightingales' tongues" And
made his heart fairly dance to hear
genuine laugh ripping from her lips.
A short time after this Bert made
sudden declaration of his love, with 6
his natural impetuosity and eagernes
But Amy looked SO astonished al
startled that his conscience smote hi
and he cried
81 am brute, Amy dear, to fright'
you so. You need not marry me if "
do not want to. take it all back, e
ery bit of it."