The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1897-03-11
IOriginal story by Henderson young
lady, published by request
HARRIE;
Or the ClematiCe Garden.
BY HN Y CARSON
BY HN. Y. CARSON.
CHAPTER |

snow flakes fall with a Subdued rustic,
thinking how beautiful the season,
when knock was repeated twice on
the door, and before Harre was
aroused from the revery he had fallen
into it was repeated the third time
ere he answered it.
Good afternoon, sill. may come
in to warm2" said feeble voice, and
Harrie, saw standing there with snow
| falling thick and fast around his un-
covered head, figure bent with old
age.
"Certainly you may come in.
The stranger entered, and the door
was closed. Harrie did not notice him
until they had begun TO converse with
each other. Such eyes, so dark and
commanding, and such firm set lips.
| They told something of which Harrie
could not divine the meaning. The
strangers form was bent, and his hair
streaked with gray. As he sat warm
ing himself, Harrie did not interrupt
him for time. Finally he started.
at must be growing late and my
child will be weary waiting and watch
ing for me-" he said.
"Have you far to go this bleak win
ter's day, and is your presence SO ur-
gent that you cannot pass the night
with me2" asked Harrie.
"Ah! my presence is very urgent,
and kind lad, know not how to
thank you. Now l must be going. If
ever our paths cross again, hope to
repay you for your kindness. "
"Do not call it kind, for l would
| have been heartless indeed, to have re-
fused you sharing my little fire with
me. am glad that | could help
you"
"Thank you; now must say good-by
and may the good God bless and help
you on your way"
The old man left Harrle alone, and
directed his steps across the narrow
streets to the broad snow drifted road,
leaving the pretty little town of Dales-
spires fer behind.
Not until he had tired of gazing on
the pure spotiess world outside, did
his thoughts revert to the child he had
said was waiting for him. Then he
pictured her as she would be when she
beheld her dear grandfather, home,
from the long stay he had made in the
fair land of Italy.
Harrie reseated himself by the case
ment to look on the beautiful white
world. His thoughts were in chaos;
he was thinking of everything, but
more of the old man and wondering
If he would ever meet with him again.
Suddenly the bright and amused look
faded on his face leaving it pale and
sad. "This is a beautiful world after
| all" he murmured, 81 wonder # some
one will be merciful to poor mortal
like myself. would SO like to have
nice position to lift me from the hum
bic place l hold. l will go out all
| alone in this cruel world to see what
| fate has in store for me, 0! that had
some one that loved me, to say a gen
tie encouraging word; to help me up
the rough path to fortune and a
name
Poor Harrie did not think there in
his desolatlon, Of the blessing the gray
haired man pronounced. He only
thought how sad and lonely his life
was, to be lad of seventeen years.
| The snow had ceased rustling, and
the glorious sun was mounting far
across the azure dome, when Harre
awoke from dreaming slumber. He
dreamed he went out in search of fsome
occupation, that he met an old man
who was kind to him. "Ah. me, the
kind man l dreamed of has held my
eyes in slumber rather late, l must
hurry and go out" Donnng the
best he had, Harrie went leaving us
| for little while.