The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1897-11-13

doubted by Rolf. and loudly protested
against by the worthy housekeeper, but
which the denouement proved to have been
the very acme of far-seeing skill. The
immense interest at stake, and the-con-
sciously undeserved- trust placed in her,
combined to render Billy's care of the
patient pre- -eminently jealous aud watchful;
while upon herself the effect was almost
magical
There is a certain beauty-without
which no woman face is perfect-which
never comes save through a discipline of
sorrow. Not Moses alone came forth from
the hallowed darkness of clouds with his
countenance shining
Much of this subdued sweetness, this
tender grace of manner, came to Billy dur
ing the long weeks of anxious watchfulness;
for Miss Lane illness, though dangerous
only in the first two weeks, was quite pro
tracted A white hoar-frost of blossoms
was over all the orchards when the invalid,
carefully wrapped by Billy and supported
by Mr.. Annesley, emerged from her cham
Der and descended the stairs Then fol
lowed the pleasant days of convalescence,
when, sitting in the balmy spring sunshine,
with Billy by her side, she listened while
Rolf S rich voice gave them the choicest
legends of poetry and romance.
Under these circumstances, that he
should come to regard his interesting audi
tor with feelings of peculiar tenderness,
was not at all surprising; nor was the fact
that his sentiments were reciprocated, en-
tirely without precedent.
Some one suggested journey as likely
to be beneficial to her health; but as Elsie
had no near relatives, the idea was aban-
doned But one evening, when the snowy
blossoms had turned to golden fruit, there
was very quiet wedding in the simple
country church, with only Doctor Burton
to give away the bride.
Rolf and Elsie had been married two
years-years of quiet home enjoyment and
ireside culture-when, one evening, DR..
Burton, now frequent and honored Wis
itor, entered, unannounced, and proceeded
to the library, where Billy sat reading.
Or was it Billy? The young lady with
a wealth of auburn hair wound around her
head like diadem, whose beautifully clear
complexion was heighted by sea green
ribbons, and whose manner, as she arose
to welcome the guest, was marked alike
by frank cordiality, and a sweet but as
sured dignity.
s'Tll call Rolf, she said, as, the first
greeting over, she requested the doctor to
be seated
"No," he said, gently OBTAINING her.
Il didn' come to see Rolf, this time;
adding, in u peculiar tone, 81 have come
on business-to present a bill. .
Billy looked puzzled.
II think l don't quite understand,
she said, eff it is bill, you must want
to see my brother.
"No," he rejoined; ''my business is
with you. But [ see that / shall have to
call your memory back to a morning, nearly
three years ago, when, in this very room,
a certain naughty little girl promised to
give me anything on earth, if would only
cure her sick governess. All, Sybil that
was rash promise, for my demand is ex-
horbitant. 1t is even yourself Tell me,
my darling taking the little hands that
had so trembled that morning in his own
e'is it asking too much p
There was almost youthful eagerness in
his voice; but Billy reply was not very
ready. She blushed and paled, by turns.
Then, at last, with queer little laugh,
like an echo of her old weird merriment.
she said:
''Well, a promise, | suppose, is
promise; and if you are not afraid to risk it,
II guess am willing.
Rolf and Elsie were a little surprised at
the turn affairs had taken; but as Billy was
supposed to know her own heart best, they
offered no remonstrance. Perhaps Billy
felt that he who had been such true
friend. in her time of sorest calamity,
would net make bad friend for her life
At all events, no happier bride ever went
forth from the old homestead, than bright
Billy Annesley.
X X X
Again it is spring; and again the or
chards are white with blossoms, and the
garden beds flaming with tulips. A familiar
group is gathered at the old home. Billy,
who has come over to pay morning visit,
sits on the piazza steps, putting Sin, the
black and-tan, through her almost forgot
ten antics; while baby Rolf, from safe
position on his mother lap, reaches out
his chubby hands for the paternal whisk
ers. and in manner more forcible than
gentle, reminds his papa of the impolite
ness of reading in company. 1t is pretty
picture of home life and home pleasures.
Presently one deep stroke echoes from
the old clock in the hall.
Zone o clockr' exclaimed Billy "Can
it be possible p taking out her watch for
confirmation. s'Get down, Sin | must be
going home. -
Stay to dinner, Billy, said Elsie,
coaxingly.
II can today, Elsie, I'm sorry to say,
but was told to be home by one clock,
and L m the good child who always mindsF'
Rolf threw down the paper and laughed.
"Obedience was not one of your
strong points, Billy" he said. ''How
are we to account for the change p
''Ah, Rolf, with an odd twinkle in
her ewes there's the fun was going
to say the recompense of it! l led you
sorry race in the old times, poor fellow!
Perhaps it may comfort you to know that,
though you failed to get me goyeness,
have found my governor at last. y
Picking up her hat from the step be-
side her. and dropping hasty kiss on the
cherry mouth Of her little nephew, she ran
away, laughing.
Her punctual departure, even though
covered by merry manner, might have
misled some; but Rolf, watching with
tender interest the glad feet tripping away
toward her second home, knew that 1t was
no harsh rule, no stern coercion, that made
his little sister one of the most gentle, as
well as the happiest women in the country.
STOPPING to pick up baby's coral, he
noticed that Elsie, too, was watching the
white dress futtering among the trees
across the meadow, and reading the express
sion on her smiling face, he spoke the
.l,,I4 ,-h;cb ,vas in both their minds