Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1898-10-29

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village. Twice week carriage
would be sent for her. and the sal
cries were more than double the in
cone from the farm. Neither
John Trowbridge nor Essie knew
that DR.. Reynolds, by quiet, I'M
suspected influence, had brought
about this happy result. No one
know that he had driven the prin--
cipal of the seminary over On m
evening when Essia was pouring
out her whole soul 10 music, and
held him spell-bound for two hours
on the farm porch.
But they did know that strong
armed Irish girl could be paid to DO
the work of the house out of ESTES
income, and that Trustworthy man
was found to take the teamwork
on shares.
John Trowbridge began to real
| ize that there we're women Of some
value to the world who possessed
but small share Of bone snd muscle
for actual lard work. For scholars
came all the way from L., the
market town, seven miles away, to
the farmhouse. Concerts were
given for charitable purposes, and
Essie was engaged at goodly sums
to play. Strangers came to the
village church to hear the wonder.
Gus voice and playing Of the young
organist.
And while the comforts OF the
farm we're multiplied by Essie's
generous expenditure, while the
rooms gradually lost their bare dis
NAL look, by additions of furniture
and ornaments, while flowers bios.
somed on barren spaces, and the
farm itself was more fully stocked,
Essie was even the same.
The same in respectful love for
Harry's father, the same gentle-shy
woman, modest as q violet. Yet
not the same as the months sped by,
and the sorrow Of widowhood lost
something of its keenest pain.
John Trowbridge wondered lit
tie, when the pisno had filed its re.
cess for a whole year, why Ernest
Reynolds was so much interested in
an old mans rheumatism. He had
always been en- attentive physician,
and had never neglected the father
of bic dear friend, Harry Trowbridge.
But of late be fingered long when
ever he called, and often dropped
in.
Essie learned to know his step,
and her shy eyes would brighten
when she heard IL. Harry had told
her of many noble traits in the
doctors character, and in charities,
his conscientious discharge of every
duty. his Christian influence where
pain and the shadow Of death cross
ed his daily path.
Ever shyly distrustful of herself,
she did not even dream of winning
the love of this hero of her husband 3
boyhood, this generous friend of
the afflicted, this honored men,
Der Of q noble profession.
She had given her first love, true
and warm. to Harry. But the
daisies had bloomed twice over
Harry's grave, and the gentle heart
was touched by other influence.
June roses were blooming, and
Harry had been dead two years
when one evening Essie sat at her
piano, with her fingers calling forth
q melody full of sweetness. 1t was
neither glad or sad, ard not 80 loud
hnb John Trowbridge, in the porch,
could hear the voice of DR.. Reynolds
as that gentleman spoke in deep,
heartfelt tones.
When he had heard all the old
man said:
go to Essie, Ernest, and tell her
the one wish of my heart will be
granted if, when die, l leave her
in the happiness of such love IS
you bring her. 1t has been my
great sorrow that her short mar
ried life tied her to an old man who
was SO poor companion for her.
I believe Harry himself would bid
you God speed"
And Essie, when the love plea
vas whispered, the message deliver
ed, bent her head to hide happy
tears.
"You will let me love your" the
doctor pleaded. "You can love
me?"
Only the little hand nestled clos
or In his own for answer. But after
little time, the sweet, clear voice
asked:
"You will let me keep my prom
ise to Harry, Ernest? I could not
desert father nowl"
II oaly ask to help you in your
care for him. My home shall be
his! And II he will sell the farm he
will have an income that will take
away oil sense OF dependece, while
We can still give him love-"
at seems 80 strange TO think
you love mel" Essie said, after
they had talked long.
"Little one ! loved you before
Harry won you, but I starved my
own heart for yours. Do you know