The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1898-09-30

Terry, whose home was in an adjoining
city, was back and forth, while every
days express brought flowers and fruits
from John, Gregory. ~-- =. go -. !
ITO think exclaimed one. of the cir le
two Or three days after. as, they were
packing to go home-fer their departure
had been delayed by the great excite
ment-''tbat we, should discuss heroism
and say what we would like to do under
certain circumstances, then stand there,
helplessly, wripging our hands ~
"Yee, said Margaret, 81 had always
thought would like to sacrifice myself
for another, as Sydney Carton did; but
when the supreme moment came hadn't
courage 10 move-I hadn't sense enough
to put down window and stop the
draught. was simply paralyzed with
fear.'
"And IT, sadly said Ethel, who was
sitting up for the first time, and with
bandaged hands was bolstered in a chair
in one of the girls rooms, where she had
been carried for change, II who meant
to plant my colors on the enemy's
strnp ghold, left that for somebody else
to do. She, instead, planted her colors
on the ''enemy's stronghold" and hence
! forth they are mine. I am conquered.
just think, girls Zayda endangered
her life for me, and had always been,so
hateful TO her!" Tears rolled down
Ethel's cheeks as she made the humilat-
ing confession. The girls surrounded
her and comforted her, telling her that
| even if she had been unkind, she was
| lovely then, and truly, for the old scorn-
full look that had marred her beauty was
entirely gone, and the fire, fortunately,
only left its trace on her hands. They
were not so badly scared as Zayda'e,
who bore, besides, broad crimson band
on her delicate wrist. Madame, in her
impulsive French fashion, bent to kiss it,
saying with much feeling
sit is a cross of honor, my dear; no
bracelet could be so beautiful"
ut is precious to me- said Mrs Damer,
gravely. "for it represents human life,
and that life my daughters" Then she
uDfolded to Zayda the plans she had made
for her future; that she should finish her
course at Madame DecantePs s a regular
pupil; then, as she had often been heard
to wish for~a~higher education, should
enter any colo ge she chose. Meantime,
she was TO be to Mrs Damer as q daugh-
ter, making her home with her when not
in school, and after her education was
completed, 40
Say that you WILL" urged Ethel, who
had quietly entered the room, ''above all.
say that you forgive me; although
1
and you have suffered 80 much in nv
| behalf, that do not see how you cam
Ethel knelt by the bed,. buried her face
! In the clothes and sobbed aloud, when
\ she had finished.ps go 800. ., ~,
"Please do not, "pleaded Zayda, strok-
! ing her hair with her .muf flied hand and
comforting her. "As for forgiyir g, you,
l have nothing to forgive; it was worth
going through fire and flood to gain such
| a friend as / am sure you will always
be-"
i Zayda hesitated about accepting Mrs
Dancers offer; 1t seemed too munificent,
but Mrs Dapar said, sadly, "They are
all gone but Ethel, and you saved her
from terrible fate. Cannot you under
| stand the gratitude Of q loving mothers
heart? : u Understand bow near it brings
you to me2" 80
| "Dear, Mrs Damer, I do understand"
Zayda exclaimed, with emotion. "Offer
me anything, will take it :: but above all
l take the place you offer Inc in your
heart
Zayda's future looks bright, although
it is yet too early to predict whether she
will write book, found scfool for
| girls, or help John Gregory keep his vow.
| She is, however. the leader of her class
| in college, and in her vacations is happy
in her new-found home, where Ethel,
purified of her old selfishness and pride,
makes her feel that she is truly a friend
and sister, and where Mrs Damer be-
slows upen her the warmest affection. +. -