Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-01-26
REUNITED.
fConoiuded ]
ltN FLoSsIE"

lodgings in town; aud Rose Lorrimer
stood giving nj the destruction OF all her
belongings Mr.. OSmond sat chatting
with an acquaintance III the smoking ear
OF the train that was just coming in from
Concord. His journey north had been
successful, and would add snug little
sum to his already comfortable income.
A self-mHde man was Mr.. Osmond, and
he often looked back-with a thankful
heart TOR the joys OF the present-to the
days OF his youth when, barefoot boy,
he had been glad OF a chance to work all
day for { pennies, and even grateful
/ for a kially word. But he had con-
quered adversely, and now, at fifty, had
satisti ct his very modest desires. His fu-
ture, torts were assured, his home WAS
all that ,,t, could wish-neither he nor his
wife CARE for ostentatious living-and he
/ va, apc to give assistance to many a
struggling mortal. Remembering the
needs his past he was always glad to
Ii shteu the burden OF others when he
could.
This night he told himself that the
stress Of his business duties was over, and
he { aid find time to join his wife in the
pleasures OF the Christmas holidays, W hen
til, { home always overlooked with good
cheer. He was idly wondering what
pans Mrs. O-had under way, while re-
wing to remark OF his friend, when
.e train stopped and someone looked in
. say hat there was Il fire ahead on the
other track, and they would probably
ha To he plaa
would not tie safe to pass.
Mir. Osmond joined the largely in
creased crowd Of spectators. He had in
CURED into the origin OF The fire, watched
with interest the work OF the trainmen
to protect tire track ard WIS searching
Wit keen eyes the sea Of faces Tor IA
mIimr couHteuance, when his gaze was ar
rested ny the White troubled face of Rose
Lorrimer.
He made his way 10 her at once.
Il beg your pardon" lie said cour-
teously, but you seem to be annoyed
about something. Can help you in any
way?"
She looked up, startled, but the grave
kindly face reassured her. THANK YOU
no one can help the, have lost my all
She pointed with trembling hand to
the red mass on he track.
"i on are aione?"
II am all alone" Mr. Osmoud was
touched by the calm, yet hopeless tone.
"WiIl you trust me and tell me about
it? Perhaps can help you after ALL
She yielded so far as to let him lead her
out OF the crush, and they climbed the
bank to the stone wall where some TWEEN
ty or more people were resting. He bade
her sit down upon the wall, and stood
beside her, waiting, but she did not
speak.
"You have lost your bagsage?" he
questioned gently.
'Ies, my baggage, my money, my hope
OF a future livelihood. / do not know
what o do. | did not dare carry all my
money in my purse-it was so small sum
and so necessary. Thought it would be
safer in my trunk"
"Where were you going?"
ITO l.. | hoped to get work in the
factories If nothing better could be found.
But my references have gone with my
clothes and money" She spoke always
in low tone, with note OF someth hing
like despair, and faint bitter smile
curved her lips at times.
"You are stranger here?"
81 am stranger anywhere in Massa-
chusetts."
Mr.. Osmond's thoughts were active for
the next few moments. Clearly the girl
could not be allowed to go on to Ia
at
her, but how? Should he give her money
enough to support her till she found
work?
He looked at her perplexed. She was so
downcast and forlorn, not fit to spend
long days in quest OF employment. Who
could tell what might become OF her?
Should he want a daughter OF his left in
her situation? No, no, he could not shirk
his duties in that way. Here was one of
Gods 'little ones'. "Inasmuch as ye do
it unto the least Of these"
He turned to her cheerily. my dear,
it is not possible for you to go on to L.
am going to take you home to my wife,
and dare say we shall be able to find a
position for you. And in the meantime
you can help Mrs. Osmond with her
Christmas work"
The look OF relief, and surprise and
thauktulness that the girl turned on him
brought a moisture to his eyes. Tears
ran down over her cheeks unheeded, as
she took one OF his hands in both hers
and chung to it as one gladly clings to the
hana that reseues. But she could not
speak.
"Have you anything in the carr" he
asked her, and when she aoswered i'll the
negative be toul, Aer down 10 A3i oTn
train, and put her in his seat.
He left her very much to herself during
the remainder 81 the way home, going
bscl: to the smoker with his friend, and
oAit returning when they arrived in Bos-