The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-09-23
THE BROKEN
ENGAGEMENT.
BY HELEN FORREST GRAVES.

fur gloves, previous to entering the neat
phaeton once again, while she reiterated to
the white-capped maid some direction re-
speeding old Ann Mudgett's rheumastism,
when the mstrou hurried in.
"Oh, l beg your pardon, Doctor CIari-
mont said she, ''but clean forgot the
new old woman
'Ihe new old woman ~ repeated Doctor
Mary, with smile.
Chat is, explained Mrs. Cunningham,
''she only came last night-a quiet old
soul, half blind and quite bad with the
asthma. Perhaps you'd better just see her
before you go. She brought card Of adj
mission from Doctor Merton, the New York
clergyman, who is one Of our directors, you
know. And she seems decent body
enough"
SO Doctor Mary went cheerfully into the
little brick paved room, with its white
pallet-bcd, cushioned rocking chair and
neatly draped easement. where sat poor
lttle shriveledup woman, wrapped in Il
faded shawl
She looked tmidly up as Doctor Mary
came in, from under the borders Of her cap.
II m a poor body, miss, - said she, land
Pm sensible I'm making deal of irouhle
in the world. But The Lord don't always
take us, miss, when we'd like to go"
"This is the doctor, said Mrs Cunning
ham.
The hstle woman would have risen up to
make feeble courtesy, bnt Doctor Mary
motioned her to keep her seat and asked
"What is your name"
Louise MARROW, miss "
MARROW? Tnas is an unusual name,
ism it?" said Mary Clarimont, coloring in
spite Of herself.
, ''We're English, miss" said the old
woman, struggling bravely with her as,h
ma. "There ain many Of us in this coun,
try. I've son, miss, in the law business
as any mother might be proud of.
~ SUI tCutei .hIS. cunningham
''and you in the almshouse?"
Not that it's his fault, ma'am,' the
old creature made haste to explain only
son is to be married to fine, proud young
lady, as is fit for any prince in all the land
and Of course he can't be expected to burden
himself with helpless old woman like NE
He says Pm to write and let him know
how | get along, and if Pm sick or any
thing. he'll try to see me. sewed carpets
ported myself comfortably. But of course
! couldn't lay up anything for a rainy day
who could? And Henry could not helI
me, for he's getting ready to be married
poor lad So | went to Doctor Merton ant
asked him, did he know of any decent
place where an old woman like me could
end her days in peace. And he gave me &
card to come here and some money to pay
my travelling expenses-God bless him =
and here am ~
Mary Clarimont had listened quietly tt
the garrulous lady, but the color had varied
in her cheeks more than once as she stood
there.
is your sons name Harry NARROW p
she asked, slowly and thoughtfully.
YES miss, at your service" said the
old woman, with a duck Of her white
capped head.
as be like this?" asked Doctor Mary
taking a photograph from her pocket.
The old woman, with trembling hands
fitted on her iron-bowed spectacles and
look ed at the picture, uttering little cry
of recognition.
Sure, MICS, It's his own self, - she cried
"You re acquainted with him, them"
Somewhat" said Doctor Mary, com.
posedly, as she returned the photograph tc
its place. And now | will leave you
something to relieve this difficulty in
breathing"
But the old crone eyed her wistfully.
Perhaps you know the young lady my
son is to marry
"les,' said Doctor Mary, writing some
thing in her prescription book, 81 have
seen her."
"perhaps, Miss" faltered the old wo
man, you would give her my humble
duty, and tell her would just like to look
at her for once and see what she is like
There is no fear CT my troubling her, miss
for | mean to end my days here. But
would like to see her just once. And il i,
wouldn't be asking too much, miss, would
you please write 10 my son, and tell where
| am-for I'm 10 scholar myself, and Pm
his mother, after all.
81 will write to him." said Doctor Clar.
imont, quietly, and so she went away.
81 never see lady doctor afore," said
old Mrs. MARROW with long sigh. "But
she is pretty creetur, and it seems good
to have her around. hope she'll COME
again soon."
"You may be very sure of that" said
| tue matron, brusquely. doctor Clarimon,
amt one to peglect poor people because
they are poor"
l