Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-06-28
HIS DREAM.


| =" Wv >Ae"l Az AouhN q ilttlV wall VI Y
glrl on the street corner-lost it seem
ed. swell, well,' said Gerald very
gently, Little one what are youdoinG
here?"
The child looked at him much a.
very tame cat regards a stranger
not frightened, but doubtful.
Il Dunno" she replied, after I
pause.
where do you live?"
II Dunno IL
i Have you no mother?"
'Ees. Mudder far away"
Are you hungry"
"Ees."
will you come with me?"
A long pause-then o little sigh.
Use so tired"
| Without another word Gerald lifted
the child in his arms and carried her
into a small restaurant off King
street. There he ordered for her q lii
tie warm soup and an egg pudding,
She took them greedily. Her hunger
being appeased Gerald again lifted
her in his arms and bore her to nii
chambers in fashionable hotel. che
fell asleep on the way. Indoors h.
laid her on soft couch and then sat
down to contemplate this find" Of
his over cigar.
The thoughts Of what he should da
with this wait Of humanity, which
fate had thrown In his path, gradu,
ally shaped themselves into vision
OF prophetic fancy. Sang,ne lcnl'
peramenls are prone to castle build,
Ing. Gerald thought he would claim
this bit Of femininity for his own.
he was rich. He would have her
educated. He would make Of her all
that money and care could make Of
her. II the total result pleased him
he would make her his sister; If il
more than satisfied him he would
make her his wife.
The wait, under the name Of Carrie
King, was sent to u series of schools
and finishing academies. FancourI
stuck to his scheme; he never saw
her. He signed checks; he answered
school principals letters; he gave
permission for his ward to visit her
school fellows at their homes, and he
provided her with pocket money ia
keep up her position as II lady; thai
was all.
The browning pleasure and reward
for all her care and expenditure wa,
to come at the end Of ten years, when
she should be nineteen years old, and
he would see her in the glory Of heI
budding womanhood.
The period OF the ten years wa,
nearly closed. The night before the
final day when Carrie was to appear
before her protector and guardian
Gerald invited one or two choice
chums to dine with him.
They were laconic men Of tho
world lie had told them the tale oil
bis fancy and its approaching com
pletion.
81 have taken q little house fol
her." he concluded, "and tomorrow
she enters into possession"
is she pretty?'
"How do | know. She promised 10
be ten years ago."
"rhe whole thing seems Quixotia
and risky"
Tomorrow will decide whether she
will be my wife or not"
mot wse,' replied the more tact,
turn of the two friends.
Next morning Gerald entered the
drawing-room OF Carries newly-fur,
nished house. The maid informed
him that the young lady had arrived
late the night before; she had break.
tasted in bed but would be down in
few minutes to receive him.
"What would she be like2" he kept
asking himself.
After about five minutes he heard
he soft rustic Of skirts coming down
he stairs. The door was gently
opened and sweet-faced young girl
stepped into the room, dressed all In
flowing morning robe Of white. II
seemed to Gerald afterwards as II Il
we're embroidery and lace, with soft
lrapery as though covered with an
ethereal angel webbing. AS It was,
he girl came slowly down the room
with one hand outstretched timidly,
yet with sweet determination Of
manner.
Gerald had time to notice that she
was tall and slender. quite fair, with
mass of red gold hair and the pref.
lest pink cheeks he had ever seen. "A
'ink and white prettiness," he
bought to himself, but in that one
,lance he had to acknowledge that
here was a depth behind the pink
md white softness which spoke Of
arrest thought.
Il am so very glad to see yps,"
aid she, hesitating for her words;
80 very, very glad. ] cannot tell you
ow often have thought Of this mo-
nent."
Gerald took her hands In his. "
oppose should call you my daugh.
En-" said he, smiling, "but | shall do
othing of the sort"
"Please do" said she, ~ would like
0 much to have you, for ! feel az II
gu were my father--the only father
have ever had"
Gerald took seat and the girl sat
own by the side OF him. do you
now" she said NJ hive heen afraid