Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-05-09
s FROM
| Pe @M9 % PALACE M@ !
"-------===-==== III s
3 BY MARY J. HOLMES
BY MARY j. HOLMES

the bonnet from Georges lap, she threw
it Oh her head and was hurrying away
when George caught her and pulling her
back, said, Forgive me, Mary. l could
not help plaguing you little, but III try
and not do it again."
For time George kept this resolution,
but he could not conceal the preference
which he felt for Ella, whose doll-like
face and childish ways were far more
in keeping with his taste than Mary's
old look. Whenever he noticed her at
all, he spoke kindly to her; but she knew
there was a great difference between his
treatment Of her and Ella, and ofttimes,
when saying her evening prayer. she
prayed that George Moreland might love
her little, just little.
Two weeks had passed since the last
vestige of land had disappeared from
view, and then George was taken dan
gerously i'll with fever. Mrs. Howard
herself visited him frequently, but she
commanded her children to keep away,
lest they. too, should take the disease.
For day or two Mary oSeyed her moth
err, and then curiosity led her near
Georges berth. For several minutes she
fingered, and was about turning away
when a low moan fell on her ear and ar
rested her footsteps. Her mothers COM
mands were forgotten, and in moment
she stood by Georges bedside. Tender
ly she smoothed his tumbled pillow.
moistened his parched lips and bathed
his feverish brow, and when an hour af-
terward. the physician entered, he found
his patient calmly sleeping, with one
hand clasped in that of Mary.
"N1ary! Mary Howard" said the ply
sician, "this Is no place for you," and
he endeavored to lead her away.
This aroused George, who begged so
hard for her to remain that the physi-
clan went in quest of Mrs. Howard, who
rather unwilingly consented, and Mary
was duly installed as nurse. Perfectly
delighted with her new vocation, she
would sit for hours. by her charge. She
possessed a very sweet, clear voice; and
frequently. when all other means had
failed to quiet him, she would bend her
face near his. and taking his hands in
hers, would sing to him some simple song
of home, until lulled by the soft music
he would fall away to sleep. Such I'M
wearied kindness was not without it's eff
feet upon George. and one day when
Mary as usual was sitting near him, he
called her to his side, and taking her face
between his hands. kissed her forehead
and Inns. saving. "What can ever do to
paw nv little nurse for her kindness?
Mary hesitated moment, and then
replied. "Loye me as we'll as YOU do
Ellav'
"As we'll as do Ellaw he repeated:
IT love you a great deal better. She has
not been to see me once. What il the
reason?"
Frank. who a moment before had stol-
en- to Mary's side, answered, saying,
"Someone told Ella that il she should
have the fever. her curls would all drop
off: and so she won't come near your!
Just then Mrs. Howard appeared, and
this time she was accompanied by Ella.
who chung closely to her mothers skirts.
George did not as usual cnress her, but
he asked her mockingly. ''if her hair had
commenced coming outv' while Ella only
answered by crashing at her long curls.
as IL TO reassure herself of their safety.
In a few DAVIS George was able to 60
IN deck. and though he still petted and
played with Ella. he never again slight
ed Mary. At last. after many weary
DAYS. there came the joyful news that
land was in sight: and next morning Bos-
ton. with it's numerous domes and spires.
was before them. Toward noon a pleas
ant looking. middle-aged man came on
board. inouiring for George Moreland.
and announcing himself as Mr.. Selden.
George Immediately stepped forward.
and after greeting his uncle, introduced
Mr.. and Mrs. Howard, speaking at the
same time of their kindness to him during
his illness. All was now Confusion, but
in the hurry and hustle of going ashore
George did not forget Mary. Taking
her aside he threw round her neck a
small golden chain. to which was attach
cd a locket containing miniature like.
ness of himself painted year before.
"Keep it," said he, ito remember me
nv. or il YOU get tired of it, give it to
Elia for a plaything,"
II wish had one for you," said Mary.
and George replied, "Never mind, | can
remember YOUR looks without likeness"
Then bidding adieu to Mr.. and Mrs.
Howard. Frank and Ella, he sprang into
his uncle's carriage and was rapidly
driven away. Mary looked after him az
long as the heads of the white horses
we're in sight, and then taking Franks
hand. followed her parents to the hotel,