The Courier. (Genoa, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1901-10-25

lister as much comfort as possible.
You've got pretty blue eyes, nice brown
hair, and your forehead, too, is broad
and high; now If you hadn't such a mud
dy complexion, bony checks, little nose,
big ears and awful teeth, you wouldn't
be such fright"
George propensity TO tease had come
upon him, and in enumerating the defects
in Mary's face he purposely magnified
them; but he regretted it. when he saw
the effect his words produced. Hiding
her face In her hands, Mary burst into a
passionate fit of weeping, then snatching
the bonnet from Georges lap, she threw
it on her head and was hurrying away
when George caught her and pulling her
back. said, Forgive me, Mary. could
not help plaguing you little, but I'll try
and not do 1t 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 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 Ill 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 obeyed her moth
er, and. then curiosity led her near
Georges berth, For several minutes she
fingered, and was about turning away
when low moan fell on her ear and ar
rested her footsteps. Her mothers CON-
mands were forgotten, and In o 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.
MARY! Mary Howardp' 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 Shysi-
clan went in quest of Mrs. Howard, who
rather unwillingly consented. and Mary
was duly installed as nurse, Perfectly
delighted with her new vocation. she
would SIT for hours by her charge. She
possessed very sweet, clear voice, and
frequently, when all other means had
failed to quiet him, she would bend her
face near his, and taking bis 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 un-
wearied kindness was not without its ef-
feet upon George, and one day when
Mary as usual was sitting near him, he
called her to his aide. and taking her face
between his hands, kissed her forehead
and lips, saying, "What can | ever do to
pay my little nurse for her kindness?"
Mary hesltated moment, and then
replied, Love me as well as you do
Ellaw
"As well as l do Ellar' he repeated
II love you great deal better. She has
not been to see me once. What is the
reason p
Frank, who a moment before had stol-
en- to Mary's side answered, saying,
Someone told Ella that II 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 clung closely to her mothers skirts.
George did not as usual caress her, but
he asked her mockingly, III her hair had
commenced coming outy while Ella only
answered by grasping at her long curs,
as il to reassure herself Of their safety
In q few days George was able to go
ON deck, and though he still petted and
played with Ella, he never again slight
cd Mary. At last, after many weary
days, there came the Joyful news that
land was In sight; and next morning Bos-
ton, with its numerous domes and spires,
was before them. Toward noon a pleas
ant looking middle-aged man came on
board, inquiring 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
la thO OueNiS VI bOluB dSuO1t
George did not forget Mary. Taking
her aside he threw round her neck a
small golden chain, to which was attach
ed locket containing a miniature like
ness of himself painted year before.
keep It," said he ''to remember me
by, or IL you get tired of 1t, give 1t to
ella for plaything."
II wish had one for you," said Mary,
and George replied, "Neyer mind, l can
remember your looks without likeness. >,
Then bidding adieu to Mr.. and Mrs.
Howard, Frank and Ella. be sprang into
bis uncle's carriage and was rapidly
driven away. Mary looked after him as
long as the heads Of the white horses
were In sight, and then taking Franks
hand. followed her parents to the hotel,
where for few days they had deter
mined to stop while Mrs. Howard made
innuirfaa for her aiataP