Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-05-14

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. 1 could
not help plaguing you little, but I'll try
and not do it again"
For a 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 COM
mands were forgotten, and in a 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 Howardv' 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 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 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 un-
wearied kindness was not without its 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 lips, saying, what can ever do to
pay my little nurse for her kindness?"
Mary hesitated a moment, and then
replied, Love me as well as you do
Ellav'
"As well as 1 do Ellaw he repeated;
81
not been to see me once. What is the
reason?
Frank, who moment before had stol-
en- to Mary's side, answered, saying,
Someone told Ella that if 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, "if her hair had
commenced coming out!' while Ella only
answered by grasping at her long curls,
as if to reassure herself of their safety.
In few days George was able to 20
on 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 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 rI
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
ed locket containing miniature like
ness of himself painted year before.
keep it," said he, "to remember me
by, or if you get tired Of 1t, give it to
Ella for plaything."
ST 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 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 a few days they had deter
mined to stop while Mrs. Howard made
inquiries for her sister.
Meantime from the windows of a large,
handsome building a little girl looked
out, impatiently waiting her fathers re-
turn, wondering why he was gone so long
and if she should like her cousin George.
In the center of the room the dinner
table was standing, and Ida Selden had
twice changed the location of her cousins
plate, once placing it at her side, and
lastly putting it directly in front, SO she
could have fair view of his face.
''Why don't they Gomez she had said
for the twentieth time, when the sound
Of carriage wheels in the yard below
made her start up, and, running down
stairs, she was soon shaking the hands
of her cousin, whom she decided to be
handsome Placing her arm atfectionate-
ly around him, she led him into the par
lor, saying: II am so glad that you have
come to live with me and be my brother.
We'n have real nice times, but perhaps
you dislike little girls. Did you ever see
one that you loved"
'Yes, two," was the answer. My
cousin Ida and one other"
"Oh, who is sheY' asked Ida. "Tell
me about her. How does she look? Is
she pretty?
George told her of Mary, who had
watched so kindly over him during the