The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-28

why. simply to be in the fashion" " her father replied. T remember the time when you cried for hat because Gabriel had one; also remember that once when you were wearing a sun bonnet, Gabriel borrowed one and wore it."
 T don't see how you can remember 1t, ' ! said Gabriel. laughing and blushing. Well, don't see how In the world could forget it," pr. Darlington re- sponded.
 When the carriage reached the house, Margaret Bridalbin was standing at the gate.
 'Is this Dr. Darlington? Wen. you are to go up at once. I don't know how my l dearest is-I dread to know. Oh, 1 am sure you will do what you can" You may make your mind easy on that score, my dear said pr. Dorring- ton laying his hand lightly on her shoul- der. There was something helpful and hopeful in the very tone of his voice. This is my daughter, Man. he added.
 Margaret turned to Nan, who was lagg- ing behind somewhat shyly. win you please come in?-you and Gabriel Tolli- yer. It is very lonely here, and every thing Is so still and quiet My name is Margaret Bridalbin, she said. She took Mans hand. and looked into her eyes as if searching for sympathy. And she must have found it there for she drew Nan toward her and kissed her.
 They went Into the dim paror, and Nan and Margaret sat with their arms entwined around each other. pr. Darlington came downstairs pres ently. Your mother is very much bet ter than she was awhile ago." he said to Margaret. 'She never should have made so long journey. She has wasted away in that way strength enough to have kept her alive for six months"
 ''I begged and implored her not to un- dertake it." the daughter explained. but nothing would move her. Even when she needed nourishing food. she refused to buy It: she was saving it to bring her home"
 well, she is here now, and we'll do the best we can. Gabriel, will you run over and ask Fanny Tomlin to come :? And if Neighbor Tomlln is there tell him l want to see him on some important business"
 It. was very clear to Gabriel from all this that there was small hope for the poor lady above.
 Pulaski Tomlin and his sister responded to the summons at once; and with Ga briels grandmother holding her hand, the poor lady had an interview with Pulaski Tomlin But she never saw his face nor he hers. The large screen was carried upstairs from the dining-room and placed in front of the bed; and near the door a chair was placed for Pulaski Tomlin. It was the hearts desire of the dying lady that Neighbor Tomlin should be- come the guardian of her daughter. He was deeply affected when told of her wishes, but before consenting to accept the responsibility asked to see the daugh- ter, and went to the parlor where she was sitting with Nan and Gabriel
 This is Margaret" he said taking the girls hand. Come nto the light, my dear, where you may see me as I am. Your mother has expressed a wish that l should become your guardian. As an old and very dear friend of mine, sae has the right to make the request, but first l must have your consent"
 They went into the hallway. which was flooded with light. Are you the Mir. Tomlin of whom l have heard my mother speak?' Margaret asked, fixing her clear eyes on his face; and when he had an- swered in the affirmative-'I wonder that she asked you, after what she has told me. She certainly has no claims on you"
 An, my dear, that is where you are