The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-11-26
The .TuO Orphans.
Bx DeE1lNSrx

CHAPTER XVI.
SYMPATHY AND LOVE.
Pierre and jacques returned is soon
as the doctor had gone away. and JAG
ques, who haG waited long for some
money, said:
Well. mother. how is busineSs?'
This question had reminded the Old
woman OF the money the doctor had
given Louise, and she said quickly as
she opened the poor girls hand with
no gentle force:
"yes-yeS: what did the doctor give
,-you?"
That, madame" replied Louise, as
the old hag took the money. This
was Jacques opportunity, and he was
not man to let such d chance miss
min.
Before his mother could tell Of what
amount the coin was, he had taken it
from her, and after examining it, eX-
claimed:
''Gold. What thieves these doctors
must be: it's gold piece" and he
coolly put it into his pocket, and was
about to so away, when his mother
cried out:
But that is nine
''Eh? never mind, mother" he said,
as he put his arm around her neck,
and forced her to go with him. IN
treat you to some brandy"
with my own money, brigand,'
said the old woman, completely molli-
fed by her sons small show Of atTcc-
tion, and perfectly willing to accom-
pany her villain Of a son on his orgy.
But thought of business came over
her just as she was leaving. and she
turned long enough to say in her shrill,
angry voice to Louise:
''Look you, they will be coming out
Of the church soon; now sing out loud:
No lazineSS, mind what l say. for Ill
be watching you"
Eyes, madame replied Louise,
meekly.
''Pierre. Where is that lazy scamp"
cried the cid woman, who had not
seen the poor cripple who stood in the
angle OF one OF the buildings. until her
voice called him to come forward.
Here, put her on the church steps"
''YeS, mother" said Pierre. going
toward the blind girl, thankful Of an
opportunity even OF touching the IN
nocent girls hand.
But Jacques was opposed to his do
ing even that. for as Pierre was about
to take hold of LOuiSe'S wasted hand,
he pushed him rude]y aside, and in q
rough voice, said:
Never mind, Cupid, yOu need no.
trouble yourself. I'll take care OF her >
Louise shrunk from his touch. but
never let such trifieS as that deter him:
in fact, he preferred that even the
sound Of his voice should give pain,
and taking her rudely by the hand, he
led her to the steps OF the church, ana
stood for moment looking at her.
..Yes-yes," he said, half to himself,
''she is devilish good-looking, consider
ing she's blind
"You stay here, and see that no one
speaks to her." said the old woman to
Pierre.
IT will watch herr" replied the Grip
pie, with a look Of devotion to the poor
girl such as one might give to the pic
ture Of the Madonna.
There's no danger that he'll let
any one run away with her, is there,
Cupid?" laughed Jacques, as he started
OFF with bis mother.
For some time after mother and son
had gone away, Pierre stood gazing on
the wasted form Of the poor blind girl,
while the great tears Of sympathy and
love filed his eyes and trickled down
his distorted face.
Seated upon the cold stone steps,
which were covered with snow and ice.
and with Scanty clothing to shield her
from the piercing wind apd falling
snow, the poor girl shook with the
cold like one in an ague tit.
It was a sight which cut the honest.
tender Pierre to the heart, but yet he
had nothing with which to cover her,
save the ragged coat which he wore.
and the loss Of that would leave his
body almost naked.
Only for a moment did he hesitate,
and then. drawing off the only gar
he went toward Louise.
II am so very cold" Shivered the
poor girl, as she tried TO wrap the mis-
cradle sack she wore more closely
around her.
Pierre covered her with the coat, and
stood exposed to all the merciless fury
Of the storm, thankful that he was
able to Go her this service.
is that you, Pierre?" asked the
young girl. as she felt him covering her
with the garment.
Yes, mamzelle," replied the cripple.
breathing upon his fingers, which were
rapidly becoming purple from the IN
tense cold.
Yes, it must be you, Pierre. you
are the only one who IS kind to me.
But this is your coat" she said. as she
felt the garment. What will you dc
without it, Pierre?'
.EOh, I'll do very well without it.
mamzelle," replied Pierre, vainly try
ing to keep his teeth from chatterinS.
and at the same time telling false
hood in order to induce the girl to
keep the coat. Il have a jacket, ana
woolen waiStcoat, and my-oh, that
is onlv my overcoat. Besides. | an
very warm. very warm indeed
Even while the honest fellow was
speaking he was obliged tOmove around
to keep the blood in circulation, lie
was 50 rapidly becoming chilled.
Pierre" said Louise, earnestly,
without you ! should die: without
your help I shouldn't have strength to
endure my Sutferings.
Again the tears came into the Grip
pies eyes: but this time they were
tears Of joy as well as sorrow.
He was happy at the words WHICH
Louise uttered for they showed hln
that she thought Of him. depended on
him. and his heart. which was 50 hal-
grv for the love Of some one. reJ0Iccd.
Il know they make YOU Wretcled,
he said, sadly. My heart hlecds at
the sutrerings they inHicc or you; but
l am helpless-helQ!e>s. car do