Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1903-06-19

hither and thither and at last actually
found himself inside the handsome
new poorhouse.
The matron will show US through"
said the obsequious friend "INho
knows but you may run across some Of
your old acquaiutances, he added, with
| light laugh.
In one Of the large halls they passed
woman bending over a little child,
who was sobbing bitterly. The woman
sat in a low armchair, and her face
was hidden, but the mass of brown
hair rolled in a knot at the nape of her
neck was heavily streaked with gray.
Get out Of the road, Jimmy" said
the matron. You are always getting
hurt" Then turning to the woman
she said. Have you finished the
shirts? 2"
The woman raised her head and re-
piled softly that she had. The sun
light streaming in through the window
brought her head and face and slight
form into bold relief.
He saw her plainly, her voice had be-
trayed her even before he had known
or guessed her identity. Yes, 1t was
Louise, older, Trailer, helpless and
beggar, no, not exactly that for 1t
seemed even here she was toiler as
of old.
my God" he thought, "how long
has she been here"
But they hurried him on, and when
once NOR, in the open mir he felt he
had not reached it any too soon. He
was never so near faintins fit in his
life.
Are you Ill, Mr. HuntcrT inquired
more than one.
"A little" he repli d, 81 think I will
go to my room at the hotel and rest
until supper"
But no sooner did he find himself
alone than he sent for one of the maids,
girl that he knew had always lived
in the place.
MARY" said he, II want to ask YOU
few questions, and you're not to
tell any one thing shall say. If I
make you present Of five dollars, do
you think you can hold your tongue?"
Mary tossed her head and eyed the
flve-dollar bill.
Il can tell the truth without being
paid. AS for telling anything else, no
money could make me do that"
VERY well, my girl, 1 only want the
truth. When was Louise Upton taken
TOTO
He did not finish, something seemed
to choke back the word.
The girls eyes opened and grew
round as saucers. All, she remembered
now hearing her granny tell that
Louise Upton had once had lover
who had gone away and grown rich.
Could it be this was he?"
"Only year ago." she answered
softly, plying the man she saw was
really suffering. "She worked as long
as she could, but 1t was rheumatism
crippled her feet and she could not run
q machine, then her hands were bad,
too, and-and there wasn't any one to
take care OF her, so she asked to be
put where she is"
"How long has her aunt been dead?"
"Her aunt! Oh, I can just remember
her; about fifteen years, I think. But
a nicer, sw5eter lady than Miss Louise
couldn't be found. Lots OF us cried
and would have helped her, but she
said no, she would go where she be-
| longed."
Where she belonged" repeated the
rich man in q tone of voice that made
the girls eyes sparkle.
Here is your money; talse II, and
I'll not forget you, either"
"Th0nli YOU" said the maid. smiling
| joyouSly. you are very kind"
Very kind! Did the walls take up
the words and echo and re-echo them?
Kind, very kind! Him; kind!
He sat for an hour with closed eyes
and compressed lips; then as the shades
of eTeninG stole around, he passed out
| and sought once more the matron OF
| the county iufrmary.
at is not tho hour for visitors" she
said Grossly.
| But when he explained that he must
see one Of the inmates privately, and
rendered another five-dollar bill, he was
| quickly admitted.
| He waited for her in q cold damp
room called the reception ROOM and
she came at last-at last. The door
! opened softly. there was a thump,
thump of two crutches over the floor,
and Louise, wondering and surprised,
stood before him.
He bowed and wheeled forward q
small sofa upon which she sank; more
and more surprised, for she did not
recognize him
Louise" he sald huskily. coming out
into the stronger light. Louise, don't
you know me?"
"Bob-Bob Hunter!7
"Yes," he said, taking u seat ut her
side. Bob Hunter. Don't you want
to shake hands?"
She half extended her hand and then
drew back. .eq.
Don't If you don't want to-" ;sTgs