The Western news., 1904-12-28


eyes. She was a woman who made
up her mind often on impulse, as now.
She had never had lob" in her life;
but why not now7 Her money was
gone, and anything was better now
than going to home where she would
not be wanted.
She inquired her way to the home
OF Tom. the night watchman. There
she found a middle-aged woman, who
greeted her anxiously. But on learn
ing her errand, the woman's face
cleared.
That's what call a special Provi-
dence," she exclaimed heartily. Have
you done any nussin?"
"A little, with my own people,"
"Then it's all right, an I'm glad.
You'll not have bit Of trouble lookin'
after things here. There's everything
one wants to do with, an it's all spick
and span. An he won't give a mite O.
trouble. Even when he's wanderin'-
which has been most O. the time 30
far-he's gentle an soft-spoken. But
come in. Come in. You might as we'll
begin right of an I'll be packin' my
trunk. My sisters nigh to DEATH"
is he very ill?" Mary asked. as she
went inside.
well, no; not 80 very< now. Hes
gettin' better slowly. The doctor says
he'll begin to sense things In a week
or ten days. But it's a nice place to
stay, an know you'll like Mr.. Far
rar. Why, law, say" at the look on
the others face, do you know him."
I-I-no, not this man. But 1 used
to know a Thomas Farrar q good
many years ago. That one is dead
The-the name just startled me for a
| moment"
But when she went into the sick
room the startled look again returned
to her face, and was succeeded by pal.
lor, and that by quiet gentleness and
solicitude.
The house seemed full Of books.
they were in every room, and some of
them even she looked at with awe.
They all showed marks Of much use.
as well as loving care. The old mans
hands were rough, but for all that he
was evidently a scholar.
As the days went by his eyes be-
gan to follow her as she moved softly
about the room, contented and lovingly
at arst then with a questioning wist.
fu1ness. as though the clouded mind
were striving to grasp something it
could not quite reach.
He did not speak, but only gazed at
her and passed his hand across his
brow from time to time as though to
clear his brain.
Then came morning when he was
strong enough to sit up in bed; but
still the wistfulness and wonder re-
manned in his eyes, and mingled with
them now was certain resignation.
Presently he motioned Mary to his
side.
"You are the new nurse?" he said.
"Yes."
II knew 1t, of course, but ! haven't
said anything. l thought as got
stronger my mind would get better.
but it doesn't-I-I am afraid it is
getting worse"
Mary stroked his hand gently. "You
cannot get well at once, Mr.. Farrar,"
she chided. "You have been very sick,
you know. But you are growing
stronger gradually, and your brain is
becoming clearer, I can see it.
"You do not understand" he answer
ed. my body's stronger. but my mind
doesn't seem to gain. 1t made you out
to be somebody else from the first and
has stuck to the idea ever since. I've
looked in other directions. and changed
my thoughts to other things, but it's
no use. You've taken care Of me, so
my mind says you're somebody l used
to know a long time ago, who's dead.
l suppose it's what folks calls second
childhood. --I-'
He paused suddenly, for there was
wonderful light in her face, which
brought comprehension and a rapt look
to his own.
"Mary-Maryw he faltered, us it
you, alive-darling?"
"Yes, Tom," softly. Its Mary.
They-they told me you were dead"
He lay gazing at her for long time
in silence. At length he reached out
his hand contentedly.
"You will stay with me always now,
Mary3 he asked. ut cannot be for
very long,"
Smiles and tears mingled as she an
swered:
I'm going to stay, Tom, and you'll
live to see hundred sure."-Indian.
apolis Sun.