Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-07-20
VOLUME XXXV.


tined to be sharply interrupted by the
events of a certain day. She had been
to school and was in one Of her hap
piest moods, when, upon returning to
her home she found in it's pretty parlor
a fine looking gentleman Of superior
manner. He was n stranger to her,
but something in his look made her
feel ut ease in his presence and took
away the embarrassment which she
usually felt under the gaze Of those
She met for the first time. She there
fore advanced with smile hating so
little that he evidently did not notice
that she was lame, for'his face lighted
up with that look of admiration which
Il woman never mistakes, as he said:
Il have a letter Of introduction to
you from Il friend whose name you will
at once recognize"
And he handed her short note writ
ten by one Of her most trusted asso-
ciates.
"Will that suffice to make my pres
ence welcome, even IL l should bore
you with personal question or two?"
Bore her! 1t did not seem as If he
could ever bore her. She smiled and
two exquisite dimples came into view.
The sight appeared to increase his nd
miraton. He took seat somewhat
nearer her side.
Miss Rogers" he began, Il have
come upon an important crrAnd. | am
looking, in behalf of friend for Il
young person suitably qualified to wake
in charge and teach two mothcrlcSs
children. l know you have home
she had raised one hand in mute dcprc.
cation-"but the offer which | aln
ready to make you is one so generous
that scarcsly think YOU will hesitate
after hearing all its particulars. y
journey to Europe
Her face lighted up.
"a nursery maid under you: consid
Grafton. kindness and love from the
children's aunt. with whom you are eN.
pected to travel, and, lastly, money
enough"
please" The email hand went UP
again. II think | had rather not hear.
| have wanted change. | have wanted
travel, need money. and adore chill.
drcn, but | have an invalid mother,
and cannot leave her even to procure
the added means her almost helpless
condition demands. Let us talk OF
something else, for there is no use in
talking of this. She would die without
my goodnight kiss
1t was not the girl herself who told
this story, though she cOrrobOratcs II
In its general details. 1t was an aunt,
who sat, during the whole interview,
in the adjoining room, seemingly at
work. but in reality giving full atten.
ton to all that passed before her. 1t
will, therefore, he understood that |
give the aunt's opinion when say that
this young girl never looked sWccter
or more engaging than she did when
uttering these last few words. The
gentleman showed that he appreciated
her charms, for his eyes kindlcd and
his manner became eager.
II have heard the most hatterinS re.
marks concerning your goodness and
devotion to your mother" he warmly
observed. THAT is one reason why |
have come to you upon this especial
errand. ! am glad to be assured that
my informant understatCd the truth
rather than exaggerated it. If | only
possessed the right should say: The
blessing Of God falls upon the true, the
pure and the virtuous,' and promise to
grant you all your wishes, even to the
of your widest creams
You are eXtraVagant. You do not
realize all that this means to young
girl"
perhaps not but it would amusc me
to find out. What is the first thing
you would ask for?'
She laughed she dimpled, she looked
lovely.
what sort Of play is this;" she
cried. Tell my wishes, and to stran.
ger? 0 no; not even if he We're the
wizard he would have to be to grant
them"
The gentleman smiled.
81 am a wizard" he declared. TEST
me and see."
"Really"
"Really."
"You tempt me-" she cried.
He continued to smile, but said notA
Ing.
"Shall 1 ask for something's she III
quired.
II entreat you."
every WE'LL" and her face grew sud
denly demure in its mock gravity. 81
l want the world"
To-day" he asked.
"Oh yes, to-day; l am not used to
waiting"
He laughed again, then gravely
shook his head.
at Is too much. | fear"
She interrupted him with mocking
pout. not out of keeping with her arch
and innocent face.
DO not fear" she cried Health.
freedom and wealth will satisfy me.
for my mother and"-a shadow
fell over her mirthfulness-"a for