The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1908-08-15
MISS HAHNAHs LOvE-LErrER.

| A1duudu WuCu 4 ATTAIN ACl dQVduCCO
age," said Gertrude Lorrimer, drum
ming idly on the window pane with
her slender white fingers, and watch
ing the drizzling rain.
"Of course not, Gertrude. How
foolish of you to ask such question.
Miss Hannah never could have been
a beauty, even in her palmiest days,
and you are acknowledged to be the
handsomest girl in Bayville."
There was silence in the room for
few minutes, and then Gertrude ex-
claimed
Come here quick, Nettie, Doc
tor Ashley is coming out to get into
his buggy"
Nettie Morris sprang up and stood
by her cousin; and both received a
bow from the tall, handsome doctor
who had just closed the door of his
elegant house behind him and run
lightly down the steps to where his
buggy stood, the servant standing at
the horses head.
But, as Doctor Ashley had one foot
on the steps of his carriage, a hand
fell on his arm, and turning, he saw
the small person of Miss Hannah
Graves, attired in a rusty rain coat,
rubber overshoes, and plain hat,
while on one arm hung her charity
basket"
cit is very fortunate 1 met you,"
said Miss Hannah, in sweet voice.
81 need you very much. Ihave been
down to the Brewers, and l find that
the old lady has rheumatism fever.
Mr.. Brewer has cut his hand terribly
with some glass. and poor Rachel is
nearly i'll with watching the poor
will not five many days. They have
not sent for you, because they have
no prospect of money to settle the bill
but il you will see what you can do,
Doctor Ashley, will be responsible
for the BILL"
IT never send bills to people as
poor as the Brewers, Miss Graves"
said DR.. Ashley, "and I will go to see
them at once"
"Thank you,' said Miss Hannah,
simply. And she moved on, bowling
slightly to the doctor as he sprang into
his carriage and took the reins.
did you ever see such imperti'
nence before p exclaimed Gertrude.
"The idea of stopping him in that
manner |"
"Gertie," said Nettie, lit is my
belief that she is trying to attract
him. Becareful, dear if Miss Han
nah's your rival, she can't fail to
win"
And both the cousins laughed mer-
rily.
Well might Gertrude Lorrimer be
called beauty, and it was no Won
der that she was called the belle OF
the town. Tall, with perfect figure,
hair of blue black, eyes like midnight,
a clear, dark complexion and regular
features, she was beauty, and she
knew it.
Left an orphan at eighteen years OF
age, Gertrude had been only too glad
to accept the offer of her aunt, Mrs
Morris, to take her into her own home
and family, where she could share
the pleasures of her cousin Nettie.
She was anxious to marry well
and therefore Doctor Ashley was look
ed upon by her with favor. He was
young, handsome, wealthy, and stood
high in his profession, and Gertrude
could not ask for more.
Hannah Graves was only thirty
four years of age, though Gertrud'
and Nettie gave her credit for ter
years more, and she was very plait
indeed in appearance, and neve
troubled herself much about the fash
ions. Miss Hannah had been yer.
pretty in her day, but the years hat
flown by, taking her youth, bloom
and freshness with them and nov
the dear mother and poor brother, fo
whom she had sacrificed woman
dream of home, were laid beneath th'
churchyard sod, and only Hetty, tn
maid of all work, who had been witt
her through all these years of sacri
fee to duty, remained with her in tn
little white cottage in Bayville.
X * x x
The windows of the breakfast roor
were wide open, the fire not made
the table destitute of dishes or repast
and it was nearly half-past eigh
O'Clock. Doctor Ashley was standin
on the hearthrug, with a decide
frowu on his handsome face.
"Mrs. Beck has imposed on m
long enough" he thought. II orde
breakfast at eight o'clock and get
! at nine. My fire is never built in th
study, and everyone of my shirts nee
overhauling. There's Singleton, b
stood housekeeper and boarding {
long as he was able, and then ma
ried pretty Florrie Truedale. No
he has a pleasant, comfortable hom
and a congenial companion is alwa.
at hand, and 1 worry on with Mr.
Beck. I have mind to propose
Miss Lorrimer. Iwonder if she cou
make me happy. She seems like
Y pleasant, nice girl; and she is your
and handsome enough to grace Il