Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-15

Aunt Hetty. sitting at her sunny
window. started at the noise. and.
glancing out. saw Jack Maynard run
down the steps and hurry away-anger
and decision IN every movement
A few moments later step on the
stairs announced the arrival OF her
niece. Mabel. sweet. lovable girl. but
somewhat spoiled by the constant at
teniion Of the whole household TO
every within Of Its youngest member.
As the door opened. a flushed. tear
stained face appeared. and Mabel was
soon EMBODIED In Aun, Hetty's com
lorting arms. while the soft. white
hands caressingly smoothed the tuin'
bled hair
AS far back as Mabel could remem'
her Aunt lIetty had always been her
refuge-her haven In all OF childhood's
storms. and. even now. a young WON
an. with sparkling engagement ring.
the sweet. old lady was still her con
fidaut.
Day after day she might be found
In the same rocker. in the same win
dow. occupied with a dainty bit OF sew
ing. which. when finished. invariably
found its way into Mabel's wardrobe;
and nobody knew OF the dreams and
memories woven into the sheer gar
ments. Happy days passed In review.
as some girlish confidence would re-
call similar occurrence In her own
history; and. though years had passed.
a tear would fall for the lad who had
died TO save others.
After the burst OF grief had sub
sided, Mabel raised her head. and
grayely announced:
Jack and ! are through. Auntie.
At the question in the gentle look she
added: We'll. IL Is just this way, dear;
II he cannot trust me now. he never
will. and will not stand being order
ed like a child" A sob interrupted.
then she went on:
You know those beautiful roses
papa brought home for me Yesterday
are in the library When Jack noticed
them. to tease him. asked him II he
did not think they were nice pres
ent' He asked whom they were from.
OF course and said a gentleman.
Then. instead OF joking. as ! was do
ing. he got angry. and ordered me TO
tell him who sent them. At that. nat
uraliy. | would not. when he was SO
cross. and he said such mean things
was willing to believe that ! had been
playing with him all the time. When
| was wearing HIS ring too. auntie! !
tried TO give II back but he threw II
on the floor and rushed out. without
giving me a chance 10 explain. Now
he can stay. Il he doesn't care any
more than that,," a fresh burst OF
tears and the curly head went deep
Into the comforting lap.
Aunt Fietty thoughtfully contom.
plated the sorrowful figure.
DO you think that you we're Just
right yourself. dear? Remember that
the forbearance and forgiveness OF
true love cannot always be on one
side. True hearts should be above
causing another pain for a simple
Joke"
Il know It wasn't right" was the
faint response. but | meant TO tell
him IN a moment. and never thought
OF him doing tina; way. He ought to
have had more faith In me than that"
Mabel wiped her eyes deflantly.
Aunt Hetty sighed and a mist came
before her. as she replied gently:
Little girl. people can live years In
a minute-countries and lives be de-
stroyed. but an angry word lives for
ever Would you like TO hear story
Ia true one, about girl. just as low
ing. impulsive and thoughtless az
vou?"
Mabel assented eagerly. her own
woes forgotten for the time. at the
prospect OF one of her aunt's stories.
Years ago" began the sweet voice.
"a girl lived In a beautiful southern
town She had everything to make her
happy-father. mother. brother, and q
home. Of which she loved every nook
and corner She was very popular IN
the younger set. and many were the
tNtteilNE plbIoStls VI tudIEAhke tuht
she received But. in her open-hearted
manner. she liked them all he same.
and after repeated refusals CONTRARY
10 the usual rule) they were all like
big brothers to her-ever watchful for
her pleasure and comfort. without riv-
airy and jealousy.
Matters went on this way for sew.
eral seasons Gossips wondered
talked. and finally doomed her TO a
solitary spinsierhood. as one after an.
other Joined the ranks OF the big
brothers
But one day came a change The
girls brother brought home a friend
former college roommate His home
was far away. and on trip for the
business interests OF his father he had
combined duty with the pleasure OF a
visit 20 his friend.
we read OF love AZ first sight. and
| think that IL what II must have been,
for. from the first, the girl was dir.
fereni person The interest was mu.
fual. and they rode. danced. and sang