Gilpin observer., 1918-09-26
HER REWARD
sy MARouERtrE HAooERTv

=
Situated on a lofty height. nesting
amid a grove Of natures luxuriant
pines and elms, stood an old-fashioned
country mansion. On the shady veran-
da of this ideal beauty spot was seat
ed sweet-faced girl Of seventeen.
Her thoughts were not all sunshfny
ones, for every once In while there
would fash across her fair coun-
tenance q mirthful smile, which, how
ever, would soon become enveloped BY
a more serious expression. Julia Cav
erly was loved both home and abroad.
Julia had one pet grievance. Ev
cry year she eagerly looked forward
to spending her summer at River.
view, but the only obstacle to mar
her blissful reveries was the forbid
ding remembrance that her father
could spend but one week each sum-
mer with them, as his business was
such that he could not remain away
for any longer period of time.
Suddenly Julia ran in from the
porch, as she spied the .postman.
Mamma. you know daddy promised
to try and spend two weeks with us
this summer. I feel sure that, will
receive some welcome news from dear
old dad today" She leaped in front
of the good-natured letter carrier who,
however, was not in the least sur
prised, for he had become accustomed
to the young girls impulsive manners.
With a roguish smile she snatched the
letter from his hand, and headed to-
u,>I ~ ~x,lkH oil
speed. She hastily tore open the en-
velope and devoured the contents. All
her joy had fed, as she threw the let
ter to the floor. "Oh, mamma, I can.
not read it >aloud. think the very
words would choke me. don't see
how business could be SO pressing
that daddy could not spare us at least
one measly little week."
"Try to forget your troubles for the
present, DEAR" replied her. mother.
"and run along and prepare for lunch
con-"
After lunch bevy Of her dearest
girl friends arrived. and announced
that their yacht was ready to start for
long trip down the river. 1.-THE
party will start tomorrow" said one
of the girls, $50 Julia, thought we
would run over to remind you to be
ready on time, SO we can launch forth
early In the morning." "How long
do you intend to be away" asked
Julia. 1T will be fully two weeks, my
bonny lass" was the answer of the
spokesman Of the group, $50 pack up
q well-stocked wardrobe"
When the girls had departed Julia
informed her mother that she intend
ed to visit Mrs. Jackson. a dear old
lady who had been an invalid for
number Of years. !
The pitiful eyes Of the sick woman
dilated with Joy when she beheld in
the doorway the face Of her generous
little benefactor. A soothing word and
q gentle caress from Julia lightened
the heart Of many a lonely soul, but
no love was ever more reciprocal than
that which sprang up between Mrs,
Jackson and Julia Caverly. A basket
Of tastily prepared dainties was laid
on the table. and after a confidential
chat Of an hour or 50, Mrs. jackson
reluctantly bade good-by to her little
friend.
The next morning. Julia, in high
spirits, sat waiting with her baggage
to Join the merry band of sixteen that
were due to arrive in a few minutes.
Hearing the sound Of running steps,
she turned around quickly just as a
little fellow bobbed up in front Of her.
miss Caverly, do please come In a
hurry; Mrs. jackson Is very SICK"
Julia did not stop to think Of her own
enjoyment for an instant. The mes
sage was unfolded to her mother. and
she expressed her intention Of leav.
ing Immediately to see the sick old
lady. Mrs. Caverly protested with her
daughter in vain, arguing that she.
herself, would tend to the invalid's
wants. and not to sacrifice her trip for
the sake Of being obstinate. Finally
Julia overruled all her mothers OBJ.
jections.
That evening as Julia was returning
home, after spending the day nursing
her loved patient, her heart felt rath-
er heavy. but rs soon as she felt any
pangs Of regret she would begin to
hum a popular air and hasten her
steps homeward. Mrs. Caverly felt
exceedingly proud Of her generous.
hearted daughter that evening as she
listened to her relating how Mrs. Jack.
son was resting very comfortably now,
and that she would never forgive her.
self II she had neglected to respond
to her pitiable appeal. Feeling quite
fatigued, Julia sank into lounglng
chnir and soon fell fast asleep.
Creeping cautiously behind her chair,
her father placed his hands gently
over her eyes. while her mother, nenr.
by, laughingly said: "Wake up, Julia,
dear, and guess who your blindfolder
is." 'None other than my own dear
dafldYn exclnimed Tho axcitad girl