Milford chronicle., 1919-12-26

level OF worth and cOnstancy. Both
my wife and myself realize what we
owe to this poor waif who has en-
deared herself to us as though she
we're our own daughter"
Doctor Merritt proved his expressed
sentiments by very often visiting the
Bruce home after that. The children
loved him and he would drop in for an
hour OF two and play with them and
talk with RhOda and listen TO her sing
ing at the piano. for music with Rhoda
was her one great passion. There
never was a visit on his part that
Rhoda did not greet him with beauu-
ful. tender flush upon her fair, express
slve face. and one night her kindly
benefactors INDUCED in playful badi-
mage when she accompanied Doctor
Merritt TO the door.
Doctor Merritt has become quite a
beau-eh. Rhoda3' intimated Mr..
Bruce.
''Three times in a week." spoke Mrs
Bruce. "Rhoda dear. he is a loyal
chevaller."
please don't" pleaded Rhoda, look
ing serious. shy and embarrassed. He
is only a great good friend to all Of us
and he has so encouraged my singing
that II has made me more anxious than
ever to please him."
Early in November Mrs Bruce. the
children and Rhoda went to the
F1orida winter home where the family
spent four months Of the year. There
were anticipated happy days In the
pretty bungalow when Mr.. Bruce
should Join them later on. 1t was JUST
two weeks before Christmas when Mrs.
Bruce decided to take a trip North ana
remain with her husband until the
holidays, when he would be ready to
acc ,mpany her to Fair villa. II was
a few days after her coming that ner
husband said to her: Laura. Doctor
Merritt has fairly haunted the house
evenings since you went away. l met
him today and told him OF our plans
and he was especially pressing In his
inquiries about Rhoda. l presume he
viii be here this evening TO ask you
about Rhoda," but the young physician
did not materialize as expected, and
the next day the Bruces understood
that he had left the city.
II was two days before Christmas
when the dreadful news came Of the
disaster in the South. Fair villa had
been practically swept or the map
their winter home had been carried
away by the raging waters. Telegrams
contained vague and distracting de-
tails. They had no reason 10 hope
that their loved ones had escaped the
general fate Of those who were miss
ing among the former residents OF the
little inland town. They were nov
ready to go South and seek trace Of
their two little children and Of Rhoda
in whom they had so trustingly lef
them in charge.
'Tt must be the taxi" spoke Mr.
Bruce, arouslng with a sigh from MS
painful reverie as the doorbell rang
hut he crossed the outer threshold L
come face to face with Doctor Merritt
The manner and words Of the latter
were jarring to the bruised sensibili
ties OF the bereaved father, for th'
Young physician was radiant Of face
His eyes suggested a fervent exhilara
tion as he greeted Mr. Bruce with riot
GUS embrace and waved his hand gay
ly 10 Mrs. Bruce. who had followed he
husband into the hallway.
"A glad and merry Christmas t
both OF you" hailed Doctor Merritt
iubilantly.
SYou haven't heardr spoke Mr.
Bruce in a low, reproachful tone.
"why, what do you meanT ques
toned Doctor Merritt.
.sThe disaster at Fair Villa-the chill
dren."
"Why, bless you" fairly shoute'
the doctor-''they are right heref
Harold Bruce wavered against tn
wall for support. Mrs. Bruce uttere'
Wild scream. Across the threshold
from the porch there rushed ntu
Eta and her brother. Joy, delight
ecstasy mitigated the shock Of what a
iirst stunned the frantic parents as a
appearance from the dead.
@And last, but not least. she who's
mission Ia life seems ever TO be {
bring healing and happiness, and lovs