Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1919-12-25

ing at the piano. for music with Hboda
{ was her. one great passion. There
never was a visit on his part that
Rhoda did not greet him With a beauti-
full, tender flush upon her fair, express
sive face, and one night her kindly
benefaetors INDUCED in playful badi'
mage when she accompanied Doctor
Merritt to the door. S
Doctor Merritt has become quite a
beau-eh, Rhoda?" intimated Mr.
Bruce.
.aThree times In week, spoke Mrs.
Bruce. "Rhoda dear, he Is loyal
chevalier."
"Please DON'T" pleaded Rhoda, look
ing serious. shy and embarrassed. HE
is only q great good friend to all Of us.
and he has so encouraged my singing
that 1t has made me more anxious than
ever to please him."
Early in November Mrs. Bruce, the
children and Rhoda went to the
Florida 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 and
remain with her husband until the
holidays, when he would be ready to
accompany her to Fair villa. 1t was
a few days after her coming that her
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. ] presume ht
will be here this evening to ask you
about Rhoda," but the young physician
did not materialize as expected. ana
the next day the Bruces understood
that he had left the city.
1t was two days before Christmas
when the dreadful news came OF the
disaster in the South. Fair villa haC
been practically swept Off the map
their winter home had been carried
away by the raging waters. telegram
contained vague and distracting de
tails. They had no reason 10 nope
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 now
ready to 90 South and seek a trace OF
their two little children and of Rhoda
In whom they had so trustingly left
them in charge.
hn hn
Druce. arousing with sigh from his
painful reverie as the doOrbell rang
but he crossed the outer threshold to
come face to face with Doctor Merritt
The manner and words Of the latter
We're Earring to the bruised sensible
ties of the bereaved father, for the
young physician was radiant of face.
His eyes suggested fervent exhilara
ton as he greeted Mr.. Bruce with riot
Gus embrace and waved his hand gay
" to Mrs. Bruce, who had followed her
husband into the hallway.
"a glad and mer-y Christmas to
both Of your hailed Doctor Merritt
jubilantly.
"You haven't heard?" spoke Mr..
Bruce in a low, reproachful Tone.
"Why, what do you mean" ques-
toned Doctor Merritt.
1.-THE disas.e err at Fair Villa-the chill
dren."
A'Nly, bless you!" fairly shouted
the doctor-"they are right here"
Harold Bruce wavered against the
wall for support. Mrs. Bruce uttered
a wild scream. Across the threshold
from the porch there rushed little
Eta and her brother. Joy, delight.
ecstasy mitigated the shock of what at
first stunned the frantic parents as an
appearance from the dead.
'And last, but not least, she whose
mission in life seems ever to be to
bring healing and happiness, and love,
and peace to all those who are dear to
her" in gently reverent tone con-
tinued Doctor Merritt and with SUI
preme satisfaction the young physician
viewed the fivev reunited ones in a
maze of embraces, kisses and tears.
Rhoda, clinging to Mrs. Bruce. hid her
face in modest confusion, as Doctor
Merritt recited her brave battle
against the elements in great storm
upon q battered raft until she had
brought the children to safety.
"But you, Doctor Merritt?" pro-
pounded Mrs. Bruce wonderingly--
"hOw came you to be at Fair Villa?"
81 arrived there after the disaster"
was the reply. 81 had gone there on
specific mission, later executed, to ask
our peerless Rhoda, queen of all wom-