Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-01-07
From the Depths
By RALPH HAMILTON
&C.. 1920. Western Newspaper CnionI

isiies UP The personal property ut SALE"
pronounced Jabez Dunn. village auc-
honeer. "That with what the furni-
turc sold for just about squares all
debts and my fees" "Unless." he ad-
ded Jocularly. "some one wants to bid
on the girl"
Inc girl was gaunt, poorly
dressed, being OF about twelve. Her
shoes were In holes. her dress catered
her whole appearance suggested n neg
Iected and motiveless outcast, b.ankly
viewing the last that was left OF what
bad been to her home.
Il Will see that the girl is cared for"
spoke young DR.. Evan Reade. resent
Ing the .humor OF the auctionecr and
the stares and smiles Of the idle crowd.
Yes" spoke Theresa Dunn, clasping
his hand and looking pleadingly up
into his kindly eyes. II will 20 any
where with you and do just as you say,
but don't let them send me to the poor
house. I was there once, before Mrs.
Ward took me In"
You shall go TO comfortable home
Child pledged Or. Rcade, and his
tones were full Of pity and emotion.
You were so kind to Mrs. Ward be-
fore She died." murmured Theresa.
And you are good man. shall
never forget you"
DR.. Reade led Theresa away from
the spot that must have held poignant
memories for her. An orphan, she had
shaved out her young life for Mrs.
Ward. but sQuslid as were her sur
roundings and unlovely the woman.
there had been at least n companion
to cling to and she hal been true as
steel. Now she had no home save
what DR.. Reade promised. Faith
shone In her eyes. AS he led her half
mile to where David Marsh lived,
Theresa drew back slightly. Sour
soulcd, grim vlsaged David Marsh was
an ogre to juvenile Brookyille.
Don't be afraid, DEAR" spoke Reade.
MIR. Marsh is my friend md will do
as l suggest as TO your being rightly
cared for and your education. / am
going to leave Brookvllle, but Shall
hear from You regularly for Mr..
Marsh has agreed 10 write to me tell
Ing how you get along. You will be
no pensioncr OH his bounty for am 60
ing to give him so much year to see
70 your bringing up'
"Oh, you are doing all this for me-"
cried Theresa, bursting into tears.
"Why"
because am as lonely In tie world
as yourself. Because may not live a
year If my physical health does not re-
spond to new climate. I can we'll
spare what may make q happy woman
or you In time and you are welcome
to It."
Reade badc Theresa be seated on
the porch while he went into Tho house
alone to talk with Marsh. The latter
was inclined 10 grant any favor to
probably the. only man In the world he
cared for. but he was parsImonious.
considered That untutored girl" would
be vast responsibility and tried to,
induce Reado to select some other
guardian for her.
mo. can trust you" declared
Reade. Theresa shall cost you moth
ing. she will he help to y.ur sick
wife. blessing to both Of you In
time. Come, Marsh. don't leave n pen
niless orphan 10 drift around the world
with neither guide nor guardian" and
the arrangement was cemented.
Then five years went by and Reade
saw nothing more Of Theresa. Regu-
larly once year after she had been
sent to school. however. he received a
brief letter from her. It always
thanked him for his interest in her. 1t
told how ambitious she was to make
herself worthy OF his kindly interest.
'Theresa has indeed become bless
ing to u.s." wrote David Marsh, 'slle
has been tireleSs nurse to my wife.
We are proud Of her. for she has tnk-
en- wonderfully to education and wants
to study for school teaching. And she
has grown into graceful. beautiful
girl. modest, friendly, helpful to 9TH
ers. Every day she looks ut your pho
tograph In the old album rs though
she IS silent. thanking you for Eli you
have done for her,"
DR.. Reade regained his health, but
abandoned his profession. He had in-
vented an electrical device and was
giving MI his time and money to It's
development. There came a final year
in his struggle to attain success that
tried his soul sorely. In the midst of
his efforts to secure needed capital he
received letter from Theresa telling
him that Mr.. Marsh had died, just a
year after his wife.
II read your letter addressed to him,
for he had died a few days before 1t
arrived" she wrote. II am coming to
you, dear Mr.. Reade. Until you see
me do not despair about obtaining the
capital you need. for can provide It."
Evan Rende gazed In marvelling
wonder and admiration at Theresa
Dunn when she arrived. She had
grown into lovely. young woman, In.