Year: 1868

Well, she came out of the gate of the
Smiths just as I was passing on the op-
posite side. Somehow the child has face
which always causes me to walk slower
and steal unseen glances at it. But this
time she paused and leaned against the
railing; it may have been what you had
told me of her life, and the Smiths, but
she certainly looked very pale and weak
as the gaslight shone down upon her face.
As she leaned there a moment sweet
smile stole over her weary looking face
which made me think of soft moonlight
gliding over white lilies. That smile GER
talnly made the unconscious child look
very beautiful. Just as was studying and
admiring her face, l was startled and en-
ragged to see that contemplate puppy
Snider step up half-drunk, and before she
was aware of his presence encircle her
waist with his arm. The poor child uttered
suppressed scream and sprang forward, but
did not release herself 1t took but
Uloment for me to hurl the wretch full in
tie street, but not so soon could recover
the poor girls strength to her; yet she de-
cideGIy declined carriage, and gave such
a good reason that l could not urge it, and
had to see her turn homeward tottering
and nearly sinking to the pavement with
every STEP"


What, Albert You did not see her go
home alone in her frightened, weakened
condition! Why did you not tell that you
were my brother and go with her? Surely
that was the duty of gentleman


stop bit, sister, and don't be rash in
your judgment. How was the young girl
to know that I spoke the truth; and l as
cure you that her whole manner plainly
said don't ask to accompany me. You may
be certain that followed at distance to
keep my eye on her until the door closed
upon her. Now what I wish is that
your servant go over and ask for
her just as though she had called
to see her and return and let US
know if she is at the Smiths this morning,
tor if not she is doubtless sick and will need
friend"


~ will attend to it Immediately. Poor
child, severe indeed are the trials of her
life. 1t is almost pity that she is so very
lovely. Her trials would be fewer if she
were homely."


mot so, my sage sister. God gave her
beauty, and if size guard it well in her po
sition of life, she is the more glorious wo.
man. Be cOntented with her as God has
made her, and be sure that in every trial Of
her life you are the true Christian friend


you are right, Albert; ana l will try to
be true to my own womanhood in being
true to her."


1t was only when the Smiths heard that
Mrs. Burns and two other of the first
ladies of the city had constituted them
selves her constant nurses, and that tht
very first physician of the city was attend
ing her, that they even though. o
calling to see if she needed attention; bu


when they met the talented and wealthy


Albert Ray inquiring after her, they sud
| denly became very anxious, and as the!


were not permitted to nurse took the darling
children into their especial care and fet


them upon rich diet and sweetmeats unit


they were both sick, and the old lady hal


to interpose to save them from their friends


Days of feverish unrest and mad deliriun


wasted the form of Mary Forrest to the yer


verge of the grave ere the crisis of he


disease came; then the three friends sa


motionless all the night through watchin


anxiously the faint ebbing and flowing {


the life.tide within that young creatur=


watching almost breathlessly to see he


awake from the first sA@ap of many day


and nights. Rosy-tinted dawn stole gentl


and softly into the little attic, yet non


dared move; the rosy light deepened int


rich golden hue ere Mary stirred


Then slight move, and the violet eye


opened, and the pallid lips whispered in


mere breath Ella and Willie; and when sh


was assured that they were perfectly we
the eyes closed, and quiet sleep aga


stole ever the exhausted frame.


How tenderly those three women hG
learned to love the beautiful young suffer
as she lay through so many days and nigh
/ looking only to them in her helpless
/ pendence, none but God knew; and as Il
q eyes opened and the lips family uttered Il


two names, fe-vent thanks went up to Go


while grateful tears stole quietly down the
e cheeks, and each resolved within herst
q that henceforward she should be to her
i one of her own family; but ere Mary h


so far recovered as to be able to be remov
/. two had yielded their claim to Mrs. Mores
a who was both wealthy and ohildle ss, a
!, proposed adopting the three to her hes
r and her fortune.


|; Ere Mary was strong enough to demur


the state of dependence she was removed
r Mrs. Moreau's, and the little ones placed
II the hands of neat, careful nurse.


e AS Mary found her weak frame reclini
e upon luxurious couch, and felt the 8
d light of green and white curtains {
r soothingly upon her eyes, she sank int,
dreamy doze, and saw the earth cloth
,. with flowers, and meandered by purli
a streams, and peopled by white.robed ange
If and mother, father, Ella, Willie, her thl
q nurses, and the good old doctor famed /
q temples with their silver wings and smil
It lovingly into her glad soul. AS days glid
q by and she strengthened slowly, her ey
), would look from her window upon beauti
d gardens and the green, cool park, then tu
e within upon rare paintings, beautt


vases. and exquisite statuettes, and sile


tear would steal from beneath the firing


lids aud glide slowly down the wan chee
e as she thought how soon she would have
IT return to the labor of a servant, to be co
It manded by plebeian coarseness. Mary wa
g true Christian, and had she been gu
:. strong the path Of duty would not ha