Year: 1872

being affected by the blow


MIR. Shirley gave William All account of
his state during his Illness aud Lillian's
visit to his room while he Was delirious
This was the first time William had receiv-
ed An intimation Of Lillians share in his
recovery, and it threw considerable light
on what he had considered the rawlings Of
Charles. He smiled to himself. and de-
termined that he would watch him closely
when he next saw Lillian.


This young lady had been carefully ex-
cluded from his room since that eventful
day, and he had not obtained another
glimpse of her, but when he would be able
to take his meals with the family William
intended to see how these two met.


In few days afterwards, Charles was
considered strong enough to leave his
room IN which lie had been 50 long con
tined, and il was with sense uf relief, he
walked leaning on the arm Of William to
the family sitting room. 1t was pleasant
change even To exchange one room for
another, and a smile came to his lips as
he took his seat iii capacious easy chair.
He had been sitting there conversing with
William for half All hour, when the door





the room was deserted, and expected to
find it empty, as her father was out and
her mother was busy in another part Of
the house, and she was not aware that
Charles was sufficiently recovered to leave
his room. She started and the rich color
flew to her checks, as her eyes fell on the
two gentlemen. William looked at Charles
and saw that lac WAS trembling, and had
taken hold Of the two arms of the chair for
support.


: You see Miss Lillian, our patient is
almost well. Then turning to Charles,
he said Allow me to introduce you 70
Miss Lillian Shirley"
By this time, Charles had regained com
posure and rose from his chair. Lillian
advanced, and held out her hand to him,
saying " am very glad to see you 80
much better"


Charles thanked her, and then the con-
versatioh turned upon the weather and
other topics equally interesting.


All that evening and through the next
day Charles WAS very quiet. He appear
cd t. he occupied with his own thoughts,
which, Judging from his countenance were
anything but pleasant William noticed
his thoughtful, detected silence, and raj
lied him upon it.


1t was Lillian Shirley, whom you mis-
took for an angel. Methinks you ought to
be very happy now you have discovered it,
as you have chance of escaping the fate
Of batchelOr"


" How did you know it was Miss Shir-
ley =


knew it, because Mr. Shirley told me
she came into your room, while You were
delirious, placed her hand on your head.
and while she held it there You fell asleep 1"


Then it was no vision.


Nothing Of the kind, it was pretty
dainty piece of sweet reality"
/ :" wish | had followed your advice and
been anything but a carpenter"
! You can have your wish you are
young yet, and can take up anything you
! please"


:" have wasted my time, worse than
wasted it, and | regret that ever touched
a plane or saw. If had taken half the
pains to fit myself for good doctor or
1 lawyer, as have taken to fit myself for a
I good carpenter, might some day look for
ward to the possessl"n of a good home, a
nice income and marrying girl love j
see now il is too late | can never hope for
! that"


Being weak and nervous from his illness,
| he was not able to control his feelings /; he
burst into tears and wept bitterly. William
was silent until he had somewhat recover
ed himself, then he said:


"It is not too late, Charles, to retrieve
your steps if such is your desire. | will
aid you all can, and can speak to your
physician and Mr.. Shirley, who take q
great interest in you, and who possess a
good deal of influence"


did you say Mr.. Shirley took good
deal of interest in me, enquired Charles,
Frightening up as does the sky after sud
den shower.


=" Yes, he has taken quite fancy TO you;
do not trouble your mind about what you
will do in the future. Let your attention
be turned now to gaining strength for the
journey to New York. Only think how
much Of veal OF woe depends upon our
presence there"


Il know l am very selfish how shall
thank you for all your kindness I you
have been like brother to me.


"COnsider me as such, for / intend to
take upon myself that relationship a.
speedily as possible"


i am glad my sister 10 going to marry
man every way worthy of her.


Thank you, Charles; you could not pay
me higher compliment, for know 20.