Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 9, Number 12, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 21 September 1878 — Page 2

V*

V$*S

THESMAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE. TTOtB HAUTE, SEPTEMBER 21,1878

MAKE OHXLDBOOD SWEET.

Wait not Ull the little bands are at rest Era yon All them tall of flowers Wait not for the crowning tuberese

To make sweet he last sad hoars}

Wait not till the little hearts are still For the loving look and phrase

Bat

while yon gently chide a fault The good deed kindly praise. ,, The -word yoa wonld speak beside the nler Falls sweeter tar on the living ear ...

Oh, fill yoong lives with sweetness! Ah what are kisses on clay-cold lips _, T® the rosy month we press, When ear wee-one flies to her mother

Forlcnrtfti tenderest caress I s/f'I^t never a worldly bauble keep your heart from the joy each day shonld reap,

Circling your lives with sweetness, Give thanks each morn for the sturdy boys, Give thanks for the lalry girls With a dower of wealth like this at home,

Could you rifle the earth for pearls? Walt not for death to gem love's crown, But daily shower life's bleaslagsdown, And fill your hearts with sweetness. Remember the homes where the light has fled.

Where the rose has faded awaj And the love that gtows in youthful hearts, Oh, cherish It while y«u may! And make your home a garden of flowers, Wherd Joy shall bloom through childhood'" houis, ffi.

Aml

nn

"ONLY DOT."

ti'tr

BT J. V. HENDKR80N.

.it }-f -&*• ii •Here is a letter from Charley,' said Mrs. Hoffland, from her chair of state, where she was looking over the morning mail. •A letter from Charley?' repeated Blanche, rising from the piano. '1 think it is quite time. We have not received dozen letters-from him in the whole two years be as been abroad.' 'Let us bear it, by all means,' said her sister Maude,, languidly. 'What part of the world is he in •London,' replied Mrs. Hoffland, who had opened the letter and was taking a preliminary glance at it. 'London—in splendid health—coming home,' •Coming home!' exclaimed Blanche. 'That is news!' 'How soon Maude asked. 'He will sail on the 20th. He will be here in three weeks at the farthest. Walt—I'll begin at the first, and read it aloud. Where is Dot She must hear it, too.' •Dot!' Blanche shrugged her shoulders, with a short, contemptous laugh. 'It would require a skilled detective to keep the ran of her movements. I suppose she is playing with the dogs some* where, or romping after butterflies, or perched in the top of some cherry tree—'

And, mamma,1 broke in Maude, with considerable asperity, 'I do wish you would teaoh that child to behave like civilized people. If we take her down to New York next winter, as you have rashly promised her, she will drive us all mad with mortification by her rude manners and forward speeches. It was only yesterday I found her down on the river "bank with a group of small boys, throwing stones into the water, and she could throw further than any boy there.'

Mrs. Hoffland laughed good-natured-ly. She was a tranquil soul, disposed to take life easily, and bad no mind to worry herself iuto premature old age, by trying to bring her children up after any disciplinary rules. 'Dot is such a chitd,' she said, in answer to Maude's aspersions dhe has not yet learned discretion, but I am sure she will develop into a well behaved young lady as soon as she is brought out. Ah! here.' added Mrs. Hoffland, glancing toward the door, 'I hear her coming/

What she heard was some one whistling 'Pop Goes the Weasel,' out in the hall, ana doing it well, too. But the whistling ceased abruptly, and a voice cried out: 'Samson, be so good as to order Black Diamond, immediately—I'm going to the poetofflce.'

A light, tripping footstep on the marble flags, another bar of 'Pop Goes the Weasel,' then the door opened with ajar and closed with a bang, and Dot stood in the presence of her mother and sisters. She was wonderfully pretty—all roses and dimple* and big brown eyes, and she looked so irresistibly oomlo as ahe stopped there, with her hands in the pockets of her garden apron, and her little red lips drawn up to finish the ^r she was whistling, that the whole trio laughed. But Maude's laugh quickly changed to a scowl. 'Dot, when will you learn to deport yourself as beoomea a lady? Why will you always come in with a crash, as if

Sands

ou were an avalanohe, and carry your in your pockets, and whistle like a boy?' •Never mind, Maude,' said Dot, as

Bhe

made a reckless dive after a white kitten that was going under the piano. 'I think I was intended for a boy, anyway. You and Blanohe oan be the ladies, you know and I am sure one of ua ought to be a boy, since Charley 1MS deserted us. Bat I am going to the poetofflce.' 'There ia uo booaaiou for your going to the postofflee,' Mrs. Hoffland interposed. 'Samson brought the mail, and here is a letter from Charley. He is coming home.' •Charley Ccming home!' She dropped the kitten, and fairly screamed with delight. 'Ob. I'm so glad! Won't we have some jolly good time*—' •Dotl' 'Now, Maude, don't soold 1' She threw her arms around her stately sister's neok, and kissed her impetuously. 'I believe I did promise to leave off using such expressions, and I mean to do It, too only you must let me be giad In my own way last this once.'

Mrs. Hoffland commenced reading the letter without further delay, and Dot, settling down on a lew ottoman at her feet, bw*ur.* as demure as a little mouse, a» she Hutened, with wide-open eyea, to the message from over the sea. It was an unusually long letter, describing numerous places that Charley had visited, and dwelling on various bita of

Gtentionexperience.for

iraonal He announced his or sailing America on the 90th, which was three weeks distant from the date of his letter, and added: 'But 1 atu not coming alone. I have ft very luUmate friend here, who has premised to accompany me and be my

Bve

aeHt for a few months. He ia a real baronet neither married nor in lovt and has the wealth of a Rothschl i. Maude and Blanche will have to draw lets, I suppose, to determine which atMil win the prise, for of oouwe both can have uiui, and one or the other must, If I hare to turn match maker to being It about. I have told him about jnj handsome sisters, eta., etc.'

Then, after a Kslf messages to Dot, whoa baby sister, and iBto|il whether she would be offended if brought her a Magnificent wax doll, which he had sien ifljpm shop window, Charley closed his lebgtby epistle. •A genuine, bona-fide baronet!' exclaimed Blanche/ taking no pains conceal her delight. 'I wish be would stay awayf' cned Dot, with energy. 'I hate these hlgn and mighty people they make onefeei so small. I know be mast be a stiff old bachelor, with a. shlrtpollar. jawing his ears off and eye glasses riding his ntise, like a witch on a Broomstick.' 'Dot,' interrupted Maude, with her most supercilious frown, 'aren't you heartily ashamed of yourself to apeak so disparagingly of brother Charley's guest 'Notta-the least,1 replied Dot, coolly. 'It is Charley, wboougnt to be ashamed of himself, for bringing that old ogre of a John Bull here, to give us lessons in decorum.' 'Goodness knows you need the lessons badly enough.'

'*boot lie

to

Dot shrugged her shoulders, and walked to the window. 'If he lakes up his abode in tola family IH go and live with unole John—that's all!' And then, as her gaze wandered over the lawn, she immediately added: 'Oh, there's Black Diamond at the door —I'm going for s.ride.'

And away she flew out of the room, and up the stairs, like a frolicsome kitten. In a few minutes she came down, looking prettier than ever, in her olose fitting nabit of dark blue cloth. 'I know I am a regular savage,' Dot mused, as she rode briskly along the high road toward the village, 'and I suppose I ought to be ashamed of myself. But I'm afraid I can never be a fine lady like Maude and Blanche, if I live to be a hundred. I ought to be, too only there wouldn't be any fun In IL'

But Dot was not the least bit selfish, and she resolved to put herself on her good behavior when Charley brought home that detestable Englishman. She would do this for her sisters' sake, so that no rudeness on her part should frighten away the priae for which they were to compete yet, at the same time, she was horrified at the thought of either Maude or Blanche marrying an egotistical British swell. And just to think of their having deedgna on the heart of a man they had never seen—of making marriage a matter of bargain and sale. But, perhaps, it was time they were marrying Maude wai twenty-seven, and "Blanche twenty-five. Perhaps it was time. •Maybe, someday. I'll be as crazy to marry as either of tnem,' Dot reflected, and then laughed heartily at the idea, thinking how much nicer it was to be free. 'I never could marry a supercilious foreigner. anyway, with his lofty airs and roll of ancestors. Goodness gracious, aren't we all descended alike from Adam.' .,

She

a

Dot had wot taken this ride without an object. There was a poor and needy family in the village, whom she almost daily visited, gladdening them, not less by her charitable contributions, than by the sunshine of her presence and it was to this family she now made her way. Her mother and sisters Were happily ignorant of her charities: they would have rated her roundly for this new enormity against the requirements of civilized society, bad they known so Dot had not the slightest intention of incurring their displeasure by letting her secret out. ....

Just outside of the village she passed a horseman. He had drawn up at one side of the rosd and dismounted, for the purpose of tightening bis saddle girth. He. was engaged in this operation as Dot cantered slowly by. He glanced up at her, and she saw that he was yoong and handsome—In fact, the very handsomest man she had ever seen, with a wonderful pair of eyes, and a remarkably graceful and Well proportioned form. He was quite the conventional gentleman In appearanoe, too, and he doffed his bat and bowed to her with such courtly graoe, that she was inclined to believe that he had just stepped out of some novel. But, after aft, be was rude enough to stare at her, as if she had been a natural curiosity on exhibition for his express pleasure, and Dot, never dreaming that it was her own loveliness that had surprised him off his guard, felt a trifle indignant. "Insolence!" she murmured, with a little toss of her head as she turned It away. "He either has no manners, or thinks it not worth while to waste them on a country girl!"

Yet, strange to say, she could not resist the inclination to glance back, after awhile. As ahe did so, she saw him leap Into hie saddle and start after her, urging his animal forward as if desirous of passing or overtaking her.

Dot's eyes flashed. "He wants to pass rae, and have another stare. Not if I know it," she said, with a contemptuous smile. "Now pet, do your duty," patting the glossy neck of her horse. "You have never yet been defeated in a race."

Blaok Diamond tossed his mane as be felt the loosened rein, and at once struck tlnto a gallop. The girl, casting another swift glance behind her, saw the stranger quickenl ng his paoe also. Any madcap freak possessed its full abate of pleasure for Dot, but a race on horseback was her speolal delight, and this gentleman was sufficiently well mouuted to make the contest interesting.

But a difficulty presentedltself. She was rapidly nearing home. The road led so cloee to the house that ahe could not avoid being seen by its Inmates if she kept on. She knew she was committing a glaring impropriety In the eyes of her dignified sia'era, »nd haJ no mind to bring down upon hef incJt-w head a deluge of feminine maledictions. Suddenly rae remembered another road branching off at right angles from the one she was following, a few rvii ah»d. This suggested a solution to uar difficulty. Thu road was an old one, leading back toward the quarries among the hills It had been out of use so long that green grass wasfproutin? tMcklvm Its undent ruts but it pre*w»ot*l a 5 n^. level track fora race, and thie waa all the present emergency demanded She turned into it without a second thought. She did not look behind that would eeem too much of aa invitation: but she had little doubt that she would be followed, and true enough ahe soon heard the clatter of a hone behind her. Her pursuer waa almost abreast of her but still Dot did not look around. She only struck her steed more sharply, who dashed forward at an even faster gallop.

Abridge suddenly appeared in front of Dot—a rickety, dangerous looking old bridge, spanning a golly that out the road In twain a bridge that evident! had not been used since the road was abandoned, and waa now in such an advanced state of decay, as to be exceedingly unsafe. In feci, nobody ever ventured to cross it in theme days. But

Dot

V-

•T5-

mgmm*

was Ignorant of this, and dash­

ed recklessly on, without a thought of danger. Clatter, clatter, clatter on the

Sisoontentedshake,

lit

spent a delightful half hour with her protegees, amusing the children, and helping the mother lu her housework then she tore herself away, and started homeward.

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVE^tNG MAIL

lo»e boards-alle was on tbe bridge, off anlnr and alljn a twinkling, frying reacbed the opposite aidein safety. The gray charger followed at fba same headlong speed. Clatter, clatter on the bridge. Craab! A collapse among the treacherous planks a snapping and creaking of rotten timbers and the whole structure gave way at once, bone and rider foing down headlpng

^Do^hMuxT&e 4rash,khdglahc€^l back fust in tlme. to witness the aoddenk Her blood froee in her veins. To rein in bar atedd and jump to the ground was the work of an instant. §he scarcely knew what she waa doing, and never afterwards had a distinct rememberance of anything that occurred Immediately after her firet chill of honor but, cer talnly, she did not faint, nor waate moment of time fn hysterica. In an in Htant, as it aeeined, she found herself down the gttlly, holding the stranger's head on her lap, as she wiped the blood from his pale brow with her handkerchief. Then things began to resume their natural clearness to her mind, and she realized that ahe had narrowly caped fainting.

The gully was quite sbsllow—six feet deep at the utmost—and a tiny diver thread of a stream purled musically through the center. Strangely enough the horse was in nowise injured by his fall, beyond a few slight bruises. He had furnished sufficient proof of this by

etting upon hie feet, giving himself a and walking away to nibble the grass along the banks. But his mssterlay amid the rains ot the bridge apparently dead, his handsome bead resting on Dot's lap, his blood staining her garments, his eyes closed, his face colorless.

A sound fell upon her ears she look ed up and saw two men in a wagon. She screamed to them and waved h9r handkerchief. They saw her, left the wagon, and approaobed hurriedly. They were rough laboring men, but one of tbem sbe knew, having' rendered aid te his family, when he was lying helplees with a fever, scarcely six months ago. Briefly she explained to ibem what had occurred. One of the men immediately bared the stranger's breast and placed his hand over bis heart. 'He ain't dead yet,' was the result 'guess as how he's only stunned.' Dot at this, ordered them to place the insensible form in their wagon, and drive at once to the Hoffland mansion. 'You know where I live, Mr. Jackson. It is the nearest house. I will accompany you, and your friend shall take the gray horse and ride to the village for a doctor. Go with all possible speed.'

Dot, at this, remounted Black Diamond, and went ahead of the wagon, to have a chamber prepared for the wounded guest. She threw the household into a state of the wiliest confusion, when she recounted her adventure. Maude actually turned green with horrified wrath, at this crowning folly of the giddy child's career while Blanche showed alarming symptons of emotional insanity, whatever that may be. But there was something in Dot's manner that bushed the words on their lips, when they would have expostulated and they contented themselves by declaring, it an outrageous shame to turn the house into a hospital for the accommodation of the killed and wounded from Dot's battle fields. Mrs. Hoffland, however, was less captlous. Woman of the world though she was, she was still possessed of a heart, and it remained with her to complete the disgust of her elder daughters by sanctioning everything Dot proposed for the comfort of the unfortuiOte stranger.

The wagon arrived. The still lifeless form was carried into the house, and placed on a bed in the best chamber. Even Maude and Blanche relented a little when they perceived unmistakable marks of the gentleman about the sufferer but they still persisted that he was an adventurer ana that their madcap sister bad disgraced herself forever. The village surgpon came, banishing every one from the chamber except Samson the colored butler, and was closeted with bis patient for an hour. When he came forth Dot met him on the landing with a white, anxious face. She started forward, and grasped his arm. •Will be get wellT Will he die? Oh, air, can you save him T'she cried breath* lessly.

The surgeon looked down at her in blank amazement. Then he began to stroke bis chin. 'Yes, he will got well. No, be wont die. Yes, ma'am, I can #ave him,' he said.

Her heart had seemed'to stand still while sho waited for his answer now it throbbed with wild joy. 'Oh, I sm so glad—so glsd!' she murmured gratefully. 'Will he be up soon?' 'Be able to leave his bed in a fortnight maybe—not sooner.' 'How much is he hurt?' 'Two ribs fractured, bead considerably banged, and a slight internal injury that's all. Be can't be moved under any consideration.' 'He Is conscious, then •Yes, but I oan't allow you, or any one else to Ulk to him. If he escapes delirium, it will only be by the greatest caution. He Is a stranger in this neighborhood srrived here only yesterday stopping at the hotel in ibe village. Tho horse he rode belongs to the landlcrd, and I am requested to return it to its owner. He's otie of them artists I reckon, on a vacation.' 'Did he tell you his name? It would be awkward not to know tbat.' 'He ssya hiu nsme Is Chetwynde— Waiter Cbetwynde. And tbat is ali I know about him.'

Why, Mesa you, child, of course you can nurse him If your mother doesn't object,' interrupted the surgeon briskly* •You we so precious young though,' be added doubtfully. 'Only try me,' pleaded Dot. There are no other women In the house who would be willing to nurse him. and anyway, I—I

(Ml

as though it were my

place, since It was my fault tbat he got hurt.' •Weill well! have your own way,' said the doctor, glancing at bl« watch Only don't exalte him for the world. I I gave him a powerful narcotic a few moments ago, and I suppose he is dropping off to aleen by this time. Your butler, Samson, is watching by bis bedside. You may relieve him if you wish but don't forget to consult your mother flnt. I will oome again this evening. Good morning.'

Dot did consult her mother but that model of selfish good nature merely laughed and told bar to do a* she pleased. "Only don't bother me,' die added, leaning back comfortably on the soft. 1 gave my consent to his being cared for in this home because, in humanity, I could do nothing less. I must now be permitted to wash my hands of the whole aflalr.'

Dot WH quite willing that she should and after saying so, hurried away to relieve Samson.:

'Is he asleep she aaked In a whisper. 'Just dropped off,' said Samson, with an air of professional dignity, as if be were the doctor himself. 'Does beaeem perfectly quiet?' 'Not perfectly so. Miss Dot. I am afraid he bhs aallght fever.' 'You may go, Samson. I'm to be bis nurse. If I need you I will ring.'

Samson beat a stately retreat and Dot ioftly approached the couch. The patient was sleeping, but hie breathing was irregular, and he frequently moved his head and moaned, aS

If

In" pain. His

'ftuse wasjflashed, too, and Dot, ventur tng to lay her hana on his forebead. found it hot with fever. This was what the surgeon had feared, and it portended delirium.

Dot could not help remarking, even now, how handsome ne was. His fine, intellectual bead was covered with solt, brown locks, in which there was a dash of gold his features were almost classical in their mould, and yet full of character. Who waa he? A landscape painter? Poor, no doubt. Had he a mother or sisters?

He slept on, but continued to moan incoherently in bis sleep. Dot hovered over him like a ministering angel, keeping the bandages wet on his bead, and watching every movement he made with anxiouslnterest-

Towards night Mr. Chetwynde grew delirious, and made all sorts of absurd speeches, and remonstrated against imaginary persecutions, as delirious people invariably will. Dot and the surgeon sat up with him all that first night, the latter frequently complimenting the little nurse on the surprising courage and fortitude which she displayed, as well as the womanly tact and deftness which made her assistance so indispensable. After that they watched by turns

relieving

each other at stated intervals,

for two days and nights, till the danger was over, and the patient once more passive. No amount of reasoning could induce Dot to relinquish her share of the nursing until the crisis was safely passed but after that she was persuaded to take a season of rest, ber place being filled by the old housekeeper and Samson alternately.

A$ for Maude and Blanohe, they never so much as looked-into the tick chamber, and the latter lost no opportunity of favoring Dot with her sneers at what

she

termed a silly and childish Interest in an unknown individual, perhaps an adventurer. Maude, on the other hand, took refuge in a cold and haughty manner, simply saying with a queenly shudder, tbat she had no more to say, since her mother saw fit to sauction the ohild's indiscretions. Mrs. Hoffland, for her part had the grace to inquire how the yoong man fared every time Dot appeared at the tabic, and even expressed a hope that nothing was left undone for bis comfort.

Dot's oagerness to see Mr. Chetwynde restored to health was as much the offspring of remorse perhnps, as of disinterested kindness. She persisted in attaching the blame of tho accident to herself. Sbi had lured him into the race, she reflected that had terminated so disastrously. If she could make amends by nursing him back to life she was only to do it at any self-sacrifice.

On the second day after his return to consciousness, Dot was sitting alone at his bedside when he awoke from a refreshing slumber. His countenance brightened with evident pleasure at sight of her. •Ah the little lady who won the race,' he said, smiling. '1 have been wishing you would come. The doctor tells me I almost owe my existence to you.' •To met' exclaimed Dot. 'Oh, good gracious, no 1' 'But he says you have nursed me so constantly, so bravely and faithfully!' persisted the gentleman, his earnest blue eyes meeting ber astonished brown ones. •I nursed you—I couldn't do less than that—my conscience wouldn't let me do less, when I wss to blame for the accident. Why, sir,' she added, her cheeks beginning to blanch at the reoollectlon. 'instead of saving your life I came very near causing your death. I led you to tbat awful bridge, and it fell with you—' 'Yes, I know/ smiled the young man, amused by her eagerness 'but that was not your fault. You could not have known the bridge was unsafe, else" you would not have crossed it yourself.'

He looked at ber eagerly, and yet not rudely, with a look Dot had never before had from any One. Somehow, beneath that look she blushed furiously.

With genuine tact be hastened to change the subject. 'Would you be so kind as to raise my pillows a trifle? You see I am still too weak to help myself,' be said.

She was glad to do anything to turn attention from her silly mushes, and so hastened to comply with his request. Bending over bis pillows as she gently arranged them to suit bis fancy, her face was so close to his tbat he might have kissed ber rosy cheek had be dared and in tbat moment he would almost have given his life for the right to do so. •You have not told me your name,' he suggested as she resumed her seat 'I

[and,

tA

'Please, sir,' Dot stammered, 'it—it seems so sad to think that he has no friends—no mother, or—or sister,, to nurse him. Do you think I might nurse him I would be very quiet I can be quiet when I try I would do just as you told me—'

)resume you are one of the Misses Hofihowever?' 'Oh, dear no. I'm only D«t,' she renlied, In her usual heedless fashion. 'Only Dot?' he echoed, biting bis lips to keep from laughing. 'Then there are three young ladies in the family. 'No, only two,' with an innocent stare: 'Maude and Blanche. They are my sisters, you know, and everybody says so pretty. Of course they are ever so much older than I am. I am eighteen though.' she hastened to add, as if fearful that he would think ber a toddling infant, if she did not correct the lot preaston. 'Have you no brothers? •Only one—brother Charley. He Is in Europe now, but be la coming home in a few weeks, and will bring one of those horrid Englishmen with him—a regular #WP11 baronet, and with his awftil majestic airs. Isn't it dreadful? And Charley says he is going to turn matchmaker, and make Maude or Blanche marry the baronet. Ugh I I would as soon have a crocodile in the family. I know It is wicked of me to say so, but I bate these high and mighty people, who are so grand, and rich, and all the reat. •For mrwelf,' he said, 'I do not envy tbem I "am willing to be as poor as Job's turkev, sod as bamble as oriah Heep, if that would win me favor In your eyee.'

Dot thought It odd that be should say such things to ber. Compliments like tbat might have been paid to Maude or Blanche, and sounded just right, but to ber—why, die waa scarcely more than a child as yet. At any rsto ber slstere never lost an opportunity of telling ber

*Tbe little nurse and her patient held lone conversations every day after this, ana became *uch Cart friends In a week's time that it was difficult for either to realize tbat so brief a period bad elapsed ainoe they were utterly nnknown to each other. Dot conscientiously believed that to amuse and entertain the gentleman during bis convalescence, was as much ber duty aa nursing hiin through his danger bad been so she gave him as much of ber time as she oould spare from ber other dutiee, talking and read

ing to him, and sometimea even favoring htm with a aong, When he refused to bear excueee.

Ail thia thne bet alsteia evinced no curiosity (b form the acquaintance of Mr. Chetwynde, nor disposition to alter their original opinion of the whole aflair. They frequently spoke of Dot's adventure In sneering tones, and denounced her conduct as the cream of abeurdity from first to last. They sincerely hoped heir patient would get well, they told her, and take himself off without any unnece.*sary delay. It would be awkward to have him in the house when brother Charley and bis guest arrived. Truth to ceil they were making extravagant preparations for the reoeption of the wealthy baronet. Blanohe waa candid enough to make laughing allusions to the prospect of hereelf and sister becoming rivala in a race for a rich husband, but Maude always reproved her With a frown of lofty contempt, and then secretly oonaoled herself by laying the flattering unction to her soul that her own brunette beauty waa more attractive than Blanche* yellow hair and turquoise eyee.

Aa the surgeon predicted, Mr. Chetwynde was able to leave hia bed at the end of a fortnight. A day or two afterward be permitted himself to be helped downstairs by the magnificent Samson, and acoommodated with a seat on the shady end of the plana. The first time he attempted this expedition he had just reached the bottom of the stairs when Blanche happened to pass through the ball. He glanced at her out of thoee marvelous eyes, and favored her with such aoourtly bow that she involuntarily found herself returning it then she swept on to the drawing room, oonscions that she had compromised her dignity. But she waa really astonished and impressed, on reflection, by his distinguished manners, and after due deliberation she boldly declared in his favor, and told Maude so. Maude sneered. But the next day she, too, saw the gentleman by chance, and at once decided that it was not exactly generous to make the poor fellow feel as if he were an intruder. The result was tbat both these ladiea allowed Dot to introduce them to her friend, and forthwith proceeded to make themselves agreeable, feeling that be must have bad a dull time of it with only Dot's nonsense to amuse him.

The daya passed. Mr. Cbetwynde was quite able to leave the house, but the ladies with one voice declared he must not think of going until his strength was thoroughly restored. Mrs. Hoffland, in ber indolent faahion, said she doted on him Blanche pronounced him delightful Maude confessed that she found bun very good company, and Dot—nobody thought it worth while to ask her opinion. But what a change had oome over the girl! She never romped or wbiatled now, but went about her little duties with a quiet dignity all her own, alwaya reading or singing to Mr. Chet wynde when he asked her, and seeming very happv to know that she could still be of service to him.

One warm afternoon tho whole familv were sitting on the breezy piazza, with Chetwynde forming the central figure, when a carriage drove up the avenue and a voung man with a valise in his band 'stepped out. He stopped a moment to give some orders to the driver, then approached the group on the piazza. 'Why, it's Cbarleyrsuddenly exclaimed Mrs. Hoffland.

Dot bounded down the steps like a deer, and flew along the walk to meet Charley, throwing her arms impetuously around his neck, and pulling bis bead down for a kiss. •You dear little Dot! how vou have grown!' said the young man, laughing. 'I declare, you are becoming quite a woman. So you are really glad to see me, eh?' •Ob, tremendously glad!' asseverated Dot. 'And gladder still that yon are alone, that you didn't bring that odious Englishmen you told us about in your letter.'

As she spoke. Charley bad sprung up the steps. Suddenly be stopped. 'Eh! Why!' he ejaculated. 'Can I believe my eyee Sir Walter!' 'Oh, mercy! you don't mean to say that you *know our friend cried Blanche. 'How delightful! How romantic Where did you meet Mr. Chetwynde, Charley? Tell us this instant, you baa boy!'

Charley stared at ber in blank amaaament. 'What do you moan Are you orazy?' be demanded, In his usual blunt way. •You surely know Sir Walter is my English friend. •Sir Walter!' faintly articulated an he •SirWalter!' echoed Maud, surprised out of her lofty composure. •Sir Walter !r gaaped Dot, and imme diately shrunk out of sight behind her mother's chair.

Mrs. Hoffland merely looked at her son with an expression of mild Inquiry she was too lazy to go beyond that. 'Good Ixrd! have you turned into a lot of raving maniacs in my absence cried Charley, losing all patience. 'Chetwynde. what does this mean? I thought you were in New York.'

Tbe gentleman addressed had been glancing from oue to another with a peculiar smile on his features. He now rose to his feet. •It means,' said he, 'that I' owe these ladies an apology for practicing a bit of deception in this house. I,thought it entirely harmless, I arture you out I now begin to fear it was not exactly

Sear

olite, to say tbe least. In a word, my Hoffland,' he added, with a pleasant smile,'Your excellent mother and your charming sisters know me only as I Mr. Chetwynde, and not as your frieod from acrocs the seas.'

Then be briefly narrated to tbe astonished Charley the accident which had brought him to tbe boose.

Dot oould stand it no longer. At this point she turned »wiy from tbe group, walked deliberately into tbe houae, and went upfttalre to her room. Cbetwynde looked after ber with a smile, and then in 'I iutended to tell who I was in good time hut I found that* Miss Dot was prejudiced in advnrx* w^atostyour English friend, and

I

»»lueii ber good will

too highly to forfeit it by revealing tbe secret at once. I thought, If I might win her esteem before she learned the truth, I could then disclose my Identity without fear of frightening ber away. Perhaps you think ibis a foolish idea, but 1 do not!* he said, seriously, as Blanche began one of ber affected **Blanche bad thought It all a )oke this mild rebuff threw her into momentaiy confusion but she rallied, and then followed tbe example* of ber sister and mother, who were already chattering and almpering their apologlea. They were so sorry they did not know «opfr» and were afraid they bad treated him with seeming Indifference, and would be please not Judge them harshly, and what oould they ever do to Their guest met their apologies with good natured remonstrance, and then got away from tbe subject as quickly as PCbarhry drew attention to himself by •ftytog: •I suppose another word of explanation is oew in order. I wrote you itot

letter In good faith, mother, for if waa really Sir Walter's intention to aeaom pany me homei. But after I bad fealatt. It, became to me with theintelUgewe that a distant' relative of hia—a ladywas on the eve of ailing for America and cksired his company on the voyage, knowing that he contemplated tbe journey at an early day. 1 told him to go,' of course, though I was obliged to wait until the 20th before 1 would bo free to loave England.' 'And I,' said Sir Walter, 'fiudlngtlme heavy on my hands in Mew York* thought 1'would oome Jiere and Introduce myself.

*1

was on the wav to your

bouse,' bowing to Mrs. HolSand, 'When tho aooident occurred.' •How delightful!' said Blanche. 'How romantic!'

But ahe and Maude were both treating themselves to a mental pinching for the stupid blunder they ^ad mad*. Charley was pretty well oouvinoed thai they had "ooQked. their goose"—to use hie. own expression—and he did! not hesitate to tell them so when the opportunity offered, adding in language mora expressive than choice, that they richly deserved the mortification they had brought upon themselves. Sir Walter wan no fool, he warmly assured them, and was cot likely to forget th*t they grudged him the hospitality of their nouse, and denied him the slightest personal attention, when he was a stranger at the point of death. •Dot is worth a dozen of you!' said Charley, angrily.

But Maude and Blanche were too desperately hopeful to concur in their brother's opinion, and in less than two days they were hurling themselves at Sir Walter's head with all tbe skill and confidence of Hindoo jugglers.

Dot was very quiet ana reserved during tbe week that followed, and seemed to fight shy of their guest, never allowing herself to be alone with him, and always keeping out of the conversation when others were around. Sir Walter looked at her regretfully sometimes, as if puzzled and pained by herretioeuoo, hut was not the man to carry his heart on his sleeve, and no one guessed that he was troubled. But one morning, when Dot went out to a retired part or the garden to interview her pet flowers. Sir Walter followed ber. She wan bending over the verbena beds, looking excesidvely charming in ber pretty garden hat, when his footstep on the walk caused her to lookup, only to meet his handsome, distressed face. •I have caught you at last,' he said, with an effort to appear natural, and then went on abruptly: 'Miss Dot, I want you to tell me If I have done anything to anger you—if I have offended you in any w.av? I would not have done it for the world—' 'Offend me gasped Dot, in her astonishment. 'Oh, no! no! How could you offend me?' •1 was afraid I had, somehow,' he saiu, in a husky voice. 'You have not been yourself since your brother came home. You do not hate me, Dot You are not vexed because I have turned out to be what I am I tried to make you like me before letting the secret out, and— and I would rather be the poorest fellow alive than lose your respect and

She iooked up imploringly Into bis face, her lip quivering, her eyes suggestive of tears. •I know It was very wloked of me,' she faltered. 'I am sorry, too. I have not had the courage to ask you to forgive me but I do ask you now?' 'Forgive you?' ho exolaimed. 'You have no occasion to ask my forgiveness.' 'I was very silly and rude,' she went on resolutely. 'I thought you were awfully grand, and terrible, and supercilllous I said I hated such people I did not know—I did no» mean—' 'And you have not found me so terrible, after all he aaked. •No,

Jin deed. I was very silly.' He took both of her bands in his., 'Do vou not know—have you not seen tbat love you 1 do love yon, Dot, with my whole heart and soul? You will not send me from you, darling?'

She started back, and tried to draw her hands away. 'Not me! Not me!' she cried, hastily. 'Maude or Blanche, but not me! You mistake! I am only—only—' 'Only Dot,' he said, with a tender smile in his eyes 'and it is "only Dot" tbat I want. It can never be Maude.or Blanche, or any one in the wide wond but your own sweet self. It Is you that Hove! You

have

vc

been very kind to

me won't you be kind to mo now •Ob, sir—you—1—indeed—' But he had his arms around her, and folding ber olose, close to bis heart.

Of oourse Maude and Blanche were sore over their defeat, but they were wise enough to make tbe best of it, though it la a standing puzzle to tbem. Tbe Hofflands are passing this year in England, the guesta of Sir Walter and fcidy Chetwynde, and It waa but the other day tbat Blanche, looking out ot the great bay window, over the splendid park, said: 'To have all this now—It's incomprehensible—and OttLY DOT.' 1

Tfae

Tidy BaawwtflR.1

The careful, tidy housewife, when she is giving ber bouse its spring cleaning, should bear In mind that the dear Inmatea of her bouse are more precious than bouses, and tbat their systems need cleansing by purifying tbe blood, regulating tbe stomach and bowels to prevent and cure tbe diseases arising from spring malaria and miasma, and she should know tbat there Is nothing tbat will do it so perfectly and surety as Hop Bitters, the porest and best of all medicines. Sea other column.

Palatable, Pawerrnl, Aatlpcritdle and Tanlc. All the necessaries of a great popular remedy are combined in Clifford's Ferbifuge. Aa a tonic, in debilitated states of system, this remedy stands pre eminently at the bead. Yet it Is more titan la usually understood by tbat term, for no other preparation known exercises an .eradicating power over intermittent diseases, at all comparable with it. As It Is probable that, in tbe intervals of tbe paroxysms of these diseases, a train of morbid actionals going out of our sight, so it is equally probable that this remedy produces In tbe same system an notion equally mysterious, which supersedes tbat of tbe malady, and thus accomplishes the restoration of tbe patient.

J. C. RICH A BDSOI*, Prop'r, St. Louis.

For sale by all druggists. s21-4t.

tv

rlCbUTB

FKAMES,MOULDINGS,

ivuuiv

GLASS.

Largest Stock,

Beit Assortment,

Lowest Prices,

At J. /. PROBST'S. S2SX Main street, between 9 iflb uid Sixth. Havi your pictures framed before they are soiled. Prices far below any ever given In Terre Haate.