Bad Hugh

"Yes; but how will you find her? I understand that the address was

burned," Alice rejoined quickly, feeling herself that Anna was hardly

sane in her calculations.

"Oh, I've used that in the wording," Anna answered. "I do not know as it

will ever reach her, it's been so long, but if it does, she'll be sure

to know I mean her, or somebody like her."

"I dislike writing very much," she said, as she saw the array of

materials, "and I write so illegibly too. Please do it for me, that's a

dear, good girl," and she gave the pen to Alice, who wrote the first

word, "Wanted," and then waited for Anna to dictate.

"WANTED--By an invalid lady, whose home is in the country, a young

woman, who will be both useful and agreeable, either as a companion

or waiting maid. No objection will be raised if the woman is

married, and unfortunate, or has a child a few months old. Address, "A.E.R., Snowdon, Hampden Co., Mass."

Alice thought it the queerest advertisement she had ever seen, but Anna

was privileged to do queer things, and folding the paper, she went out

into the hall, where the doctor sat waiting for her.

John's mustached lip curled a little scornfully as he read it.

"Why, puss, that girl or woman is in Georgia by this time, and as the

result of this, Terrace Hill will be thronged with unfortunate women and

children, desiring situations. Better let me burn this, as I did the

other, and not be foolish. She will never see it," and John made a

gesture as if he would put it in the stove, but Anna caught his hand,

saying imploringly: "Please humor me this once. She may see it, and I'm

so interested."

Anna was always humored, and the doctor placed in his memorandum book

the note, then turning to Alice he addressed her in so low a tone that

Anna readily took the hint and left them together. Dr. Richards was not

intending to be gone long, he said, though the time would seem a little

eternity, so much was his heart now bound up in Snowdon.

Afraid lest he might say something more of the same nature, Alice

hastened to ask if he had seen her mother, and what he thought of her.

"I stepped in for a moment while you were in the library," he replied.

"She seemed to have a high fever, and I fancied it increased while I

stood by her. I am sorry to leave while she is so sick, but remember

that if anything happens you will be dearer to me than ever," and the

doctor pressed the little hand which he took in his to say good-by, for

now he must really go.