The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-09-21
know What was that choking feeling in my

|
it would be weak to cry
.'Mother," said, "why are not You my fairy
yodmother? Give me shining dress and
chariot and four. Shall run and get the pump
kin, dear! Do you think the prince will really
be there!'
20. can't say" says mamma, laughing gent
w: then added. more graveiy, But think, be-
tween you and me, Annie, it's high time he
arrived" e,,r. --.....-
But then the prince married Cinderella
mother mine and you know I'm she-all but the
beauty"
"Never mind the beauty, child. Go and sing
| Annie Laurie or something that is sweet and
homelike."
I sang my mother to sleep; then, kissing her
softly withdrew She was apt to sit up until
the four came home. She liked to hear all that
had passed, and to know who was there.
| l waited to hear at the breakfast table But
the girls tagged out, did not down till near
| ly dinner time Then they were en- Reglfge de-
| cidediy-wrappers, slippers, ETC., were the order
of the day.
"Nell was the prince there." was my saluta-
| ton.
"Yes, indeed.' chorused they all !; and with
one accord, began to praise a certain Lawrence
Heath
1.-THE most agreeable man / ever met said
Matilda
"Not handsome, but so intelligent" declared
Jennette, who was the leader Of the family.
$50 sensible, too" added Laura, who in spite
of her name, plumed herself upon her aversion Of
romance.
"But he talked with me more than anybody
else" laughed Rose, sand came home with me as
WELL He said he would call very soon"
Ting-a-ling ting-ling rang the bell
The four looked at one another aghast. What
| If that should be Mr. Heath Maid of all work
gone Oh an Grand; nobody to go to the door but
me!
"Wel, Annie, you're fit to be seen, at all
events" spoke Rose.
Yes, was eft to be seen" I had Oh that
brown merno, to be sure. But my little white
apron saved it-snowy white, with dainty tucks,
ruffles and rose ribbon, to brighten the hateful
brown. So | went to the door; the rest scudded
up stairs, wrappers flying, tittering as they went
after the manner of girls at large.
"Ladies in ?" said a pleasant voice.
eyes, SIR said l, ''walk in
My instructions were, that if it proved to be
Mr.. Heath, was to entertain him till the rest
| were ready.
The experience was novel one, and enjoyed
it. Twas not lf.conscious-nobody had ever
| admired me but my mother-so l said Che first
| thing thought Of suppose it was something
maize he smiled, at all events. Somehow took
| to Mr.. Heath at once. He was frank and natur-
| al; handsome, but-but kind, manly face. If
he had been a dandiprat, 1 couldn't have said a
word as it was l talked easily, and have been
told since then-"well."
The piano was open. Mr.. Heath asked me if
l sang. Having never been in society, did not
know that it was rtgle to say nothing to speak
off, and plead sore throat. l therefore replied
simply, ga little"
''Let me hear that little" insisted Mr.. Heath
| l went to the piano and sang what songs
knew Mr.. Heath standing beside me- He had
no need to turn over my music, for l sang only
| those songs that loved and these were written
on my heart
| There was a rustic in the entry, we both turn
cd. My four sisters glided in, attircd il, their
new silks, fresh and charming, as young beauties
may be. They had been nearly an hour dressing
for to be a beauty is not without disadvantage
es: it takes time to support the character.
| They began a soft murmer of greeting compile
ment in the midst of which was preparing to
slip away. But pair Of eyes that held an ex-
preston in their depth, that had never been turn
ed on me before, held me, while gentle voice
said, decisively.
"You must not 60, Miss Annie. Your sweet
singing has made me your debtor; you and
must be well acquainted yet"
| The girls were too well bred to stare. Rose
said in her own tones:
"Annie, dear stay then added to Mr.. Heath,
'she is SO little used to company"
Mr.. Heath said bowling, II should never have
guessed it, Nature must have done more for her
than art can ever accomplish"
The conversation went on, and sitting quietly
by, enjoyed everything. Once and while, Mr..
Heath, turning to me, questioned me of this and
that. answered upon the strength of the good
old adage, "speak when you're spoked TO-"
When our visitor had gone, the girls turned
upon me not angrily, but mirthfully.
"Well ANNIE" said Rose, II do believe you've
cut US all out with the prince"
"That little white apron has done it ALL" said
Laura, N.
NO." said Jeanette, the eldest, who was al.
ways intensely practical, lit was because Annie
was already dressed. You know gentlemen de-
test being kept waiting They'd rather see wo.
man in calico, than wait ten minutes for her to
make toilet"
SWELL" wound up Matilda, "let's see wheth-
er he calls for Annie the next time he comes to
see--us."
The next time Mr.. Heath came to "see U.s."
he asked solely and only for "Miss Annie"
went down to see him in the very identical brown
merino, little white apron and rose-colored rib
bon-in fact that was the only attire he saw me
in the whole winter through for 1 had nothing
else that was presentable
However, he found no fault with my attire,
simple as it was. Brought me, oh, such exquis-
tic sonnets and such pretty songs that he had
chosen himself for me to sing.
I told you was plain; Mr.. Heath did not
think so. A red light began to steal up into my
cheeks. brushed my hair, which CHANGED to be
long and fne-we plain women are apt to have
handsome hair-until it shown satin.smoothe.
My mother looked upon me with approving eyes.
-. - a. ~ h,A,
heart they were too good for this to last long A
feeling of rCmOrSe seemed To como over them one