Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-03-31


shutting the door managed to set his foot
on the trailing skirts of her dress.
Her face flushed in anger, and she snatch
ed her robes around her with anything but
the lady like grace Seymour Lyle had al
ways SO much admired in her.
You awkward clown l'' she exclaimed
sharply. Learn to keep off lady's dress
or | will have you discharged T.
beg pardon men," said John, politely
palling his red foretop, but 1t amt every
poor fellow as has been brought up in the
school of politeness, and learned what to do
with his hands and feet
''Who asked you to reply ?'' she retorted,
eontemptuously
Nobody, men,"
Mrs. Wayne met her on the stairs.
Mother, that new footman of yours is
an idiot And he looks enough to give me
the horrors Heavenl what chill evening
1t has been Mr.. Lyle was not there, and
L made myself hideous in white and sim Pile
ity for nothing No other person has any
appreciation for that style. When we are
married, though, will teach him that dia-
monds are more to my taste than white ro-
ses
Il dare say" mutttered John between
his teeth. Il dare say you'd have no
objection to begin the lesson at once"
All next day Miss Annette was cross and
out of sorts. On poor John her wrath es-
pecially descended. He could do nothing
to suit her and more than one sharp repri-
made he listened to, delivered in that voice
he had once thought SO soft and sweet as
being incapable of being pitched to the high
key, which, after all seemed most natural to
it.
Annette gave John orders not to admit
any one she was not at home, and she pass
cd the day curled up on the sofa in the back
parlor, and taking her ease in soiled wrap
per, and stockings none too fresh from the
laundry
just before dark there was a timid ring
at the door. John opened it, and saw a little
shirering figure on the broad steps A pair
OF brown eyes looked up wistfully in his
face, and musical voice asked
Is Miss Annette at home 2"
Looking into the brown eyes, and MOTTO
ing the soft color which came and went so
charmingly on the pearly cheek, John forgot
that he he had orders to deny his young
mistress to any callers, aud said quite in his |
natural voice
Yes, she is. Will you walk in
The girl stepped into the hail. and he saw
that she was very thinly dressed, and that
she carried bundle He ushered her into
the back parlor at once, where Annette hay
ing renowned her sofa. was ensconced in
an arm chair, with her feet on the tender.
She looked up and frowned at the intru-
sion.
John you stupid blockhcad l told you
| was not at home to day."
Beg pardon, mem forgot, said John,
'Well, it's one of my working people, so
its of no particular consequence. Miss
Ainslee, have you brought me the cape?
John put some coal on the fire. It's cold
As Greenland here. Let US see how you have
done it, Mary"
The girl unrolled her bundle, and display
I'd pink Thibet opera cape, embroidered
white SO exquisitely that John forgot him
self again, and stood gazing at it in profound
admiration.
Don't stand there gazing, John !" said
Annette sharply. ''Put on some coal -
Then to Miss Ainslee, 1t is really very well
executed, and will give you something
more of the same sort to do before long
Y ou can go now, for its nearly dark, and
you'll be afraid if you stop longer
Miss Ainslee rose, and hesitated on her
way to the door.
IF you could pay me for the work to-
iay," she said in tronbled voice, ''my rent
iue. and my little sister is ill"
20, don't trouble to proceed" said An
,ette, coarsely, Il know the whole. There
s always sick mother or sister. l can't
pay you to day-it's eight dollars, l believe,
md have only twenty by me, and that
Sant to. morrow Call around next week, and
will pay you
Indeed, Miss Wayne" said the girl, in
chokcd voice. Il an suffering for it, or |
wouldn't ask you"
Don't trouble me my good girl, have
headache to day, need restand quiet. | will
,ay you next week. John show her out
A bright scarlet rose to Miss Ainslee's
heeks as she followed the tall footman to
he door, and John was sure he saw tears
n the brown eyes. She hurried down the
cy street, but before she had gone dozen
DDS, Mrs Wayne's footman had overtaken
Ter.
Here is something for you, Miss, said
le hastily, and thrust ten dollar note into
Ter hand
20, Miss Wayne sent il, did she?' she
reclaimed joyfully. Il am so glad. And
ou are so good to bring it.
Thank you, mem" said John, blushing
nd not knowing what to say, but feeling
ONE way strangely well pleased with him
elf.
Dear little thingl" said he to himself
i wish had given her fifty instead of ten,
mt then she would have suspected that 1t
n J.