Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-08-17
JANET'S FORTUNE.

And when ! die shall leave my for
tune to the one who viii use it to the best
advantage, said Grandma Leeds, smiling
from behind her spectacles to the young
girls around her.
Your fortune, grandma what will it
he: That old basket, with Its horrid yarn
and needles, and the never ending knitting
v'sk? If 50, you need not leave it with me-
JANET will use it to better advantage than
! could
Yes, Lcltie, you are right; and I'm
sure | don want it, either. HIM, what 4
fortune, TO be sure IT,
I Il accept it. grandma and prize it, If
YOU will only add your sweet disposition. 1t
would be a fortune which none of US need
G:,pise
janet Leeds was the youngest of the fam
is, and tie plainest. She had a sweet,
t-esa lace, and tender eyes; but these paled
into UgiiHeSs before Lettie's black orbs and
shining curis, and the blonde loyeliness of
tzl'e Margaret So she settled back like a
modest violet in the chimney corner, and
S--,cl Oh her grandma, or assisted the maid
iathc housework.
Onre in Il while she ventured out to
parry in the village, but 90 seldom that peo-
I..s aevc. observed her That made it un.
pleasant, and she stail at home still closer.
But that morning, while they sat chat
ria- w;.h grandma, she felt deal of real
G,sc9u5ontmsut, for the first time in months
Tiara Bosworth, her bosom friend, was to
give party that evening, and she could
nor 20. For weeks preparations had been
going on in their quiet family. She had
gwen up the money saved for a new winter
e.,aN that Lettie,s green silk might be
lg'rmmcd for the occasion, and the best
1ses- She had in the world was plain gar
u-t-c,.oyed popIiu with black velvet trim
I-.n--.
She had family suggested that she might
walr that, but the dismay of her sisters ST
l.ueal her
Go and wear that old poplin % cried
la,le, from the clouds of white biilowy
-e, that was to ado-n the white silk. You
uust be crazy I"
Il should think 50, chimcd Margaret,
who vas fitting lace berthe over the waist
Of delicate lilac satin. DO you want Aus
lin Bo-worth to think US family OF pau
p-rs? It is to be I grand affair, aud Clara
expects all who honor it will try TO pay her
Respect enough to dress respectfully. Il is
Aus,ins first appearance after Lis Euro
pcan tour, aud surely you do not want him
to think mean of Us?
The tears came up, but Janet was brave,
ana no one saw them.
That night, when the two girls-the one
in her dark beauty and wonderfully bccom-
lng array; the other all delicacy, her fair,
pearl lovelines enhanced by the pale purple
co.ur Of her splendid lress-carne laughing
into grandma ; room. little shadow dark
ened her face, and sac found very hard to
keep back the tears.
Fine feathers make fine birds, but fine
birds do not always sing the sweetest jamie, y
SAID grandma after.they had gone. Il know
Tlo IS the true one in this family. | know
my little singing bird, Jauie, and she is
aearer than dozen fine ladies. Austin
and Clara will come tomorrow, and he will
tell US about his travels in foreign lands
and you will be far happier than you would
ta Up at the house tonight, with dancing
and confusion.
Il suppose so, grandma and Janet
took her seat by the fire and went on knit
ting with peaceful face.
The elder sisters came home with rump-
led pIumage, but in high spirits.
Austin Bosworth had returned, hand,
some, polished gentleman. and had firted
desperately with Lettie.
Why, grandma, he almost proposed to
her" laughed Margaret, who was engaged
10 Judge Leonard S hopeful son, and there
fore had no place for jealousy. More than
one of the company predicted that it would
be a match.
Don't count your chickens before they
are hatched,'' called grandma from her pil-
low. Mr.. Austin Bosworth is no fool, l
can tell youl'