The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1870-08-26
JANET,s FORTUNE.

Leeds, smiling from behind her spec
tacles l., the young girls around her.
"Your fortune, grandma; what will
it be? That old basket with its horrid
yarn and needles, and the never-end-
ing knitting work? II SO, you need
not leave it to me. Janet will use it
to far better advantage than could"
Eyes, Lettie, you are right and
I'm sure don't want it either. HIM,
what fortune to be sure r
"I'll accept it, grandma, and prize
it, If you will only add your sweet,
contented disposition. 1t would be
fortune which none of US need de-
spise." ,a
Janet Leeds was the youngest OF
the family, and plainest. She had a
sweet fresh face, and tender eyes but
these paled into ugliness before Iettie's
black orbs and shining curls, and the
blonde lovliness of Margaret. So she
settled back like a modest violet in
the chimney corner, and waited on her
grandma. or assisted the maid in her
housework
Once in while she ventured out to
a party in the village, but so seldom
that the people never observed her
That made it unpleasant, but she staid
at home still closer.
But that morning, while they sat
chatting with grandma, she felt deal
of discontentment, for the first time in
months.
Clara Bosworth, her bosom friend.
was TO give party that evening, and
IL L..
rations had been going on iii their
quiet family She had given up the
money saved for n new winter cloak
that Lettie's green silk might be re-
trimmed for the occasion, and the best
dress she had in the world was plain
lgarnet-colored popiin with black vel
vet trimmings.
i She had family suggested that she
might wear that, bat the dismay of her
sisters silenced her.
"Go and wear that old poplin =
cried Lettie, from the clouds of white
billowy lace that was to adorn the
green silk. IS You surely must be
crazy y
Il should think So" chimed Marga-
ret, who was fitting n lace bertha over
the waist of delicate lilac satin. do
YOU want Austin Bosworth to think us
a family of paupers? 1t is to be a
grand affair, and Clara expects all who
honor it will try To pay her respect
| enough to dress respectfully. 1t il
Austin's first appearance after his
: European tour, and surely you do
not want him TO think mean OF us?"
The tears came, but Janet was brave
and no one saw them.
That night when the two girls
{ one in her dark beauty and wonder.
fully becoming array, and the other
all delicacy, her fair, pearl loveliness
. enhanced by the pale purple color oi
r her splendid dress--came laughing
into grandma s room, n little shadow
: darkened her face, and she found il
!. very hard to keep the tears back.
0 Zine feathers make fine birds, bu
!. !. fine birds do not always sing the
sweetest, jamie" said grandma, aft~l
r they were gone. 81 know who is sht
true one in this family. I know IN,
little singing bird, jamie, and she il
dearer than a dozen fine ladies. Aus
: tin and Clara will come tomorrow
and he will tell us about his travels il
foreign lands, and you will he far hap
pier than you would be up at th'
!. house tonight, with dancing and con
fusion"
81 suppose SO, grandma" and Jan
= ct took her seat by the fire aud wen
d on with her knitting, with peaceful
ic face.
y The elder sisters came home witt
rumpled plumage, but in very higl
spirits. -
u Austin Bosworth had returned,
handsome, polished gentleman, an,
g had firted with Lettie.
"Why, grandma, he almost propos
ed to herr laughed Margaret, VIII
ID was engaged to Judge Leonard's s hope
>, full son, and therefore had no plac
n N for jealousy. I" More than one of th
at company predicted that it would be
n match" .s
p "Don't count your chickens befor
they're hatched," called grandma fror
e, her pillow. 'Austin Bosworth is n
~ fool can tell you r.
"What an old croaker."
They were entering their chambe
across the hall, but grandma's eal
was not dulled by old age, and sh
c. clearly heard them.
"Don't mind them, grandma, whii
pered Janet, who had waited to hel
them lay aside their fnery.
= mind them Do you think I shall
Janet Leeds" Fse
Next day Austin Bosworth came
He was too familiar with the old hous
'al to stop for bell ringing, and he ente
b. =. ed, crossing the hall directly past Il
parlor door, where Margaret and LIE
tie waited in their tasteful afternoo
garbs, and walked straight on
grandma's room.
She was there with her work, h,
placid face beaming beneath the whi
lace -bordered cap.
A graceful, girlish figure, half kne
. / before her, wreathing with deft finge
: bunch of evergreens, into fran
for mantel ornament, and her ey,
were lifted smiling into the old lady
face.
He entered and closed the door b
!. fore either saw him.
ssGrandma Leeds r.
"Why bless my heart, here's Austi
| o..o t.,,x, I><~xv