The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-05-25

~~~EJ 7~'~'~ +A1'SA suAAH A0O &Vuo
wrong #;h her that day. Her maid
was i'll; DR.. Merlin, for whom it was
mt difficult to see she had a partial
feeling, had sent an excuse on the plea
Of professional duty, and his ,usin,
Ward Holmes, with her permission, he
begged to be allowed to send in his
place to attend her. All this chafed
her spirits, but che was determined to
go, and consequently began at an carly
hour to dress for the occasion.
Miserably sick with a freshly con-
tracted cold-and headache, had de-
clined attending the party, but seeing
Estelle's distress, reused myself to rem
der what assistance I might. Still
nothing went right, and in the midst of
all the worriment Mrs. Levering cam 9
in.
"Oh, mamma" !" burst from Estelle.
"1f it wasn't for some things I'd stay at
home. I shall look like fright with
out Kitty to dress me. It's to bad that
she should be sick tonight, Of all nightsl
am ready to sink with vexatiou."
"Why, my dear, you seem to have
very efficient aid" Mrs. Levering, an
swered quietly.
Estelle blushed, but answered,
"Ob, I know, Miss Harlapd is very
good. Indeed I appreciate her kind
ness, but there is nobody that can get
on with me like Kitty. I am SO sure
Of her that it never gives me any
trouble at all. I only have to yield
myself to her hands, and 1t Is all right
in little while. I am sure to look
charming. But here am, all flushed
and heated and cross! Oh, dear! /
oou!d cry outright"
4 turned away with something like
scorn for the vain girl at my heart,
and sank into large chair, cne hand
pressed over my temples to still the
pain. Mrs. Levering rang the bell.
Il shall send for Constance to help
you, my dear. She is as good as any
dressing maid in the world"
."gonstance To be sure ! Why did
not think of her before Tell her to
come quickly, "crled Estelle, with eager
ness.
Mrs. lowering gave the order and
went out to prepare her own toilettee.
To few moments Constance entered.
l noted little round red spot on
each cheek as she advanced to Estelle,
but her manner WIS very gentle and
patient. With light, swift, fingers she
arranged the rebellious curls, fastened
the jewels into them. ard added article
after article, until the dress was corr.
plete. Sometimes Estelle would burst
OUT impatiently If anything failed to
pl ase her, but Consta net remedied the
evil " tnopt reply or comment. | Sat
still, watched aud listened intently un-
til it was over, and The girl went out
quietly, scarcely having lifted her eyes
to give me glance even, the whole
time of her stay.
"Thank fortune that is done ~ sigl
ed the elegant young miss, surveying
herself. "Who could have believed
that child had so much taste and iudg.
ment, having lived all her life in a
1quiet, country town ,? 1t is well she can
make herself useful in someway, I am
sure. Poor relations are great trial
Don't you think so ?"
"Certainly,' I answered, dryly, "te
most people they are. I should not
think that Constance would try you
however. She is gentle little thing
and very useful to Freddie"
"Oh, yes, Freddie likes her, aui
there Is no need for nurse since she
can take care Of him. Papa talks tt
US so much about extravagance, I wal
quite relieved when mamma decided tc
send away the boys nurse instead o.
Kitty. l never can do without maid
That is out Of the question:
In few moments the carriage wa
announced, and Mr.. Holmes nam,
came up. Estelle, descended to 6nt
her father and mother in the hall will
him. From the first landing I tav
them 60 out, heard the carriage rol
away, and then returned to my room
glad to be left alone for one evening t.
rest IN peace.
Buried within the luxurious depth
Of a large chair, with my feet upon
stool, sat for some time, when, just a
. soft slumber seemed stealing upon mo
a light hand fell on my arm. I opened
ny el es to see Constance close at m1
side, her face psllid, her large eyes wilo
with alarm. ..
edo, Miss Harland, please forgiv,
this intrusion, but Freddie is very il
with Group, and I must 30 tor doctor
! am afraid to leave him alone With tn,
house maid till I come back. Viii
you come into the nursery for a little
/ hAe 7"
eyes, Indeed But, child, why moi
send one Of the men p
"They are all out"
~"Then send the house maid"
/ "She is afraid to Co."
"Strange," l uttered, impatiently
Il have never seen such regulations a.
this in gentleman's house. I an
completely Astonished., w there are ",
go,ng, Constance ?" 4 -. ~ ";'