Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-09-23

with the bedroom adjoining, to boarders, and
can also spare two rooms up stairs"
Laura and looked at each other obviously.
This was indeed a new project
1T IS a great risk, Ruth"
"Of course" replied she, briskly; 'elife is a
series of risks"
Shall you advertise for your CITY boarders?,
The incredulous smile or my twin-sster as she
asked this question would have ANNOYED a less
sunny temper than Ruths.
That Is unnecessary" was her quiet reply.
A great many people stay over night in Berk-
ley on their way to the White Mountains; and
have often heard that if there were only suita-
bic accommodations at the tavern, it could be
full of visitors all summer"
Ruth's manner was inspiring; and as she con-
cluded with, " Trust me, girls; am confident of
success, !" we were almost ready to yield to her
decision.
"I am not quite prepared to give nv consent
TO expose you to the mercy of city bOarders, or
any other" said Laura, as she rose from the ia
bic. " Not being what Is called a sharp mana
ger land heaven defend you from ever becoming
onei) you would constantly be imposed upon.
YOu will never succeed in public career, dear!
The world is a great game of brag. To hide
ones light under bushel Is TO put ones self in
the way of a merciless snubbing, or else that
most unpleasant virtue. cOndescension!n
"How the child talks," said Ruth. greatly
amused "Who has lived the longer, Laura.
you i? And now il is time you were packing
the Old black trunk. AS you 60 up stairs, please
look in the clOthes-press by the chimney to see
II the rain leaks in. have my suspicious"
shall always think that Ruth had double
motive in this last request for she hurried with
alacrity in obedience to the call that reached
her few moments later from the upper hall
Just sect and Laura's tragic gesture OF des-
pair as she threw open the clothes-press door
was worthy of "A Siddons.
1t was indeed forlorn sight.
The air was thick with that indescrible sicken-
ing smell OF liquid SCOT, while big black drops
trickled fast down the ceiling, andfell SMASHING
into the large pool they had formed on the floor
am not surprised" said Ruth, ccolly sur
yeying tie scene. =" 1t is well that l removed
the things yesterday. The old shingles are like
20 much paper for protection"
1t Is miserable to be poor!" calculated Laura,
impatiently.
dNever mind!" was Ruth's consoling answer
L shall earn enough this summer to make
every thing snug and trim" And to Ruth's
triumph, Laura made no further objections.
The new plan promised to work admirably.
Uncle James and Aunt Deborah gladly con-
sented to come, and soon the rumor crept
around the village that repairs were making AZ
the Bennett place, and Mrs. Ruth Ames was
going to keep bOarders.
One evening the chatty landlady of the little
tavern came busting up 10 see US.
wal, II you amt as slick as fiddle up here,
tell 'em you are master-hand, Mis- Ames, and
no mistakel SEE to John this mOrnin,v seq I,
i shouldn't wonder il Mis- Ames could take the
new doctor to board"
The new doetOr?" repeated Ruth, inquir-
ingly:
was good Mrs. Williams reply. 1T depends ON
how he likes Berkley. He's a friend of Judge
Judge had a fit-them Loomises are a dreadful
fifty set-and now, / guess the doctor calculates
10 spend the summer, II he can get board in a
rooms"
ais he old or young?" asked Ruth.
oval, mddlin,' should say. He's a smart
appearin' man-loOks as if when he set out to
do anything he'd carry his point--but he don't
handsome much, no more than l." and Mrs.
Williams fat, homely face wrinkled all over
with her good natured smile.
a. 10 / 20 vcI,o ID
ded. " He's brown as a berry, and has dark
hair and eyes. tell 'em if there's one thing /
despise more'n another, it's slack-baked indi-
vidual."
In due time DR.. Philip RAYMOND called. and
his quiet gentlemanly bearing made favorable
impression on both Ruth and Aunt Deborah. As
the cOOsey bedroom adjoining, a pleased smile
lighted up his dark face. "This is nv idea of
home comfOrt!' he exclaimed, and Immediately
engaged the rooms at double Ruth's modest estf-
mate.
As the season advanced, Ruth realized her
expectations OF having a house filled with
boarders, but whether her experiment was a
great success financially, shall leave for her
sometime to tell.
The doctor daily grew in favor. Aunt De-
borah, especially, thought there was nothing
her evident liking, she boldly defended herself,
declaring that as all the superabundant affec-
ton Of old women goes either to their minister
or their doctor, she had q right to bestOw her
share upon DIR. Raymond.
Il hear that he Is a famous surgeon" she re-
marked, one day, while engaged on her favorite
theme-the doctors merits. f" believe he can
cure Edna's lameness."
felt myself turning white and faint at the
suggestion of an operation on my foot. Ruth
FASTENED TO re-assure me, but from her manner
was lain TO perceive that this idea had en-
tered her mind before.
The first shock over, gradually their conf
dence inspired me, and finally, was persuaded
To submit to an examination.
"A mai In
my opinion your lameneSs is not incurable. l
once saw, in a Paris hospital, similar case
cured by Judicious treatment The operation
will require time, and be rather tedious; but
think Of the result and have courage!
There was something 50 strong, tender, and
compassionate in the kind eyes turned full upon
mine, that had the doctor desired to dissect me,
i should doubtless have willingly consented.
In the weary weeks of suffering that followed,
L learned the noble nature of Philip Raymond
"Ruth, he Is almost good enough for Laura
Exclaimed one evening, shortly after nv twin
sisters return. In saving this / had paid him
the highest compliment in my power, for Laura
was my idol "Where are they, Ruth? L hear
their voices"
"Out on the front doorstep, looking at the
moon and parlez-vousing. Why people with
English tongues wish to use auy other, is past
81 see how il will all end.r and nestled con-
tentedly among the pillows of my low couch,
and began to weave delightful romance, in
which the couple on the doorstep figured con-
Ruth, don't you wish il would happen"
"Wish what would happen"
"Why, Laura and the doctor -"
81 don't know that do" replied Ruth drily.
They will make charming pair" unused /;
$50 well fitted for each other"
Ruth looked at me searchngly without COM
ment. i thought her contrary. There was "A
little spice of that IN her disposition.
DIR. Raymond and Laura seemed to be On the
best terms with each other. Once, hoped TO
surprise her into a confession. "Well, dear,
what do YOU think of him."
Who? The doctor? Oh, he is very nice,
only just little bit of an old bachelor-is he
not, Edna?"
as Old bachelor, ;" and ''nce'i Laura, I am
ashamed of you" were my indignant exclama-
tons. a. He is perfection! And wanted you to
like hint
So do, you delicious little goose, . Edna,
where are your eyes?' and to my great pOr-
plexity Laura laughed merriIy.
You need not build any castles for me in
that direction, i assure you, Edna" she began.
" Besides, fear 1 hate the so-called proper
sphere of woman. i long TO have profession,
and the position and influence il brings Who
does not wish TO be genius? For my part, am
tired OF always having to warm myself at other
peoples fires! long to become power in the
wOrld.'
Her voice rang ont sweet and clear, and her
beautiful face glowed with earnest feeling.
All! IL he could only see her nOw." thought
i.