The weekly Shasta courier., 1873-07-05
SHASTA, CAL, SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1873.

nection do you suppose could ever have ex-
listed between your dressmaker and myself?
/ thought you had some sense, Kate 1t
was man who made me monomaniac on
this subject; so don't ask any more ques-
tons"
1 didn't ask any more questions and
what was more, L firmly decided that my
brother and his freaks were quite beneath
my notice. But did make ready for my
my dressmaker, defeating to her use as
pleasant room as had in the house-one
that knew she would enjoy herself in when
her days work was done, and she had time
to fold her baby to her heart and rock her
to sleep, as did'mine, lin the dim, beauti-
full twilight.
Monday morning came, and with it Mrs.
Andrews and the little one, the last gold
Gu haired, bright-faced sylph of child, just
miniature copy of her mother. Day after
day passed, and vexed as | was with John,
couldn't help enjoying and laughing heart
lily at the comical situations he not unfre-
quently found himself in. 1t seemed to me
that his principal business consisted in dodg-
ing this poor inoffensive little Mrs. Andrews.
She knew | had brother, and after the
first day or two gave up wondering why he
did not come to the table. knew it both
cred her at first, although she had too much
good sense to put her thoughts into words.
She was strange woman to manage. That
she appreciated my kindness was very evil
dent, but no argument that could use was
sufficient to induce her to sit with me OF an
evening in the parlor or library. She was
my dressmaker-that she was very anxious
to impress upon my mind, much to my an
noyance. The only way I could ever get
her to ride with me was to invent some eX-
cuse for shopping, and instruct the coach
man to drive to the park afterward. AT
such times, although certain she was made
happy by the change, yet there seemed to
be always something expressing her. Once
/ said, pushing her gently back among the
cushions, d" wish you would try and enjoy
this, and get all the good out of it you posi-
bly, can. See what good time little Maude
is having" THAT was her baby's name.)
b" do enjoy it, my dear Mrs. Sinclair, >"
she replied very sweetly. =" At the same |
do not like to feel that am neglecting your
work.
Atmosphere VI lCSOl VIC WIN ohO
surrounded herself was as impenetrable as it
was incomprehensbl Her language was
choice and cultured but she seemed to keep
double guard over herself lest she should
be betrayed into conversation on other
subjects than dressmaking. One evening
as | approached the room intending to sit
with her while, heard her voice, at first I
thought in prayer, but after a second ] stood
spell-bound, as she recited in tones | shall
never forget the following:
d" 1 think we are too ready with complaint
In this fair world of ours. Had we no hope
Indeed, beyond the zenith and the slope
OF yonder gray, blank sky, we might grow faint
To muse upon eternity's constraint
Round our aspirant souls but since the scope
Must widen early, is it well to droop
For few days consumed in loss and faint
o pusillanimous heart, be comforted!
And like cheerful traveller take the road,
Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread
Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod
To ment the fnts? At least ii may be said,
Because the way is short, thank thee, God"
I then went back to my room and had a
good cry. Before l had quite finished a
servant entered, and said, 81. Mr.. John wants
to see you in the library"
So down | went, and presented myself to
my astonished brother with face swollen
and red with weeping. "Why, Kate, my
dear child, what is the matter?
Do you really want me to tell your"
sobbed.
Why, of course do"
You never let me speak of her." I con-
tinued, burying my head on his neck.
"Who is herr" he asked wonderingly.
"My dressmaker, you know. T." And
/ was going on, when he interrupted me
with, I" | knew you would have trouble with
her sooner or later. You were bound to-
Any one with that name"
And as true as | live my brother shudder-
ed so that felt myself growing cold too
from mere sympathy.
"Oh, it isn't at all what you think" !
managed to say and after good many at
tempts | made him understand the situation.
What was my establishment to hear him say,
Poor little dressmaker! She has perhaps
had some great trouble. l am glad you
have been so kind to her. If her life is
spared till tomorrow morning, | will let you
introduce me at breakfast"
What was the reason, do you think, that
| never loved my brother in all my life as
did at that moment? and the great, big
shaggy fellow knew it, too, for he kissed
me over and over again, telling me all the
while what good little woman was. and
that he was Just as ashamed of himself as
he could be. After while he got at the
business about which he wished to consult
me. He wanted me to look over a big box
of his papers, selecting all those of a certain
L.. =
about them," he said, but can not bear
to touch them, and it will help me. l shall
be so relieved
My answer was to order the box sent to
my room Immediately. After this ventur.
ed to call upon Mrs. Andrews.
Just come here" said |, by way of in
PRODUCTION, - and see what job my brother
has given me :" and led her to the box
a believe | will let you help me tomorrow.
"Why not to-night?' she asked. :" Per
haps he is in hurry for them. Truly I dc
not feel in the least sleepy"
Neither did |; so at it we went.
And is this man your brother ?" she in
CURED, holding up bill, and giving me a
look l shall never forget to my dying day
" John Bittinger."
That's his name,' answered, frighten-
ed half out of my wits. But why do you
ask ?" t-
The name is very familiar" she explain.
ed. in quiet voice, and then bent over her
task, determined upon guarding her secret
with her life if necessary.
Such pale, set, earnest, wretched face
never looked upon before or since. took
no notice, for you see glimmeripg Of the
sruth had dawned upon me, and although
eager to know, could afford to wait.
Fifteen minutes. think. passed in perfect
silence, our hands busy all the time unfold