The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-07-10


orphaned brood, for which she was not
ready to give value received. r,-.
When autumn came, 1t was decided
that all OF the children at home, except
the baby, were to be sent to the public
school, and Annie, feeling that Fan and
Sue could manage after some fashion
with their household duties in addition
to their studies, resolved to take her
baby brother and 60 out TO service.
The little fellow could walk now, and,
though he was barefoot and his dress
was made of remnants of half-dozen
cast-off garments Of the older Lees, he
was bright and beautiful, and Annie felt
for him motherly pride and solicitude
as he toddled by her side on her mission
of place-hunting.
Ascending the marble steps OF plain
looking mansion, with wide veranda
and shaven lawn, Annie rang the bell,
and was admitted to an elegant parlor,
furnished with fine glass mirrors, mar
BILE statues, and the costliest upholstery.
Books, which she would have drudged
upon her knees for the privilege to read,
lay scattered about in negligent profu-
sion of elegance, and grand plano
stood open in draperied alcove.
"Oh, my, how pittyw said little Dick,
as his brown feet pressed the velvet
floor, and lying with his cheek pressed
to the flowers upon the carpet, he
chuckled in an ecstacy Of delight.
Annie had waited what seemed to her
an age, when a dumpy, dowdy-looking
woman, in an elegant but ill-fitting
robe, came sweeping in, and demanded
the intruder's errand.
az came, ma'am," hesitatingly, "in
search of a situation as cook, laundress,
chamber-maid, seamstress, or anything
useful that you might want"
"Where is your husband ?" critically
eyeing poor little Dick upon the floor.
'I am not married, ma'am," and then
blushing deeply at the revealed suspic-
ions of the daughter of fortune, she said
tremblingly, "That is my little brother.
Ny mother and father are dead, and !
am trying to bring him up"
"a trumped-up story, no doubtl
Madam, do not want you. Even il
you were virtuous girl, which / doubt
1 wouldn't think of taking n child into
my house. 1 bid you good morning"
and the hostess waved her to the door.
Now, Annie was no pink of meek per-
fection to accept such an insult silently.
Taking the child in her arms, she
flashed defiance in her accuser's face,
and said, savagely:
"Wicked thoughts come from wicked
hearts I'd starve before I'd pollute
7 my conscience by receiving patronage
from SO corrupt n sourcer'
"Begone, you beggar ~ was the stern
reply. "Here, Ah Wing, set the dog OF
that creature, If she ever puts her fool
in these grounds again."
Annie walked rapidly down the street
carrying her baby brother, and bending
r beneath the load, with an additional
load of oppression and injustice tugginl
| so heavily at her heart, that it seemed
= impossible for her to sustain it aud live
81 believe Pll commit suicide. Tn,
river isn't far off, and there's no plac,
, in the world for me-" she said, audibly
. as she shook from head to foot with ex
{ citement.
d "Poor sissy p said the child, caressini
e her with his dimpled hands. 'Poo
sissy, don't ely. Dicky love 'ou."
= "Sister must lire for your sake, dar
ling" was the reply, as, kissing the in
: nocent object Of her recent insult, sh
e went hurrying down the street.
o Suddenly turning corner, she raise
: her eyes and stood face to face wit
Melvin Hastings, his sister Alice, an
Il Miss O'Toodles.
d The trio were marching leisurel
e up the street, and were evidently en-
d gagged in a very amusing conversation
s A sudden look of recognition, and
, smile and bow from Melvin, were an
swered by the fearful gaze and bashft
It nod of the maiden, as she bore her bul
a den onward down the crowded street.
n "Who was that ?" queried Alice, VIII
t, had seen the greeting.
p Zone OF my little country friends
that's ALL" was the brothers reply.
e "She's regular fright in that Gallo
l. dress and old chip hat. / certainly cor
! gratulate you upon your taste, If she
: YOU friend" said Miss O'Toodles, wit
)f a sneer.
% zone thing is certain" was the quic
,r reply, "that girl has more native SCUM
a sense, and a truer, warmer heart, tina
% any other that ever met"
n "Take care, Melvin" laughed Alic
"you're treading upon corns. My ham
4 some, dashing brother is somewhi
or smitten with that little bundle of shi
ling calico"
IN SIS she some child's nurse ?'' with
OF saucy toss of the O'Toodles' head.
or 81 don't see how what she is, or VIII
e. she may be, can be Of any Interest
hs you,n said Melvin, somewhat haughtil
IN as the trio stopped in front of Il
OiTOodles mansion.
nd Mrs. OiToodles received them wi
st that fussy show of ignorant hospitali
lie so noticeable in the shoddy elements
q Americas would-be aristOeracy.
a. 40, mamma" /" simpered Nellie, "we'
II Just met one of Mr.. Hastings fayorit,
TO a black-eyed little witch in blue cali
nv and curls, with a great young o
ty hugged TO her side.