Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-02-12

''If We only did not live in little
factory village l might make what
musical taste possess available, and
so contribute my share toward our sup.
port Shall l always have to be .
burden on you girls3" and my heart
was heavy as l spoke.
Their loving words OF sisterly com.
fort need not here be repeated. After
all, We were rich in one another.
"How few possibilities the re are for
women" begun Laura.
Nonsense interrupted Ruth,
cheerily. possibilities are plenty.
We might turn our fine, large yard in
to garden"
"iou would find more hard work
than poetry" and Laura smiled with
an air Of superior wisdom.
There were few moments Of silence,
and then Ruth spoke hesitatingly: 81
will tell YOU what, in my opinion, is
our best course-for the present, at
least, Laura must keep her situation
at D-Seminary; Edna will stay at
home and study music; and am 60
ing to take boarders. Seriously girls,
this is not a knew idea with me. Do
you remember the conversation the
other evening when Mrs. Hubbard call
cd: She was telling me how we'll the
Johnson's had succeeded since leaving
Berkicy. When they left the village
they were in destitute circumstances
but by keeping summer Doarders they
have had comfortable living all the
year, besides laying by something to-
wards paying for their house. The
secret Of success in their case seems TO
be in their doing most Of the work
themselves, and so needing few ser.
wants; they raise all their own vegeta-
bles, and they charge high price for
board. City people expect to pay
we'll, said Mrs. Hubbard"
But" exclaimed Laura and myself
in one breath.
'Just hear me through" continued
Ruth. becoming more animated. "We
own the house ; that is great point
in our favor-no high rent to pay.
The garden will supply us with fruit
and vegetables. Then believe Aunt
Deborah and Uncle James would be
glad 10 come to live with US. They
have no home of their own. With
Aunt Deborah's help. l could get
along with one servant. Uncle James
will make the garden. The unfinished
room over the dinning-room can be
done off for them; we can give up the
parlor with the bedroom adjoining, to
boarders. and can also spare two rooms
upstairs.
Laura and | looked at each other
obviously. This was indeed a new
project.
1T is a great risk, Ruth"
"Of course" replied she bri.kly !;
life is 4 series of risks
"Shall YOU advertise for your city
boarders:"
The lncrcdulous smile of nv twin
sister As she asked this question, would
have annoyed a less sunny temper
than Ruth's.
That is unnecessary" was her quiet
reply. "A great many people stay
over night in Berkeley on their way to
the White Mountains and have Of
ten heard that if there were only suita-
bic accommodations at the tavern, il
could be full of visitors all summer"
Ruth's manner was inspiring and as
she concluded with, Trust Inc, girls
l am confident of success" we were al.
most ready 10 yield 10 her decision.
IL am not quite prepared to give
my consent TO expose you TO the mercy
of city boarders, or any other" said
Laura, as she rose from the table.
Not being what is called sharp
manager (and heaven defend YOU from
ever becoming one), you would con-
stantly be imposed upon. You will
never succeed in public career. dear
The world is great game of brag
to put ones self in the way Of merci.
less snubbing, or else that most un-
pleasant virtue, condescension! -
"How the child talks!" said Ruth,
greatly amused. "Who has lived the
longer, Laura. you or Ii And now i,
is time you were packing the old black
trunk. AS you go up stairs, please
look in the clothes-press by the chin.
ney. to seeif the rain leaks in. have
my suspicious
shall always think that Ruth had
Il double motive in this last request
for she hurried with alacrity in obedi
ence TO the call that reached her in q
few moments later from the upper hall
|, just see !" and Laura's tragic gest.
ure OF despair AS she threw open the
clothes press door was worthy Of s
Siddons.
1t was indeed forlorn sight.
The air was thick with that indies
cribable sickening smell Of liquid SCOT
I while big black drops tickled fast
down the ceiling, and fell splashing in
to the large pool they had formed OF
the floor
E Il am not surprised" said Rutl
coolly surveying the scene. sit il
7 we'll that l removed the things yester
$ day. The old shingles are like 81
&, much paper protection"
sit is miserable to be poor!" ejacu
y lated Laura impatiently.
!. 'Never mind p was Ruth's consol
= ing answer. II shall earn enough
e this summer to make everything snu,
n and trim" And to Ruth's triumph
0 Laura made no further objections.
e The new plan promised to work ad
mirably. Uncle James and Aun
0 Deborah gladly consented 10 come
:. and soon the rumor crept around th
b village that repairs were making q
the Bennett place, and Mrs. Rut
Ames, was gong to keep boarders.
n One evening the chatty landlady Q
the little tavern came bustling up Il
q see US.
e "Wal, if you aint as slick as fiddl
s up here! l tell 'em you are q maste
hand, Mis- Ames, and no mistake