Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1877-12-28
LUCRETIA.

Two young girls were standing Ivy
the crossing waiting for an equipage
to pass, drawn by a span Of greyS, who
pranced along as though proud of
their mounted harness and livcried
coachman.
Isn't it an elegant turnout? And to
think that all that style is wasted on
cripple"
The speaker was bright-looking, but
evidently thoughtless girl, whose fancy
was taken by show and glitter more
than by solid qualities.
Lucretia Armstrong; eyes had been
fixed dreamily on poor little child who
had been sweeping the pavement, and
whose thin hand was reaching out for
pittance. She put the coin into it as
she answered.
Il was not looking but, why do
you say wasted On i cripple? Has he
no mind or faculties to appreciate his
blessingg
What girl you are to catch one up
sol OF course he has rs good an intel
ect as any one, and, by all accounts,
better than most but having every
thing SO elegant makes his intirmity the
more conspicuous"
" / don't see why
The speaker paused abruptly, for here,
at the very booksellers where she was
about to enter, q carriage was drawn up,
and n gentleman was alighting from it,
helped by the footman, who gave him
his crutches, upon which he made his
way into the shop.
As he passed the friends he raised his
hat to Kitty, and smiled pleasantly.
Lucretia's cheeks We're burning at the
thought that they had been discussing
his infrmities, and she selected her pa
per in silence and fastened away. As
soon as she was well out of the place she
said, earnestly
& think that gentleman has the most
interesting face | have ever seen. His
eyes are superb-great luminous wells
Of thought. ! wouldn't mind going on
crutches to own such face as that"
Kitty laughed
We'll, Cree, you always were an odd
little thing see you haven't outlived
your little peculialities Have you still
your collection Of MANNED and exacting
pets | declare, if it had been any
body but dear, lovable Cree Armstrong
who had turned herself into nurse for
animals, wc school girls would have cut
YOU in the old days. ! suppose how
ever the child is father of the man. or
rather Tin this case) woman and no
doubt you've kept up Your practices
since left Gorton."
Lucretia smiled lis her friend ratified
on, but merely said
| see you are the same Kitty-as
much given to exaggeration as ever.
But who is the gentleman | see you
know him"
/" His name is Gale Bertram. Brother
Charley Is very fond Of him, although
Il mere boy compared to him. Charlie
has hobbies, you know, and Mr.. Bertram
is so learned on nearly everything under
the sun, that, if Charlie gets puzzled,
all he has to do is to 90 to his old gen
tleman friend, and he's put straight in
no time.
Kitty. how YOU run on, IF every
one were like you poor Mr.. Bcrtram
would he laid upon THE shelf for society,
| fear
He doesn't care FOR society, % he'd
be no loser.
Hes to be cnvied for his indifler-
ence, then, as he values it in its true
light
Kitty turned and looked 1T Lucretia.
i'll quizzcal way, from head To foot.
We'll, my dear. il did not see
pretty. stylish young Girl with my very
own eyes, | should rather say | wa.
talking with an aged philosopher, who
had outliyed his youth. Lucretia -
this was said with crea; impressive
ness you shall haze an Introduction
foresee that Mr. Bertram will ~ drawn
out Of lis she'll
For shame, Kitty. aid Cree, in-
dignantIy ! Will not he introduced
after such speech should feel con-
scious and uncomfortable after hearing
him made fun Of