Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-05-18
JANET'S FORTUNE.

"And when | die shall leave my
fortune to one who will use it to the bes t
advantage" smiling from beneath her
spectaces to the young girls around her.
Your fortune, grandma What will
that be ? That old basket. with its hor
rid yarn and needles, and tho never end
ing knitting work ? II so, you need not
leave them with me. Janet will use it
to better advantage than | could"
Yes, Let:ie, you aro right and am
sure | don't want it, either. HIM what
fortune, to be sure !"
"lll accept it, grandma, and prize it,
il you'll only add your sweet, contented
disposition. 1t will be fortune which
none OF us need to despise."
Janet Leeds was the youngest OF the
family, and the pninest She had "A
these paled into ugliness before Lette's
black orbs and shining curls, and the
blonde loveiiness of belle Margaret. So
she settled back like modest violet in
the chimney corner, and waited on grand
ma, or assisted the maid in tho house
work.
Once in while shs ventured out to n
party IN the village, but 80 seldom that
people never observed her. That made
it unpleasant, and she stayed at home
still closer.
But on that morning whilo they were
chattering with grandma, she felt deal
of real discomfort for tho first time in
months. Clara Bosworth, her bosom
friend was to give u party that evening,
and she could not go. For weeks prepa-
rations had been going on in their quiet
family. She had given up the money
saved for a new winter cloak, that Let
ties green silk might be re-trimmed for
the occasion. and the best dress she had
in tho world was plain garnet cOored
popIin with black velvet trimmings.
She had family suggested that she
might wear that. but tho cry ot dismAy
that came from her sisters slenced her
go and wear that old poplin !" cried
Leltie from the clouds OF white bilowy
lace that was to adore the green silk.
You mus. be crazy"
~ should think 50 !" chimed Marga-
ret, who was fitting a lace berthe over
the waist OF delicate white satin. " Do
you want Austin Bosworth TO think us
family Of paupers ? IL is TO be grand
affair, and Clara expects all who honor it
with their presence TO pay her respect
enough to dress respectfully. 1t is Aus
tins nrst appearance after his European
tour, and surely you do not want him TO
think meanly Of us ?"
The tears came up, but Janet was
brave and no one saw them.
That night, when the two sirls-the
one in her dark beauty and wonderfully
becoming array, and the other all deli
cacy, her fair, psarly loveliness enhanced
by the pale purple color Of her dress
came laughing into grandma's room, a
little shadow darkened her face, and she
found it very difficult 10 keep back the
tears.
"FIne feathers make fine birds, but
fine birds do not always sing the sweetest,
Janle," said grandma, after they were
gons. know who Is the true one in
this family. | know my little singing
bird, jamie. and she is dearer than a doz-
en fine ladies. Austin and Clara will
come tomorrow, snd he will tell us
about his travels in foreign lands. and
you will be far happier than you would
be up at the house with dancing and con-
fusion.
~ suppose so, grandma" and Janet
took her seat by the nre and went on
knitting with a peaceful face.
The elder sister came home with rump
led plumsge and high spirits.
Austin Bosworth returned handsome,