The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-07-08
A FORTUNATE GIFT.


roses and the woodbine, and the bud
ding grape vines, fingered around them
as If the tender scents were fitting
tributes to them.
Two fair young girls, the same age to
an hour, and unlike as sisters could
possibly be, and each q perfect type of
her own style of loveliness = both of
them peeresses in their royal dover of
beauty.
Rose stood leaning against the railing
of the verandah, her naughty eyes, that
could melt from the cool, brilliant gray
they now looked into such liquid dark
ness when occasion required = splendid
calm cold eyes were roaming away out
into the gathering dust that was falling
in purple-gray of tissue over wood and
lawn.
She turned her face toward her COM
panion. Her eyes suddenly relaxed in
their wandering, listless glances, and
showed half-vexed, half-amused ex-
preston.
Bell, how much longer are we 60
ing to stay here = at least how much
longer do you want to stop 9-I am sure
shall die of ennui If have much more
Of it,"
g don't think of going back to town
yet, Rose. wish we might never have
to go."
"Never go back Why, Bell, is it
possible that you are so infatuated with
the country as to actually wish that p
Child, for three months it is all very
well to bury ones self as we are buried,
and I've no doubt that mamma will feel
much better and stronger for it, but to
stay longer, in hired cottage, with
only one half grown girl to assist in the
work, and no amusements of any sort,
and our joint stock of earnings, ex-
hausting itself daily-I tell you, Bell,
prefer our own suite of rooms at home,
and my music scholars and your book
keeping, with chance of occasional
enjoyment.
{" 1 dare say you're right, dear. But
do love the country, Rose"
4" So would if, for instance, lived
in the mansion over yonder - Ferley
Court, you know-where the stately
housekeeper showed us through and des-
canted on the many qualities and vast
wealth of its owner. 1 forgot to tell
you, Bell, that there will grand recep-
ton week after he comes back, and he
is expected hourly"
Bell lifted her eyes in graceful little
gesture of surprise.
GA reception ? Oh, Rose, and of
course there'll be dance. Oh, dear,
how I'd like to go!
''Of course you'd like to go. But do
you think for moment that the aristo-
Gratis around here would condescend to
associate with us ?"
Bells face grew stern.
Why not We are ladies born and
bred, if we do work for living"
g You foolish child I tell your our
faces and our handsome dresses-if we
had them-would take us where our
family name would not. And L can
tell you something else, Bell"
The little gate at the roadside opened
at that instant, and the sound of lag
ging footsteps coming toward the house
interrupted Roses remark, and then a
dusty, travel-stained man paused at the
foot of the steps and touched his dingy
hat-rim to the girls.
He was evidently one of the many re-
spectacle, discouraged, ,disheartened men
one so often sees tramping through the
country in search of work.
Rose drew herself up.
"Go away. We have nothing for
you. We don't encourage tramps
here"
He touched his hat-the rim was de-
cidedly battered and dusty.
" beg your pardon, ladies; but il
you will give me "a"
Rose swept across the floor angrily.
g Will you march on, or will have
to set the dog on you2 Bell go tell Jane
to unfasten Rover"
The man turned away slowly, as il
to move was an effort, and Bell spranp
up in an impulse of protest.
Rose, how can you be so heartless
He is pale as death, and only see how ht
draws himself along You might hav,
let him sit down minute, and at leas
have given him a kind word and piec,
Of bread and butter"
A contemptuous laugh pealed from
Roses red lips.
[ fNs-