, 1879-04-20
a LUCKY ESCAPE.


to my becoming the heroine Of it.
Tile death OF my father, clergyman, left my
mother with very reduced means and q large
family, Of whom l was the eldest. I was anxious
to do something to help her, but, though had
a good plain education and was well read, pos
sessed no accomplishments. ! could neither
play the piano nor draw, and spoke French
with an accent which could not hatter myself
was Partisan. 1t was therefore difficult to find
a place for me the emoluments Of which would
enable me to aid my mother. was about: how
ever, to advertise for the post OF companion.
when letter reached us from an aged relative
Of my fathers which settled the difficulty for
u.s.
Mrs. Keith, his aunt, had married rich man,
who, dying, LETT her his estates and wealth; but
q quarrel with her brother-my grandfather
had scparated.hcr completely from her family,
and NC had not heard from her for years. Ru-
NOR Cnve her the character of miser, and my
fathcr had never ielt inclined to recall himself
to her memory, divided as they were By the
whole length OF England, for bis liyngs were In
the North, and Mrs. kcit lived near Pourbrool,
village in Hampshire. Still, Us q matter Of
courtesy, card announcing her nephew's death
was sent to her, and believe our doctor-a
kind, thoughtful man-accompanied it with
letter from himself to the old lady. And now
she had written to us not unkindly letter.
After the ordinary condolences, she added
that, having understood my mother had q
large family aud small means, she would be
happy to receive the eldest daughter to reside
with her as ompanion. II will give her, If she
accepts my offer, $50 year." she added, and
as very little dress is required in my home-for
i see no one but the doctor and clergyman
she ought to be able to spare !ss20 Of the sum
to help her family. But she must remember
that my home is a lonely place far in the coun-
try, that my establishment is small. consisting
only Of two old and faithful servants and
younger assistant, and that her life will be
monotouous routine with only an aged woman
as her com panion. 1T, therefore, she is timid or
fond Of gayety, she had better not think Of
coming here"
My mother, who was reading the letter aloud
to me. paused with look Ut tlisnay.
II will accept the offer, dearest mother" l
said. Il don't know what fear is. and ! don't
care for gayety, even ii I were not in such sor-
row.
"But, my dear, the salary is SO small, and the
prospect SO urcnry; and we have always heard
that Aunt Helen is n perfect miser," remon-
strated my mother.
but ruInor always cyagger1tes," suggest
cd. ''She may be nicer than You thtuk She
E;n,11r II shc Is y ,nst.r. shc must for our
sains har. stru.ro,rl ou,insf her besrttinlr sin:
In mt lct Ms rcfusc 10 accept her sacrifice OF
it.''
''Wcll,'' said my mother, "if you really think
you could like it, you shall 60. Ncare her sole
Ennw.s ,,,orc ~ ia yomnmher your brother
rou;nol,1,s c,,,n M her a. tl,r last male OF his
1ani1y.''
So I wrote and accepted Mrs: Keith's
afrarnooo s,ors1v afterwor.}s arrived ut Dour-
i,.,S,t Iii ho. re.;1a,,a" r. wasa f;ne nlace.
H.. o,,i tr',es ' Will met over tl,c a;enuc were
~ -; t,a;r aut,7n,n dcr-v Of
;aav,s h,,t ,I. or,v.1 of the driyt. was moss
1rraw, ,-,3 f,If RI 1vnels the 1o1re looked tuu,-
ii;n"- - ~; ,';acas o,J evnrvwhcre there was an
an,,ooronco NJ neqloct and dcsolation, 4 very
erad n,o, admitted me end mr. ]urrarc to the
.si 1as. ,..st ra.rr.1no1;mg nare yifhout fire
n T., ,rreat ,aor ,n1 i'd me- ma staircase
~ = corr;dor 1utl of caoinets containing old
.,h;ro ,r1} rodolant ri 1uusty trjed rose-leayes
1t 1h,. cnd Of this corridor he threw open u
t1nor .utl announced me,
Scated hy the fire of the room into which I
was - usherci1 was q yery old Iady, who extended
I,er hutId and welcomed me kindly. As took
II. she drew me down and kissed nv cheek
I. You have look OF mr. bro:hcr-your grand
|athcr-in your face Lot.ic,' she said, - his
quick, keen eye and smile. 1 am glad to see
vou. sit down.
I seated mvsclf near her, and while we chatted
those Quick ewes which she had noticed took III
1t glance the whole scene,-a very lone, low
iragna-room. witt, antioue furniture of another
ice. panels OF dark oak with borders tiucly
carved, lligl, and nlsu ricl1y-caryed mantel-
nere. and u ouaiut old mirror over it, carpet
hc colors of which had totally disappeared, and
an old harpschurd at the extreme end Of the
roon. NV ercat-aunt was slIabbily dressed for
,er position too, il except hantl some cash
mere shawl in winch she was wrapped. Tic small
ire, also, on very chilly day, indicated parsi-
nony. on her part ut least.
After q brief chat, she observed that she |
,huurht would be GLAD to take oil my travel |
ug-lrcs:, aud raag the bell. On the butler |
appearing, she desired hin to- send up Mrs. !
Wheeler, adding, as he Withdrew.
. t.Wheccr, his wife, and village lass are all |
nv establishment, Lottie. i hopc you do not
iced much Attendance" /
i.Ou, no!', answered. ;'We have always |
lad to wait upon ourselves, Aunt Hrlrn.':
She smiled and looked pleased. Mrs. Wheel |
IF shortly afterwards appeared and led me to |
ny room which was Oh the same floor: but down |
mother corridor opcning into the principal one
Ii right angles. 1t was large dismal-looking
,coul. containing four-post bed with heavy |
roolen furniture and curtains, Ill cleyerly EN-
,rt,;aezcd in crewels, now faded in Il manner |
,hicl would. have delighted tie art school, |
nuu9h probably they had been, in their best !
iays, OF brilliant colors. I admired the work to |
.Irs. Wheeler.
"Oh, this is nothing. to the tapestry in Mrs.