Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-06-18
A Lucky Sovereign.

of lovelinesss-both of them peeresses in
their royal dover of beauty.
Rose stood leaning against the railing OF
the veranda, her naughty eyes, that could
melt from the cool, brilliant gray they looked
now into such liquid darkness when occa-
sion required-splendid, calm, cold eyes
were roaming away out into the gathering
dust, that was falling in a purple-gray veil
of tissue over wood and lawn.
She turned her face toward her companion.
Her eyes suddenly recoiled in their wander
ing, listless glances, and showed half-vexed,
half-amused expression.
Bell, how much longer are we going to
stay here ?--at least how much longer do
you want to stop2 am sure | shall die of
ennui if have much more of it."
"Oh, don't think of going back to town
yet, Rose. wish we might never have to CO."
"Never 90 back n Why, Bell, is it posi-
BILE you are so infatuated with the country
as to actually wish that? 3? 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 exhausting
itself daily-I tell you, Bell, | prefer our
own suite of rooms at home, with chance
of occasional enjoyment"
al dare say you are right, dear. But |
do love the country, Rose"
$50 would if. for instance, lived in the
mansion over yonder, Fernley Court, you
know, where the stately housekeeper showed
us through and descanted on the manly
qualities and vast wealth of its owner. |
forgot to tell you, Bell, there will be grand
reception given week after he gets back,
and he is expected hourly"
Bell lifted her eyebrows in agraceful little
gesture of surprise.
"a reception Oh, Rose, and of course
there'll be dance. Oh, dear, how I'd like
to gol'
"Of course you'd like to go. But do you
think for a moment the aristocratic families
around here would condescend to associate
with us ?"
Bells face grew stern.
"Why not2 We are ladies born and
Bred if we do work for living"
"You foolish child. | can tell you our
faces and our handsome dresses--if we had
them-would take us where our family name
would not And can tell you something
else, Bell"
The little gate at the roadside opened at
that instant, and the sound of tagging foot
steps coming toward the house interrupted
Roses remarks, 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 respect
able, discouraged, disheartened men one sc
often sees tramping through the country il
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 decidedly
battered and dusty.
81 beg your pardon, ladies, but if you vii
| give me "a"
Rose swept across the floor angrily
"Will you march off, or will | have thu
dog set on you Bell, go tell Jane to un
fasten Rover"
The man turned away slowly, as if t.
move was an effort, and Bell sprang up IL
an impulse of remonstratve protest.
Rose how can you be so heartless HI
is pale as death, and only see how he drag
himself along? You might have let him 81
down minute, and at least have given hin
kind word and piece of bread AM
butter"
A contemptuous laugh pealed from Rose
red lips.
"Tired and i'll Drunk and thief, you'
better say? A piece of bread and butter
Absurd, Bell -
Bell raised her finger warningly.
"Oh, Rose, don't He'll hear youl'
Rose raised her voice key higher.
"Let him hear, then Perhaps you ha'
better sit and watch that he does not fain
and fall"
She swept haughtily into the house, lea,
ing Bell with her cheeks flushing, and
compassion born of the sweet, womanl
sympathy glowing in her blue eyes as sh
watched the man walk slowly, painful
along, and finally halt at the gate, as if i
utter discouragement at the long stretch c
road between him and the next hous
where he might find what Rose had rudel
denied-the magnificent country seat {
Lionel Granville, from whose doors no be-
gar was ever turned away hungry.
Bell saw him, and her quick instincts tol
her what she imagined his manner meant
Quick as bird, she dashed up stairs
her room and snatched her portemonna
from the bureau drawer, and was dow
again with sovereign in her hand, as 81
ran softly after him, still leaning again
the gate post, and still looking with thi
: same strange expression on his pale face
the towers of Fernley Court.
Here, please. 1t isn't much, but it's a
! | have TO spare. Take it, please"
He looked surprisingly at her, and the
/, at the money.
"You are very kind, but you are mistake
only wanted "a"
i Bell thrust the money in his hand.
, "Never mind, please, ! think | can 3,
you are proud; but please take it. There
He seemed amused at her eagerness, b
made no more ado about accepting the gi
and pocketing it, as he stood and watch,
' her slim figure fitting away like a spin
in the dust
The next day Rose came into Bells ROOF
radiant as she only permitted herself to
q under rare circumstances, her gray ey
flashing, and her red lips parted in smi
. of triumphant delight
"Bell, see this Now what do you say
i She laid square, monogrammed enveo
in the girls lap, addressed to the Miss
> Melton, and bearing inside invitations to h
. reception at Fernley Court for fortnig
I, from that night.
! Rose watched the girls sweet face glo
:. under the surprise, then saw, to her amaz
4 ment, that flush of delight fade.
4 "Well, Bell, of course We'll go. I'll tai
. some money can spare and get some suis
' and wear natural flowers with it and
!, know you have a sovereign laid aside for
a emergency. You can get a good many thin
/ with it-gloves and sash, you know-al
:, who knows but what Lionel Granville mi
a, be captiyated !"
Ben laid the envelope softly down.
4 al can't go, dear, unless wear my o
i white muslin, and | will look wretched |
!. side your new suisse. 1--we spent Il
= money |"
Rose frowned.
n "Spent your money! Why, / saw
h yesterday morning in your drawer. n
4 ticed that the edge of the sovereign was
q little Clipped, and remember wonderil
!. whether 1t was good one or not Spe
your money Bell, what do you mean ="
Bell met the vexed eyes as calmly as 81
n could. She was just little in awe of tn
J. magnificent sister of hers.
a 81 gave IT to that poor man last nigf
}. Rose. was 50 sorry. l am sure he wasr