West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1879-03-08
ELLEN'S LOCKET.

1t was a bright day late in the autumn
--onc of those days when the air seems
laden with the scent of hay and the
peculiar odor of falling leaves.
Away from these scents, in the very
heart Of London, stood the Orphanage
of ST. Ann, aud on this morning a long
train of children, from the little croa-
ture of four summers To the girl of four
teen, were vending their way, two bv
two, across the square where the Home
assituoted and which wasno thorough
fare.
When they arrived at the further side
of the square, there were the pleasure
vans, six in number, drawn up Just out
side the row OF pillars which cut it OIL
from the street
at would do anybody's heart good,
and make one feel young again, Just to
look at them" remarked an old lady.
who formed one of the little crowd as
sembled 10 see the children Off for their
treat.
The pleasant party at length reached
the open country, and, after delightful
drive through grass-gTowu roads, which
might be more aptly called lanes. with
the golden-brown, autumual leaves
strewn under the horses feet, and whirl-
i1g down upOn their heads, they at
length reached the gates of the great
avenue leading to the grounds which, by
the kindness OF the owner, Sir George
Sommers, had been thrown open for
their entertainment. So it was said
but it was rather the kindness of Lady
Sommers, the young and lovely wife Of
the baronet.
Sir George, people said, was a cold,
stern man, who for years had lived
alone in his stately home 1t was also
rumored that he had met with some
trouble through younger brother, who,
,straying away from the family tradi-
tions, had married beneath him.
However, this was all years before our
little talk opens, and Sir George had
turned over new leaf, and since the ad-
vent of his young wife, things had gone
on differently. He was kinder to his
dependents, the frown was seldom seen
on his face, and Lady Sommers acted
like sunshine on everything and every
body about the place.
She saw one Of the patronesses of the
Orphan Home, and on hearing from the
matron that want of funds would for
this year hinder the children's treat, she
at once proposed 10 receive them at her
own house, and throw open the park
like grounds for their pleasure.
Among all the noise and play of the
children, one girl of about thirteen sat
apart, and seemed TO enjoy it all in
tensely but quietly.
She was tall for her age, very slender
in her make, with a perfectly-forme
oval face, a pale-olive complexion, and
jet-black glossy hair
Her eyes were Of that lustrous brown
almost approaching to black, and the
delicately penciled eyebrows gave to the
face a refined expression.
The moment the child opened her lin.
and spoke on any subject OF interest tc
her, The expression Of her eyes deepened
and her whole face became radiant and
full OF intellect.
You seem to enjoy this" said Lady
Sommers, as she passed among the chill
dren, accompanied by the kind matron
and noticed the girls speaking eyes.
One of those wonderful flashes cam,
over her face as she first glanced up. anc
then rose 20 answer the lady.
Yes, ma'am," she replied. with ,
courtesy. II is all so lovely"
She has q good face, and lOvely
Ngt"f AN''Af'' ANN AffAtG t'DuNltIhf rs Nlt
passed on.
"She has been o very good child. my
lady" returned the matron, anxious tC
do service TO her little charge. "Iti,
just eight years since she came to u.s.
she continued and / am anxious.
she has always been favorite with m,
that she should get into q comfortabl,
place"
Then you intend her fora servantY
asked Lady SOmmers
Yes, my lady" replied the matron
1t can get her In sOmewhereas lady's
maid. Although she is so young. hav,
had her trained for her duties. She car
mend and get up lace with anv one
and for dressing hair, the Frencl
monsieur who taught her says he ncve
had so clever pupil. am vexed." sh,
continued to part with her. but tn,
rules won't allow me to keep her mucl
longer"
" DO you know anything Of her par
eutageP' asked the lady, evidently il
deep thought.
no, my lady that is just what pu2
Sles me. You may have heard of tn
loss Of the Australian ship, name