West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-06-19
The Aunt'S Will.

An old woman. long u sufferer, lay back
on the cushions of an invalid's chair. while
before her stood a young girl, whose face
showed signs OF sympathy with her suffer
ing.
Aunt Jane, you're not comfortable"
''Who told you l wasn't p said the little
shrivelled old lady, as she fairly garcd at
her niece.
81 know you're not, " said Edith. pa
tlently. your chair wants to be raised a
little more. Shal Il"
"No, you shantl Go and tell Ann TO
come here; she shall fix me comfortable" "
Edith rose to obey, walking out of the
room with a perfectly calm face, and her
head was as erect as ever.
''Umph," said Jane, looking after her.
she's a smart one-she knows Just what |
want. Sometimes 1 think she means what
she says-that she really loves me and
wants TO show it; but bah what an old fool
i am ! she has the same smooth slippery
ways of her father. He could work his
way into anybody's heart; he did into my
poor sisters and afterwards broke II. Edith
can do the same-work her way into any-
body's heart; but she won't into mine-she
won't into mine penny of my money.
any more than will keep her from utter
starvation, she'll never handle Ann shall
be the fine lady, and Edith will have to
work-work is good enough for her fathers
daughter said the old lady, shaking with
ire.
Ann and Edith were orphan nieces of
Jane, left TO her care by two sisters.
Edith's mother before her marriage. was
James favorite sister; but she didn't marry
TO suit Jane, and TO the latter lady's entire
satisfaction, the favorite, but ne YER be
FORGIVEN husband tVrnod r,,. H., ..---
bad man.
He came to a sudden end himself, after
sending his wife to an early grave, and
Aunt Jane took little Edith, to educate and
make lady of her. as her mother was be
fore her, and then to leave her almost penny
less, and send her adrift on the world TO do
for herself because she was her fathers
daughter
What can do for you, aunty dear 2"
Don't you see anything that you can do
for Z" said irritable Jane. Don't YOU
see l am rot com ortable The back of
my chair wants raising. Strange that she
could see itp
Ann's pretty, wax x-doll face wore very
humble, grieved expression.
Aunt, my papa was not sharper. If
have not inherited a faculty fer seeing
everything 80 that can play my points, j
can't help 1t.
''Phere, there, child; know there is
nothing tricky about you. Raise my chair,
and then you may go.'
The very humble, grieved expression
died out Of AIMS face, and there was a
sneer in the smile that fitted over it ss sne
stood behind James chair
Ann made "a great show Of affection for
her at times, but Edith placed no value
upon It, for she knew Just what It was
worth; she knew that Ann was selfish. de
ceitful, caring for nobody on earth but her
self
Poor Edi.h loved her aunt, and craved
her love in return.
She never blamed Jane for being preiu-
diced against her; she only allowed herself
to think bow good the old lady had been to
her; she felt 80 grateful for her home and
education.
"Edth," said Jane, when Edith re-
turned 90 the room, 81 thought you said
my chair was too low. Pm very uncom.
Portable since Ann raised It. And Jane
1dgeted about
,lt is raised just a irae TOO high, said
Edith.
''Oh, Of course; you think Ann never
does anything right snapped Jane.
While aunt Jane was talking. without
asking her permission, Edith turned the
screw Of the chair half way, and placed
the pleased old lady at her ease.
Never q word against Ann, munnurcd
Jane to herself and when Edith was lcav-
ing the room, she called
Edith"
Edith turned quickly, for she detected a
mildness in her aunt's tone that was never
there before when she addressed her.
Nothing you may 60, said Jane, as
II she had brayely conquered her better
feelings.
Ann was standing ON tho balcony when
splendid pair Of horses we're drawn mo at
the gate, and a handsome young man
handed Edith out of his wagon
He held her hand longer than he ought
70, Ann thought, and the expression of his
face, as he bent his head and said some
thing In n low voice TO Edith set AIMS
heart beating wildly with jealousy
Ann was in love with Henry Jones. The
gentleman who had just now driven away
from the gate.
mr Jones was gentleman who made
very frequent visits Of late
Ann attributed these frequent viuts 10