Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1880-12-23
FORTUNES RICHEST GIFT.

EOEI Y rs hlCHES1 Ulr
Imagine slight figure clothed in
black-a pale. pure face with large sad,
luminous eyes-and Margaret Blanch-
ard is before you Well might those
wide, bright eyes wear a mOurnful eX-
preston. One short week since, the
turfhad been rounded over her fathers
grave, and to-day she had been reading
a message she had found amongst his
papers. 1t was q lament that he must
leave her without suitable provision. No
reproachful thought had entered into
her mind as she read, although a diff
ferent mode of living would have en-
abled her father to save something from
his income as an officer on half pay.
But it was a painful problem to the
delicately matured girl as to what she
should do to support herself. She was
well educated but her youth would be
against her in trying to obtain pupils.
The morning paper lay upon the
table She took it up and glanced over
the advertisements; one attracted her
attention it was for housekeeper, and
companion for an old lady. No manual
duties required. Margaret decided to
apply for it. She had kept house for
her father and the servants had been
respectful and Obedient She was sure
ly competent for that position. So the
next morning she brushed her wavy,
brown locks into prim, satiny smooth
ness, put on her plain, black walking
suit, and went to the designated place.
1t was Il large, imposing mansion, with
broad steps fianked Oh either side by
grim, cOuchant lions carved in gray
marble. A coIored footman in hand
some but sombre livery opened the
door. Margaret gave him her card,
and he showed her into the reception
room. Then he moved nOiselesSly
away soon to return and ask her into
the library, where a gentleman was
seated reading aloud to an old lady.
He rose to meet Margaret as she en-
tered, and said, glaneing at her card: +.
''Miss Blanchard, [ believe. Let me
Introduce you to my moth er, Mrs. Ian
CASTER" then; with change from grav-
ity to playfulness in his tone, he con-
tinued: ''Now; young lady, what is the
GRAND this time, contribution for st.
Luke's, or for the sick children's eX-
cursion? You see," he said, turning
with smile to his mother, "the only
time we are favored with the presence
of one of the gentler sex is when they
come to make an appeal for some pet
charity"
Margaret flushed deeply as she made
haste to correct his error.
'Sir," she said 'you are mistaken.
ShnT11I hoIrn TxyCII h1r hn
| called i'll answer to your advertise
ment."
For an instant there was an embar-
raised pause. Then Margaret went on.
Il know my youth is against me; but
| never had any trouble in managing
my fathers household, and now that
that he has left me-I thought could
could do the best"
The girls heart seemed to rise in her
throat and choke her, She could
hardly finish the sentence begun so
calmly.
Mr. Lancaster was sorely perplexed.
He turned to his mother. She under
stood his look of appeal AMI came to his
assistance.
"My DEAR" she said, sit would be too
onerous a position for a girl like you to
take charge of this large house and of
the many servants required to keep
things moving along smoothly; but |
should very much like to have that
sweet young voice read over the
thoughts Of my favorite authors to me.
Would you like to come and cheer up
an old woman's lonely hours?"
Margaret took the soft old hand eX-
tended to her, and raised it to her lips.
q could spend my whole life with
youw she said earnestly.
Thanks, dear. Now go home and
make your arrangements. Come when
you like; the sooner the better.a
SO Margaret had found home. She
entered upon her duties in the budding
May-time. \ year had passed swiftly
away, and the spring months had
gided away into golden June. when
one morning Mr.. Lancaster said to
her
Il am about to make d change, Miss
Blanchard
Margarets heart sank down like
lead in her breast as her imagination
rushed on to supply the, ending of his
sentence. Was he going to send her
away? But she breathed freely again
as he went on
q am about to bring the young
ward of whom you have heard US
speak so often-N1iss Claudine North
home from boarding school. She is a
pleasant girl. and l hope you will be
happy in each others society. [ wish
to thank you, now, before this old
house will echo to the sound of another
young voice, for the happiness you
have brought into it by your devoted
kindness and attention to my old
mother; and you must not think you
will. be less needed when Claudine
come"
His words seemed like an answer to
the thoughts running riot in Margaret
brain. Tears rushed to her eyes, and
trembled upon their long lashes. Her
usually pale cheeks flushed to a bril-
liant bloom.
"Ah! Mr.. Lancaster" she muir.
INJURED, if [ could only tell you how
happy you have made me. 1t would
break my heart to leave here where
you have all been so kind to me-"
"Ani you shallnot-mustn ot-thinB
of such a thing: Claudine will need
you almost as much as my mother
does"
And AToro,orat 1yaS ao,,tapt