Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1880-09-16

difficulty about the nurse, for the Young
person | saw down stairs seems to have
quite made up her mind to attend upon
you HERSELF
-, What young person do you mean
Miss Matthews ~
80, is that her name?" said the doctor
carelessly
Yes it is, sir; and l think you might
speak more respectfully Of people who
have been SO kind to your sister"
am afraid you misunderstood me,
Emily. The girl appears very well mean
ing and good-natured; but | don't like
the idea of her having entire charge of
you. She seems such child
ChildW cried Miss Franks. "A more
beautiful woman | have never seen, and
she's fiye-and-twenty if she's day. But
there; | suppose you have no eyes for any
one but that baby-faced chit you are going
to marry. Had you seen how that child
that young person. has managed every
thing since | was brought in, and how
she has cared for my comfort in every
way, you would scarcely sneer at her and
call her a child -"
am sure" replied DIR. Franks, with
gravity that did him infinite credit "
am exceedingly obliged to her, and will
thank her personally when go down"
Miss Franks was seated in lounge
chair in the coy bedroom given up to
h-r by her young hostess, who had been
reading aloud, but, fancying her compsn-
ion seemed inclined to doze, had let her
book fall from her hand, and was gazing
into the fire, which, in spite of the soft
air Of fast-approaching spring, had been
lighted for the invalid
Miss Franks, however, was not asleep;
but was looking with haf-closed eyes at
tue picture the fitful blaze litup with rich
artistic colorng.
Niolets rounded figure was shown to
perfection by the unstudied grace of her
attitude as she leaned back in her low
chair her hands clasped behind her head.
Her rich dark brown hair grew low on
her broad forehead, her soft hazel eyes -
in sunlight blue, at night black = seemed
ready to brighten to a smile; ready, too,
to darken to a grave and tender sympathy
Miss Franks, though naturally a shy
woman, was quite at home with her love
ly, CHEEKY young hostess, and even allowed
herself to be scolded and petted by her to
an extent not a little amusing to the crave
doctor.
broke the silence.
Really, Miss Matthews, I can't allow
you to give up so much of your time to
me-" f y.
Nonsense, Miss Franks" replied Vic
let, startled from her reverie. "What
have to do? Aunt sleeps half the day.
and her maid is within call, besides
making myself useful will keep me out
of mischief, as Doctor Franks says
1t is very impertinent of him." OBJ
served Miss Franks; I" but must say he
has been most attentive to me. I'm sure,
| have told him over and over again that
| do not need two visits a day; but he
will come. | only wish he came to see
some one else"
what do you ?" asked Violet,
innocently.
90, never mind, dearl | won't think
of the subject it's a most painful one to
me. Perhaps | may tell you some day, if
you care to be bored with my troubles"
Tel me now" pleaded Violet "and
perhaps can help YOU"
Help me, indeed!" exclaimed Miss
Franks THE only way YOU could help
me would be to marry my brother
g" My dear Miss Franks" said Violet,
laughing, how can do that when he is
engaged to some one else, | think you
told me?"
"No, did not" returned Miss Franks,
sharply; | never mentioned any thing
about it; but that's my trouble. He has
proposed to some young chit no more hit
to be his wife than than"
:" am" put in Violet. a
THANK you, my dear, y exclaimed
Miss Franks, pulling her towards her and
kissing her aflectionately. If she were
one quarter as suitable as you, should
not mind"
"But," argued Violet, with diflident
boldness, show do you know that your
brother has chosen unwsely? Perhaps,
when you see more of the girl he loves,
YOU will like her as you do me-"
Never" rejoined Miss Franks, en-
phatically. 81 have never loved any
young person as | have learned to love
you. No one could have resisted such
unfailing kindness ! only wish that
when this hateful marriage takes place, |
could have this room for my own. | shall
have to find some home near"
"Do you really mean that you would
like me to be with you always? ?" asked
Violet, with sparkling eyes.
"Iujeed, do, dear. | could not be so
much with you without discovering that
nome with you must be happy one -
without feeling the charm of your bright
ness, your sweet temper and utter unselE
ishness."
Thank YOU" said Violet earnestly,
pressite Miss Franks thin hand caress-
inwlv tn her fresh NDunU face And