River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-12-23
FORTUNES RICHEST GIFT.


black-a pale pure face with large sad,
luminous ewes and Margaret Blanch-
ard is before voh. Well might those
wide, bright eyes wear mournful ex-
preston One short week since, the
turf had been rounded over her fathers
grave. and today she had been reading
a message she had found amongst his
papers. 1t was lament that he must
leave her without suitable provision. No
reproachful thought had entered into
her mind Us She read although diff
ferent mode OF living would have en-
abled her father TO save something from
his income a. ia officer ON half pay.
But it was a painful problem to the
dehcatcly matuted girl as to what she
should do To support herself She was
we'll educated sut 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 advertisers. nts; one attracted her
attention twas for housekeeper, and
companion for N old lady. No manual
duties required Margaret decided to
apply for it. She bad kept house for
her father and the servants had been
respectful and obedient. She was sure
" competent fer 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 large, imposing mansion, with
broad steps thanked on either side by
grim. couchant lions carved i'll gray
marble. 4 colored footman in hand
some but sombre livery opened the
door Margaret gave him her card,
and lie 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 us she en-
tered, and said CHANGING at her card
Miss Blanchard, believe Let me
introduce you to my mother, Mrs. Ian
caster then, with a change from gray
itv to playfulncss i'll his tone, he con-
tinucd Now. Young lady, what is the
errand this time, contribution for st.
Lukc's, or for the sick children's eX-
cursion2 You see,' he said, turning
with smile IL his mother, 'tEe only
time we are favored with the presence
Of ono 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.
should have sent you word by the man.
| called in 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 ne has left me- 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 50
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, at would be too
onerous q 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 mp
an old w0mans lonely hOurs""
Margaret took the soft old hand eX-
tended Ia her, and raised it to her lips.
4 could spend my whole life with
49,, l, .., a ~ ~,
Thanks, dear. Now go home and
make your arrangements. Come when
YOU like the sooner the better.
So Margaret had found a home. She
entered upon her duties in the budding
Mav-tme. A year had passed swiftly
away, and the spring months had
glded away into golden June, when
one morning Mr. Lancaster said to
her
Il an about to make 4 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 brcathed freely again
as he went on
Il am about to bring the young
ward of whom you have heard US
speak SO often-MiSs Claudine North
home from boarding school. She is Il
pleasant girl. and hope you will be
happy in each others society. | wish
to thank you, now, before this old
house will echo to tue 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 hc less needed when Claudine
come.
His words seemed like an answer to
the thoughts running riot III Margaret's
brain. Tears rushed to her eyes, and
trembled upon their long lashes. Her
usually pale cheeks flushed to bril-
liant bloom.
All. 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
"And YOU shall nct-must not-think
If such thing; Claudine will need
YOU almost n much as my mother
does
And Margaret was content.