Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-07-30

ing and fitting helpmate to her husband.
Mr.. Lamport was fully conscious of the
treasure he possessed in his wife and they
were happy indeed
"Thus things went well for time; and
then calamity came Both Mr.. and Mrs. Lam
port suddenly died, leaving Fanny alone, and
almost penniless. Paralyzed with grief the
poor girl knew not what TO do The neigh
bors kindly came forward to assist her, and
hundred dollars in her pocket, she went
to relative in New York; widow lady
named Plessley. She was not handsome
woman; she was not particularly rich; she
was certainly over thirty. Those who mere
ly saw her wondered at the immense popu-
larity she enjoyed but those who knew her
intimately, perfectly understood her fascina-
tons. Mrs. Plessley possessed most bril-
liant intellect, spoke several languages, had
read everything that was to be read, and
could talk on any subject in the world, from
the most abstruse theological creed to the
ightest pirouette of the Black Crook dance.
toilc was thC iiipsb diluSlliB WOuiin III lNtW
York. Her conversation was like the cor
ruscations of brilliant fireworks, 50 dazzling
that it was almost impossible to analyze it;
but those who had self-possession enough to
close their eyes against the flashing light
saw in her thoughtlessness and carelessness
for the feelings Of others, and thorough alb
sence Of heart in herself she was as bril-
liant as II rainbow, but as cold.
"Fanny was taken into society, after only
few months, by Mrs. Plessley, who took
every care to display whatever beauty of ac-
complishment her young relative possessed.
Fanny soon made her mind that Mrs. Pess-
ley was using her for Il speculative purpose,
the desired end being rich husband While
the widow was not particularly anxious to
to exchange her freedom for the matrimonial
yoke, she schemed to gain for herself for
tune and position by marrying Fanny ad
vantageously. The wated-for man came
ut last. He was a millionaire, and was in
fatuated with Fanny, and was sixty years
Old. The girl recoiled from the proposed
match with disgust the venerable sutton
pleaded. Mrs Plessley commanded. Upon
Fanny's REFUSAL the widow ordered her 10
leave the house, never to enter again With
the remainder of the money she had origi
nally brought with her, and which abe had
kept, because she had found no need to spend
it, she went out into the world"
Here the speaker hesitated as il 10th to go
on.
as the story finished ?" asked John.
"No."
"Well, go on, then | should, of course;
like to know what became Of Fanny"
Not knowing where TO go or what to do,
but with vague idea Of getting work
somewhere or somewhow, she applied to
numerous warehouses and shops, but she
was in every instance obliged to confess ig-
norance Of the work in question. In some
places her good looks subjected her to insult,
and she went to bed at night in cheap
lodging, thoroughly discouraged. The next
day she went through about the same ex-
perience, with the same result.
"lf were only man" she said 10 her
self, 81 could get on BETTER would at least
be Tree from insult, and | could seek my
fortune much more comfortably"
"This set her thinking, and by morning
she had resolved upon novel maques-
rade Very early she set out, and a
short walk brought her 10 u clothing ware
house. She entered, and thus addressed the
shopman: "Iiave you ready-made suits for
boys or young meny'
"Yes," was the reply.
"Please show me somcY
"She selected suit Of clothes which she
thought would answer the purpose, had
them put in bundle, and took them TO her
room; together with II cap she bought on
the way Half an hour afterward she looked
in the mirror, and saw smart young fel-
low of cightcen--but with her hair reach
ing to the waist A pair of scissors, skill
fully used, soon brought the hair into
proper condition, and then she scarcely
knew herself
w lIH Illt utAb lihlii lDi lllt
West, stopping at Buffalo where she OBJ
tanned situation in II warehouse 10 fill
temporary vacancy; but that job lasted only
few weeks, and then she went b Chicago
There she looked for work in vain until her
money was almost exhausted, and she found
that being man did not insure complete
success. Her slender and youthful appear
ance debarred her from work Of a heavy
nature; and lighter situations, such al book
keepers, clerks, etc, were scarce.
"At last, finding that starvation was her
only prospect in the city, Fanny resolved to
try the country. by chance she read In a
newspaper Of railroad being in course Of
construction, and she came here"
"Came hcrep calculated John Marshall.
"Ihen you are"
81 am Fanny Lamport," was the blnshing
reply
John started back in amazcmcnt. lie was
naturally bashiul fellow, unaccustoned 10
female society; and the idea that he had
been months associating with young lady
unawarcs was startling. Then he wondered
that he had not suspected the truth before;
that he had not more particularly noticed
his clerks effcminacy, glrlish bushes, and
pretty ways. And now that he thought Of
II, he did not relish the idea Of parting with
that same pretty clerk.
A silence Of some length ensued at the
completion Of Fanny's story, broken finally
by John Marshall
"l don't sec" he said with some hesitation,
"tlat We need part just because you have
changed your sex; but then, you see, II
wouldn't be exactly proper for you To stay
here with inc, now that know you're
girl"
Fanny WINS silent. She was thinking Of
the bitterness Of leaving the man she had
learned 10 love. The montlx she had speu.
in his society had been the happiest since her
parents death.
ufln ,t,,t tuiab A., Iauva mn ~ .aL.I Iohu