The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-07-22
THE YOUNG MISTRESS.


visiting their aunt in the country, who,
when her work was done up in the af-
ternoon, entertained them by relating
the following story ,.-s. ...,,.r, -. 49,.
big house on the hill, with its observa-
tory, French windows and broad piazza
web, there the Rushtons lived, when I
was young, and my home was in the lit
tie buff house near by, and my father
carried on the Rushton farm, my
"They had one child, Elsie, three
my earliest recollections she figures
not disposed to play much out Of doors
unless I was with her, her mother en-
couraged my frequent visits to her
house, although she earl taught me to
think I was not her daughters equal.
She was very naughty woman, and I
always dreaded to encounter her, but to
me the pleasure Of Elsie's company
atoned for any amount Of disagreeable-
ness on her mothers part, and, as did
not have to see her every time I went to
the big house, 1 got along very we'll.
"Miss Barton, the governess, was the
one had the most to do with, and she
was always very pleasant to me. SUnder
her tuition Elsie and learned to read
together, and afterward pursued all our
studies under her guidance in the pretty
school-room, which, to this day. seems
to me the loveliest spot L ever was in.
It was on the southeast corner of the
house; the large bay window was con-
stantly filed with tropical plants, which
it seemed to me were never out of
bloom then the sun came streaming in
the whole day through, for the doctor
said this was better than drugs for little
Elsie; the canary and hooking birds
sang from their silver cages, and the
gold fish and their happy companions
foated around in the crystal globe sus-
pended from the ceiling, dstracting our
attention, of course, and somewhat re-
tarding the progress of our studies but
for one like Elsie everything around
must be made to assume the most cheer
full aspect. And even I was allowed to
be there for the same reason that the
birds and the aquarium were, to add
another feature pleasing to the eyes
and heart of the child Of fortune, for she
would neither study nor play in my alb
sence. ''"g ~"'. +.'' 0i.''
:''Tou nave two little girls! J. stran-
gers would say who came to the villa, as
it was called.
"'No, the tow-headed one is not
mine, Mrs. Rushton would reply; sshe
is only my Elsie's little maid, in pros
pective. OF course, they play and study
together now - ..a@.
"This she would say with naughty
toss Of her head, and as often. as other
wise the one addressed would add
We'll, she is a pretty child. ,,-.....f,
"Once, on hearing her mother speak
so. I said to Elsie: your mamma
says am to be your maid, but I don't
care much, for then can always be
with you.' a....... .. .-.'..E ~
"' You need not be my maid,' replied
Elsie !; you shall be my little sister,
Lucy .,..,.. .t....'
"Then repeated to my mother what
Mrs. Rushton said, and she kept me
Away from the big house two or three
days but Elsie fretted and pinned so for
me that Mrs. Rushton sent for me, and
then she took us both out riding in the
grand carriage, talking very pleasantly
to me, and bought me nice new doll.
After this there was no parting Elsie
and I, and we grew up together, my ad-
Vantages for an education being not a
whit less than hers. But that we were
not socially equal was fact that i'm
pressed me more and more forcibly year
by year. Mrs. Rushton's prophecy was
becoming true. As nay affection for
Elsie increased, which it seemed to
every day of my life, and she was very
fragile and helpless, I naturally took to
waiting upon her until unconsciously
drifted into kind Of attendant. When
wesswere going to ride, I took charge of
her shawl and bundles, I carried her
books when we went to the piano to
practice arranged her hair, adjusted
her dress, in short acted the part of a
subordinate at all times. And, when we
were grown up, although I had been
given the same advantages for an edu-
cation, and compared in looks and APP
pearance with Elsie, was in no sense
on an equality with her. But, when by
ourselves, our fondness for, each other
was so great that we felt like sisters !;
and, ii we were parted for. day, it
seemed as if either could hardly survive
the separation. Thus, to crafty Elsie
In her affection for me, Mrs. Rushton
wished me to remain with them, and
furnished me clothes and money to my
hearts content so, notwithstanding the
Sights I had to endure, I had not, in
view Of my great love for Elsie, any real
excuse for leaving them. sl
"Elsie was given great party on her
18th birthday, making me little cast
down, as my own birthday of that age
had three months previously passed
without particular notice from anyone,
except a present of new silk dress from
Elsie. This dress, I afterward learned
from the donor, was to be worn at her
party, at which she said I must be pres
ent as guest. This was the first of her
coming out, and I presume Mrs. Rushton
thought my presence would act as a
stimulant to Elsie on the occasion, and.
for this reason, allowed me to be pres.
ent apparently on an equal footing with
themselves. So I was permitted to play
duets with Elsie, to sing for the enter
tainment of the company, although no
one had taken the pains to introduce
me to but few Of number. as Elsie was
too bashful and Mrs. Rushton too
proud. A part Of the ladies I had seen
before, and, as they knew the position I