Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-01

Gales ano Skettbes.
HOW CLN wHlrrLE'S MANHOOD WAS
CROWNED.
NJ. l.. STONE.

Ethel Bruce sat on low rocker in the
recess of the bay windows. apparently in
deep thought A very pretty picture she
made. so her Brother Hal thought rs he
passed along the street in company with
Clay Whi,tle. Ivies weie creeping above
and around her head reaching after the
sunlight. while lilies, gcraniums, and hy-
acinths were blooming al her feet.
The gentlemen passed on. as also did
the hands of the clock. but still Ethel sat
in evident study The room was farn-
ished with cultured taste. and skillMl
hands kept it looking very inviting to the
family and their friends. II was library
and sitting room combined. Ethel's
parents had always siriven to have their
home attractive, even if other expenses
had TO be curtailcd very closely
The mother was an invalid and had been
for several weeks, and the willing hands
and thoughtful heart of the mother were
sadly missed by the daughter. The rest
of the family said ''that Ethel took moth
er's place TO them all So we'll. that for the
time they were not great losers" and the
mother confined to her room for lack of
strength to be elsewhere. rather then from
actual pain said THAT she was having a
rest in mind and body. Tor Ethel did not
neglect anything" and she kept the little
mother fresh and dainty, and the room So
bright aud CHEEKY. that all the family
would gather around her in social glee.
Ethel would first notice mothers tired
look if they stayed too long. and pleasantly
chiding them would drive them of to the
sitting room Clay Whittle used often 10
come in with Hal to the mothers room,
and these little visits were seasons of de-
light to him. His mother had passed the
portals over into the other side. How he
missed her room and her counsel, and the
time spent over at the Bruces. were choice
minutes and great helps to him.
HIS father was leading politician. bis
sister a fashionable woman. while he him
self was a law student.
The evening before Clay and Ethel hal
attended an entertainment together aud on
passing out from it. she stopped moment
to speak to friend and Clay was joined
by hls sister.
Clay she asked why didn't you bring
Eva Dryton this evening"
Il prefer the company have" he
answered.
Company good enough dare say. but
like to see girl with some style Of
dress. Everything she wears Is year
old
(Which of itself is crime of the first
degree in the fashionable world' he
answered: joined Ethel and passed on.
SO on this the following morning, Ethel
was trying to study out some plans for
new clothes. OF course she was indig-
nant over the remark. but il was true that
all she had, was year old, but she had
felt that they were good enough. until
now She knew too, that all they had to
live upon was her fathers salary. which
might have seemed large TO many, but
their expenses were ecorrespondingly large.
and with mothers sickness and Toms
college bills. or part of them, somebody
had to economize and really deny them
selves, and she had felt willing, and even
anxious to do her share but after over
hearing the remark of the night before,
denying herself had not been so sweet
She examined the closets to see If there
was anything available to be made over.
but returned to her low rocker disheart-
ened Her father came in, and seeing
something amiss. asked. "What are your
thoughts like, daughter. and what are
your wishes Speak, and ii half Of the
kingdom is desired. il shall be yours.'
81 thought was queen Of the realm,
and mistress of all / survey. desire no
more than the home kingdom, with y robe
of royal purple
"Or some other fashionable shade he
said. Frankly. Ethel, what were you
thinking about?"
81 was wondering If there was any sur
plus money in the family treasury, that
could use for myself" she said
II think about forty dollars. Would it
help you2''
Yes, indeed Just the sum want. V
The father seemed to hesitate. Ethel
spoke quickly. Il do not want it il it il
needed elsewhere
| "I'll let YOU know at tea-time, he said
"WiIl balance accounts for the month. and
rest assured, You shall have it, daughter
| If father can spare it, and seated on one
knee with her arm twined around hi.
meek. she stroked his manly beard, ca.
lressinglv.
1--WE are not rich, Ethel. - he said, ..bui
this home is ours, and is a very pleasant
and an attractive one, and have family
of whom ] am both proud and thankful
There is one thing upon which ] congrat-
ulate myself every week Of my life. and
lii Is this--that there are no unexpected
bills coming in for payment contracted by
inv family. know that they never buy
without my advice and counsel, and
then order the biH stsa home. At the end
1.-THE month come out even. at least. Her.
Tia an incident which struck me foreibly
but Is only one among the many Of IN,
iexperience. As Il passed through ths
.store one day, / saw Mrs. Drayton anf
Iva buying goods. The bill was brouqh
to my desk, copied and please remit
added. as is our custom, and placed in ar
Ienyelopc to be handed TO parties or mailed
Opportunity for giving ii to Mr.. Drayt I
occurred on my way to dinner. He open
ed il, glanced at the total, and looked YER,
much disturbed
s.Was it large ~ asked Ethel.
Something over an hundred dollars ,
"'Inside Of thirty days will answer?
he asked
Yes ! answered and passed on. Tn,
time has expired and no payment yet.''
He is very able to pay it.'' excIaimet
Ethel.
Perhaps no more so than your fhthes'
Ethel and several such bills comin9E
unexpectedly soon seriously emtarrassl
L ~