Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-24
p, NO.
Gales ano Skettbes.
WHEN CHRISTIANS CONES.
BY JNo. CmuRcml.l..

IA sunni SkN. lnueeu, MISS MHnsfleld
said, rs she threw up the sash and looked
out. Even breath of this crisp, cool
air is enough TO stir ones blood anew ii
were girl | would rush through my
breakfast, and then for a gallop over the
hills. As it is" she continued, glancing
at her mirror. II think / will mount Slo.
cum for decorous canter. Come. Gruff."
she called To her dog.
Bonnie Christmas, Miss" cried Mrs.
Finch, as the lady passed the door. "It's
the first holiday ever saw her go out"
she added to herself,
rs it Christmas? had for moment
forgotten" Then, hesitating slightly.
she countermanded the order for her horse
and retraced her steps. the clinging folds
of her rich habit seeming to add sudden
weight to her figure, and slowness to her
movements.
Thar. alus goes and does some-
thing with my meddlesomeness," groaned
Mrs. Finch; "now not the hull day will
nobody see her."
Miss Mansfield returned to her sunny
parlor and sat drearily down. She had
not been born to wealth or greatness; her
well remembered youth had been spent
in distant village. and meagre income
but i'll supplied the many family wants.
Yet she was happy. light and free. till
Just on the threshold of consciously awak-
ened womanhood life suddenly lost its
zest and before she had attained her ma
jorlty, both her father and mother died.
An uncle, who had spent his strength
abroad. Just then returned. built himself
magnificent home in his native town,
took hcr-his only sisters only child-on
4 two years trip of pleasure seeking, and
on the very eve of coming home, died.
leaving her the absolute owner of his vast
possessions. His name. "Radclifr." was
cut deep in the stonework Of the solid gate
way. and on the door post of the mansion.
Here the heiress had lived for six years
in solitary splendor. Mrs. Finch was
comfortable type ofa housekeeper, and the
gardener was an artist in his way. Each
held part in her daily life. and each WED
with the other to form the integral portion
of her whole existence. She had many
acquaintances, but no friends; she held an
occasional stately reception. and made
now and then conventional call
II knocked ut the door twice, Miss. and
as you didn't seem to hear, made free to
come i'm said Mrs Finch. appearing be-
fore her mistress a little fluttered and un-
comfortable "And if you please. some
body brung YOU this for Christmas" hold
ing forth the silver salver, on which re-
posed iu quiet state, large "clove ap-
plc'' such as was held some years ago. in
the country il not in the city, as a work of
art. and entitled to u conspicuous place
among the ornaments on table or mantel.
Miss Mansfield looked surprisedly ut
the gilt. her face crimsoning; then grow
ing palld, her hand stretched eagerly
forth
"Who brought il ?" she asked.
Miss Lees little girl. Miss
The eager hand fell listlessly into her
lap.
"You may leave it," the lady said.
lapsing again into silence. II a new cur
rent had not been given TO her thoughts,
there had been a quickening in the old.
for she said aloud:
1T was my own fault: my own exceed
ing pride and folloy; my hasty, ungovern-
able spirit How sicken at the review.
What would not give TO set it right but
it is too late-for ten years it has been
too Late
She rang the bell quickly.
Where is that little girl'' she asked Of
Mrs. Finch.
''She has gone away
''Wherc does she live ~
Round the back corner: she goes bv
here to school every day"
''Do you know the family?"
la. yes. There amt but them two
"Are they nice2
dreadful nice, Miss. but dreadful poor.
Miss Lee, she's a widow woman, earns
her daily bread, and don't have any too
much: dreadful proud though"
please 90 for the child and send her
in to me-
In few moments the girl had been
shown in by Mrs Finch. and the door
closed. She had come just as she wa.
from her play. for pretty tangle Of curl
had escaped from her hood. and hur-
ried flush tinged her cheek
What is your name, nv dear e'' Miss
Mansfield asked.
MARY Lee. ma fam
''And you brought me this?" touching
the spieed apple. with half disdain, half
desire. as though il were forbidden fruit.
Yes. ma am"
A little confused blush. but no reply.
''Do YOU think that needed it?''
\ merry twinkle came into the brown
eye, which glanced hastily over the room.
then at the hcmely offering. and then
frankly met the gaze Of the questioner;
then all at once the lips parted. and she
broke into delicious, silvery laugh.
Miss Mansfield herself smiled.
Then tell me why" she urged.
Excuse me, ma am, thought you had
no little children. and no sisters; knew
you could buy everything. but thought
may be you would like something" stam-
mered the child.
VINO taught YOU to make this ~
Mamma she knew when she was ever
so little" r
How old are you ?''
Twelve; but do not look 50 old, peo-
pie think
NO, you do not. Did you make me a
present thinking to get something in re-
turn ?''
The young face flushed crimson. the hot,
indignant blood creeping up into the brow
and curling the small. sensitive lip, which
at first disdained reply. After = moments
struggle she said
NO. ma am: when asked mamma II
might make it for you, she bade me sIt
down and think whas was the reason