The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-05-14
A LUCKY SOVEREIGN.

They made strikingly contrasting
picture, standing in the warm June
twilight, and the fragrant odors OF
the tea roses and the woodbine, and
the budding grape vines fingered
around them as if the tender scents
were fitting tributes to them.
Two fair young girls, the same age
to an hour, and as unlike as sisters
could possibly be, and each perfect
type of her own style of loveliness
both of them peeresses in their royal
dover of beauty.
Rose stood leaning against the rail-
ing of the veranda, her naughty eyes,
that could melt from the cool brilliant
gray they now looked, into such
liquid darkness when occasion reluir-
ed-spiendid, calm, cold eyes-were
roaming away into the gathering
dust, that was falling in purple-gray
veil OF tissue over wood and lawn.
She turned her face toward her com.
panion. Her eyes suddenly recalled
in their wandering, listless glances,
and showed half.vexed, half-amus-
ed expression.
"Bell, how much longer are we
going to stay here ?-At least, how
much longer do you want to stop? l
am sure | shall die of e,unui if | haye
much more of it,"
"Oh, don't think of going back to
town yet, Rose. l wish we might
never have to 60"
Never go back ? Why Bell, is it
possible you are so infatuated with
the country as to actually wish that =?
Child. for three months it is very
well to bury ones self as we are
buried, and I've no doubt that mann
ma will feel much better and stronger
for it; but 20 stay longer-in a hired
cottage, with only one half grown
girl to assist in the work. and no
aInu>enents of any sort, and our
joint stock of earnings exhausting
itself daiiy-I tell you, Bell, / prefer
our own suit of rooms at home. with
a chance of occasional enjoyment"
Il dare say you are right, dear. But
do love the country. Rose"
SO would | If, for instance, / lived
in the mansion over yonder, Fernley
Court, you know, where the stately
hosekeeper showed us through. and
descanted on the many qualities and
vast wealth of its owner, | forgot to
tell you, Bell, there will be a grand
reception given week after he gets
back. and he is expected hourly"
Bell lifted her eyebrows in a grace
full little gesture of surprise.
IA receptiom' Oh. Rose, and of
course there'll be a dance. Oh, dear,
how I'd like to go!"
'Of course you'd like to go. But
do you think for mement the aris-
tocratic families around here would
condescend to associate with us ?'
Bells face grew stern.
"We are ladies born and bred, if we
do work for living"
"YOu foolish child. l can tell you
our faces and our handsome dresses
if we had them-would take US where
our family name would not. And |
can tell you something else, Bell"
The little gate at the roadside open-
ed at that instant. and the sound of
tagging footsteps coming toward the
house interrupted Roses remark. and
then a dusty. travel. stained man
paused at the foot of the steps, and
touched his dingy hat-rim to the
girls.
He was evidently one Of the many
respectable, discouraged. disheart-
ened men one so often sees tramping
through the country in search of
work.
Rose drew herself up.
"Go away. We have nothing for
you. We don't encourage tramps
here.
He touched his hat-the rim was
decidedly battered and dusty.
II beg your pardon, ladies but If
you will give me a."
Rose swept across the floor angriIy.