Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-01-21
FORTUNES RICHEST GIFT.
Nv Mary L. Moaat.

those wide, bright eyes Weir Il MOURN
full expression. One short week since
the turf had been rounded over her
fathers grave, and to-day she had been
reading Il message She had found
amongst his papers. II was 4 lament
that he must leave her without suit
able provision. No reproachful thought
had entered her mind as she read, al
though different mode of living would
have enabled her father to save some
thing from his income as an officer on
half pay. But il was 4 painful prob
lem to the delicately nurtured girl as
to what she should do to support her
self She was we'll educated, but her
youth would be against her in trying to
obtain pupils.
The morning paper lay upon the
table. She took itup and glanced over
the advertisements; one attracted her
attention. 1t was for housekeeper,
and companion Tor an OLD lady. 30
manual duties required. Margaret
decided to apply for il. She had kept
house for her father, and the servants
had been respectful and obedient. She
was surely competent for that position.
SO the next morning she brushed her
wavy, brown locks into prim, satiny
smoothness. put on her plain, black
walking suit, and went to the desig-
mated place. 1t was large, imposing
mansion, with broad stone steps flank
ed on either side by grim, couchant
lions carved in gray marble 4 col
ored footman in handsome but Sombre
livery opened the door.
Then he moved noislessly away, soon
to return and ask her into the library
where Il gentleman was reading aloud
to an old lady
He rose to meet Margaret rs She
entered, and said, glancing nj her card:
miss Blanchard | believe. Let me
introduce you to my mother, Mrs.
Lancaster" then, with change from
gravity to playfulness in his tone. he
continued: "Now. young lady, what
is the GRAND this time? contribution
for s.. Luke's, or for sick children'S
excursion? You see. he said, turning
with a smile to his mother, the only
time we are favored with the presence
of one of the gentlcr sex is when they
come to make an appeal Tor some pet
charity.
Margaret flushed deeply as She made
haste to correct his error.
"Sir," she said, you ore mistaken
should have sent you word BY tho
man. | called in answer to Your nd
vertisement.'
For an instant there was an embar
raised pause. Then Margaret went
on.
IL know that my youth is against
me; but never haA any trouble ii
managing my fathers household, anC
now that-that he has left me-
thought ] could-could do the best.
The girls heart seemed to rise in hcl
throat and choke her. She could
hardly finish the sentence begun "a
calmly.
Mr., Lancaster vas sorcly perplcxed.
He turned to his mother. She under
stood his look Of appeal and came to
his assistance.
"My dear" She said, "it would be
too onerous Il position for girl like
you to take charge Of this large house
and of the many servants required to
keep things moving along smoothly;
but | should very much ike to have
that sweet young voice read over the
thoughts of my favorite authors to me.
Would you like to come to cheer up
m old womans lonely hours"
Margaret took the soft old hand ex-
tended TO her, and raised It TO her lips.
II could spend my whole life with
your" she said earnestly.
Thanks. dear. Now 20 home and
make your arrangements. Come when
YOU like; the sooner the better"
So Margaret had found home. She
entered upon her duties III the bud
ding May-time. 4 wear had passed
swiftly away, and the spring months
had glided away into golden June.
when one morning Mr.. Lancaster said
to her
~ am about to make i change. Miss
Blanchard.
Margaret heart +ank down like lead
in her breast as her Imagination rush
cd on in advance To supply the ending
of his sentence. Was he going to