Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-05-05
A Lucky Sovereign

1HS1 uhuS III SNAlAlhAiy SOAAoSSAe PA~-
ture, 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 rs 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 posi-
bly, 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 railing OF
the veranGa, her naughty eyes, that could
melt from the cool, brilliant gray they now
looked, Into such liquid darkness when oc-
casion required-splendld. 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 compan-
ION. Her eyes suddenly recalled in their
wandering, Gstless glances, and sho we'd q
half-vexed, half-amused expression.
'tBell, how much longer are we going to
stay here Pat least, how much longer do
you want to stop2 am sure l shall die of
ensllGi if have much more of il.
'tOh, don't think OF going back TO town
yet, Rose. wish We might never have To
60"
Never 90 back3 Why Bell, is it pos
sible you are SO infatuated with the conn
try as to actually wish thatf Child, for
three months 1t Is very well to bury ones
self as we are buried, and I've no donbt
that mamma will feel much better and
stronger for it; but to stay longer-in a
hired cottage, with only one half-grown
glrl TO assist in the work, aud no amuse-
ments CT any sort, ana our joint stock Of
earnings exhausting itself daily tell you,
Bell, prefer our own suite of rooms at
home, with chance of occasional enjoy
ment.h
81 dare say your right, dear. .ButI do
love the country, Rose. "
$50 would if, for instance, lived in
the mansion over yonder, Fernley Court,
you know, where the stately housekeeper
showed us through, and descanted on the
many qualities and vast wealth of Its owner,
i 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 graceful lit
tie gesture of surprise.
"a reception Oh, Rose, and OF course
there Ii be dance. Oh, dear, how I'd like
to go!"
''Of course you'd like to go. But do you
think for moment the aristocratic fami-
lies around here would condescend to asso-
ciate with usi"
Bells face grew stern.
stWe are ladies born and bred, If we do
work far living.
You foolish chlld. can tell you our
faces and our handsome dress0s-it we had
them-would take us where our family
name wsuld not. And csn tell you some
thing else, Bell"
The little gate at the roadside opened at
that instant, and the sound of Tagging foot
steps coming toward the house interrupted
Roses remark, and then 8 dusty, travel
stained man paused al the foot of the steps.
and touched his dingy hat-rlm TO the
iris.
de was evidently one of the many re-
spectacle, discouraged, disheartened men
one 30 often sees tramping through the
country in search OF work.
Rose drew herself up.
''Go away. We have nothing for yon.
We don't encourage tramps here"
He touched his hat-the rim was decid-
ediy battered and dusty.
Il beg your pardon, laeies; but if you
will give me "a"
Rose swept across The floor angrily.
"Wil you march OF, or will have the
dog set ON you3 Bell 60 tell Jane to un-
fasten Rover"
The man turned away slowly, as if to
move was an effort, and Bell sprung up in
an impulse of Iemonstrative protest.
Rose how can you be 50 heartless? He
is pale as death, and only see how he drags
himself along2 You might have let him
sit down a minute, and at least have gwen
him kind word and piece of bread and
butter"
A contemptuous laugh pealed from Roses
red lips.
Tired and I'LL Drunk and thief, you'd
better sayf A piece Of bread and butter!
Absurd, Bell
Bell raised her finger warnlngly.
''Oh, Rose, don'tl He'll hear you'll
Rose raised her voice key higher.
'.Let him hear, thenl Perhaps you had
better sit and watch that he does not FAINT
and fall,
She swept haughtily into the house, ,leav-
ing Bell with her cheeks flushing, and a
compassion born Of the sweet, womanly
womanly sympathy glowing in her blue
eyes as she watched the man walk slowly,
painfully along, and finally halt at the gate
as if in utter encouragement at the long
stretch of road between HIM and the next
house, where he might find what Rose had
rudely denied-the magnificent country
seat of Lionel Granville, from whose doors
no beggar was ever turned away hungry.
Bell saw him, and her quick instincts
old her what she imagined his manner
meant.
Quick as bird, she dashed up stairs to
her room and snatched her poItemonaie
from the bureau drawer, and was down
again with sovereign in her hand, as she
ran softly after him, still leaning against
the gate post, and still looking with that
same strange expression on his pale face at
the towers Of Fernley caurt.
'.Here. please. 1t isn't much, but It's
all have to spare. Take it, please"
He looked surprisingly ct her, and then
at the money
F'You are very kind, but you are mis-