The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-04-23

ing soiled wrapper, torn stockings.
and presented rather an alarming
contrast to the brilliant ballroom
belle, was lounging on sofa. Jen-
ny, in neat morning dress, with a
large gigham apron, little white
collar, and hair smoothly brushed
into neat knot, was washing the
breakfast dishes.
"There is an old man at the door
with some artificial flowers" said
the servant, opening the dining room
door twill you see him ?"
mo-" said Jenny.
"Yes." cried Laura, send him up.o
The servant departed to obey the
last order.
In few moments the old man
came In. He was poorly cle 9 with
course blue cloak, which was much
toe large for him. His hair was
white, and he wore beard and
moustache Of the same snow hue.
Making a low bow, he placed the
large basket he carried on the table,
and opened it..
81 have a bunch of blue flowers
here" he said, taking them from the
basket, "that will just suit your gol-
den hair Miss" and he held them
before Jenny.
ut is my sister who wished to look
at your fowers," said Jenny, quietly.
"Yes, bring them here" Was Lau-
ra's imperious command.
The old mans eyes followed Jenny.
as she washed, wiped and put away
the dishes, swept the room and dust
ed it, and then sat down by Laura,
who was still looking over the basket.
"See, Jenny, this scarlet bunch.
Will it not be lovely with few dark
leaves to wear with my new silk ~
But" whispered Jenny, "you
can't afford it just naw."
"Yes Can. Father gave me some
money yesterday"
"Te pay that last dry goods bill,"
said Jenny.
"Well, 1 can have that carried to
my private account"
"Oh, Laura 1 hate to hear you
talk of that private account. 1t seems
so much like cheating father.
"Nonsense 1t will stand till /
am married, and then l can easily
save it out OF my house keeping
money"
IL should not wish TO marry in
debt, said Jenny.
The old peddler looked earnestly at
the sisters.
You had better take this blue
bunch, Miss" he said to Jenny. "If
it amt convenient to pay for it now,
will call again."
mo, / shall not take them"
They are very becoming, Miss.
Look in this glass
They were becoming, mixing with
the glossy, golden hair, and setting
off Jenny's dazzling complexion.
"I wish my hair was light" said
Laura. II should like to wear blue.
q dfrey Horton said last night that
forget-nenots We're his avorite flow :
ers.
Jenny colored, and placing the
bunch again in the basket. said:
Come, Laura. decide. You are
keeping one waiting whose time,
probably, is valuable" Then passing
chair she added: "Be seated sir,
you look tired"
III am tired, indeed" was the re-
ply.
II will take the scarlet bunch, and
these red camelias, and this white
cluster" said Laura.
but, sister, you cannot afford it. !"
"Y $, can. Godfrey Horton is
rich"
The old man bit his lips.
Think" said Jennie, in low
tone, ''it you love him how much it
will grieve hIm if he should discover
this deceit"
Nonsense Well, I'll tell you how
to remedy it. Lend me some money
out of the housekeeping funds"
$50" thought the old man. "she is
house keeper. Miss Laura alway-
gave me to understand that that was
her post"
Laura Steal from father -
"Then don't preach"
Miss Jenny" said servant. en-
tering ut that moment, 1.-THE dinner
! has come"
Jenny left the room. and Laura
still turned over the gay flowers,
while the old man pointed out their
various beauties, his eye. in the mean
time, running over the disordered
hair, shabby dress, and lazy position
4 Il. - 4