The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-01-13
HELENs LODGER.
BY j. ".

1t was = pleasant little place, q story
and . half high only, but spreads out
over a great deal of ground. There was
big velvety lawn in front, with half a
dozen beech-trees that had stood there
for hundred years-magnifcent old
trees rs ever cast their shadows on a
Summers day. There was old-fashion-
ed flowers, and an old-fashioned rope
swing. q well with a veritable messy
oaken bucket; there were plenty of veg
etables in the little kitchen garden,
eggs fresh every day, and all the milk
that was wanted.
ut is the very place for you," Laura
Heskcth said, with happy, eager look
in her dark eyes.
And Mr.. Hartley smiled back at her,
girl whom he admires.
II shall decide upon il, then. The
situation is good, the terms reasonable,
and the landly is-?''
Laura laughed, showing her pretty
dimple.
IA little, ugly old maid. but just as
nice as she can be-"
Mr.. Hartley affected Mortified scowI
and helped Miss Hesketh into the car
riage again.
"a very picturesque place. indeed,
am glad you spoke of it to me. l will
drive over again when Miss Cartwright
is at home, and make the necessary ar
rangements."
Which "arrangements' were that in
consideration of four guineas a week,
Mr.. Hartley was to have Miss Cart
wright's two front rooms for himself
and his little motherless children, and
room in the attic for their nurse.
1t was a perfect Godsend to Helen
Csrtwright-'theli little, ugly old maid'
that she was-and when she knelt be-
side her bed that night, she offered her
thankful gladness that Mr.. Hartley had
come to smooth her financial road for
her.
For lodger who paid so liberally
meant so much to Helen, who, five
years sgo had lost, in one week, her
mother and father, and the big, strong
brother, who had been such tower of
strength to them all. There had been
nothing left to her but the homestead
where she had been born and always
lived, and when people had advised fer
to sell it. and put the money in the
bank for rainy day. she Indignantly
scorned such counsel.
mo, indeed! A farmers daughter
ought to manage a bit of ground as
well as farmers son. I'll keep the
place, and in summer I'll take lodg gers,
and Larry O'Toole shall do my heavy
work for me-
She had prospered fairly until the
last year, so that now, when MIR. Hart
ley came, it was a Godsend to her, and
she went about her pretty, cosey little
house as happy as the day was long.
'.An ugly little old maid''-that was
what bonny, bright Laura had called
her, and George Hartley caught himself
one day watching her, as she went fit
ting from place to place, in her big
white apron and tucked-up sleeves, and
satiny-brown. hair braided beneath q
brown silk net, both his children trot-
ting after her.
Yes, she was plain, undeniably-and
of all things, Mr.. Hartley least admir-
ed plain little women; but she was good
and she succeeded in making him
thoroughly comfortable.
''Mr. Hartley is delighted with his
quarters Laura Hesketh said, one
bright morning, when she dropped
in a moment; such a radiant vis-
ion, in her pale-blue lawn and
pale-pink ribbons, her lovely face
afiush, and her eyes shining like stars.
Helen was mixing puff-paste for lem
on-pie; lemon-pie and rice-pudding was
Mr.. Hartley's favorite dessert.
'.Is that so," Helen laughed, holding
out one short, dimplcd arm, inside the
oven, to test its heat. That's pleasant
to know, and especially from you, Miss
Hesketh, for 1 feel most truly grateful
to you for recommending my little nest
to him. He is great friend of yours,
isn't hep'
Laura laughed, and little crimson
flush warmed her cheek.
''Oh-I don't know! Yes, he is
friend, of course. I've known him for
over a year now. He's handsome, isn't
hep
Il think he is the finest looking gen.
tleman l ever saw" Helen answered,
quietly, then bent a little puzzled look
upon Laura.
"How did you come to send him
here? should think you would prefer
to have him with you at the Hail.
"You little goose, can't you under
stand that? Indeed, don't want him |
at home among so many visitors rs we |
have already. Helen, I'm so glad he !
came here, where there's no temptation |
for him to be made dead set at. A |
rich widower is a great |
catch. Here-he's safe you see."
She certainly did not mean anything
cruel, butt touched little plain Helen
as nothing had ever hurt her. And,
proud little woman as she was, she sud-
denly had to rush to the pantry for
more sugar-to hide the tears she felt |
coming to her eyes.
Mr. Hartlav was Safa at ber bOuae