Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-09-01
JENNIE'S DISAPPOINTMENT.

1t was a rainy dismal autumn day, anc
the big country house where JENNIE
lived with her parents seemed so unu
sually quiet, that a young lady (whc
was Jennie's cousin, and was staying
there on a visit) looked up from hel
work-she was at work with Jennie IS
mamma in the drawingrOom and SAID
"What can have become of Jennie
1 have not heard her laugh once all this
morning"
The mamma, said rather sorrowfully
that it was one of Jennie's bad days,
She was a dear good child, but little
impetuous and unreasonable. Her papa
had promised to take her for a drive
that morning, rs he was obliged to GO
to neighboring town on business.
but of course it was impossible to
take the child in the pouring rain, she
added, "only Jennie cannot see the
matter In this light, and feels deeply IN
jured,"
81 will go and find her, ;" said the soft
featured lady, who looked contented and
happy, although certain people had
already sometimes called her "an old
maid"
And she hunted the house through,
visiting all Jennie's particular haunts,
but there was no Jennie.
At last she came upon her, crouched
upon a window-seat in one of the corri-
dors looking miserable and defiant, her
lips pouting, her eyes swollen and red.
At first she would not speak.
But at last the coaxing manner and
soothing voice of her good friend melted
her somewhat.
She detailed her injuries.
"They delight in promising me things
and disappointing me at the last moment.
As for papa, he is cruel"
81 cannot bear to hear you say that,
child"
Jennie's cousin seemed transformed.
She looked almost angry.
Jennie felt little ashamed.
"Why not?" she asked.
Because I once said the same thing,
and was so bitterly punished for it, was
the reply.
"Tell me-" asked Jennie. subdued.
"I did not mean anything wrong"
"That is a poor excuse for your hasty
words, Jennie. However, won't preach.
Ny little story will do that.
Then she began:
"When I was a little girl like you,
Jennie, I had very dear father. He
was clergyman, and though my love
for him did not keep me from being
troublesome and disobedient to him,
thought loved him very dearly indeed.
"My mother had died when was a
baby, but had a middle-aged governess,
who was good to me, in her prim, dry
way.
81 had birds, two dogs, pony, and
most beautiful cat. Children in the
neighborhood were often invited to
spend the day, and we were often allowed
to roam about the gardens and grounds
as we pleased. Then 1 went to spend
the day with them.
"I had some cousins, big girls, and
when I was but little older than you, a
grand party was given in honor of the
twenty-first birthday of the eldest one.
The latter wrote to my father. and
begged that I might be allowed to come,
and he consented. These cousins were
rich and had big house in the city.
81 was of course very anxious to go
and made great preparations but the day
before the one fixed for our departure,
fell violently sick of a cold.
"Next day I got up trifie giddy and
very hoarse, but determined to persuade
them all was quite well. I talked and
laughed and made great show OF being
very hungry at dinner time. But did
not like the grave look on my fathers
face. Surely he could not be thinking
of forbidding my going to the party
He would not be so cruel
"But my misgiving proved true. He
said that on account of my illness
could not go.
"You are cruel p I said, springine
away from him and rushing away.
"And stubborn and angry, went to
bed, refusing to speak when Twas spoken
to. And next morning I got up late.
heard my father calling me from below,
and wheels on the drive told me the
carriage was coming to take him to the
station. Then, as failed to appear, he
came up stairs, and knocked at my door
ct made no reply. Miss Jones, com.