The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1881-07-07
LIZZIE LEIGH'S FORTUNE,

gloriously fine autumn afternoon. To-
morrow the annual fair commences a time
Of riotous mirth and wild license in Mill
bridge, and the streets are thronged now
with operatives, girls and boys, men and
women, mill hands all, waiting to resume
work, and discussing meantime the NOR
rows festivit.
The factory bells had stopped ringing,
and a group of women and girls were
standing outside one of the largest mills in
the town, or all Lancashire for that matter,
lingering for bit OF gossip.
Happen as the master will gle us our
time after noonin' to-day" said one tall,
gray haired woman.
ITO be sure 'twould be much to gle the
day afore the fair, too"
Two or three acquiesced readily, and
murmurs of discomfort arose from others,
when some one whispered:
Hush! Here's Lii"
A sudden silence fell npon them all as a
slight girl, scantily wrapped in thin shawl,
came up the steps. Her face looked pale
and old in the bright afternoon light.
She brushed hurridly past TIE woman,
only giving slight blow in answer to two
or three good mornings"
LADY Liz. is on her high steppin' horses
this morning" laughed coarse, unwhole-
some-looking girl Happen as how gentry
can't speak to common folks. Mebbe if the
master gifts her she won't hold her snippy
head SO high"
"What dost thou mean Hannah" asked
another girl, eagerly. rs Nh. Rolleston
really making up to herr"
Hannah answered by an expressive wink
and low laugh.
LAY low and keep thy mouth shut, and
tell thee we'll clean her out afore weeks
over. Mark my words"
Lizzie Leigh, or Liz, as her companions
called her, had passed up stairs and stood
ready to begin her work.
A young man walked hurriedly down the
| room, but retraced his steps at sight Of her,
and pretended to busy himself at her loom.
Things goin' any straighter wi thee,
Liz"
She turned her face from the gaze of his
bold black eyes.
"Oh, things are doing we'll enough,
Luke.
THAT is good" he whispered. "11l
drop in Tomorrow. Old man has invited
me-" With a coarse laugh. Found ont
how to make myself welcome, thou know'st. "
A look Of passionate pain lightened the
girls handsome face, and bending eagerly
forward she laid one laborstained hand on
his arm.
"Oh, Luke, if you have mans heart in
you, don't! Can't you see it is killing him
Can't you see it is cursing my life, starv-
ing Polly, and sending us all downtown?
and for what? Don't come, for know you
| will bring the stuff with you, and father is
| not the same after, indeed he is not!'
He shook off her hand impatiently.
Thou art a fool, kLiz. Be like other
lasses. Chou shou]d'st not be so proud in
| this ere place; it gives bad lock, and
folks here won't stand it, Thou must mix
like with US. Take drop now and then
thysen, and don't keep such q tight
reign on told man, then things will ali 20
| right. Come now," with an EASY
attempt at familiarity, ''let
me take yer and yer dad, and I'll make a
fine woman Of ysr, girl
With indignant eyes she sprang back.
Marry you, Luke Hutton. Not if was
starving for bread: # you were man you'd
| not force yourself where you IRE not want
ed. Once telling would be enough for a
gentleman"
"Thank thy stars, lass, I'm not q gentle
| word.
Happen yer has lover as IL, Liz? But
gentleman don't wed poor factory girls. and
some day thy proud head will be bowed
with shame. III break that ere spirit of
thine yet"
The room had filled rapidly, and some of
tue girls were looking curiously at the two.
Luke Hutton turned away with clenched
fists, and white lips.
Lizzie bent her head lower over her work
as the task began.
Evening came at last and still the whir of
machinery made deafening roar to unac-
customed ears. A few moments passed
and then the young MASTER" as Arthur
holleston was called, came into the room.
After few appropriate remarks, he dis
missed them all with the announcement of
= holiday next day. As Lizzie passed him
he spoke
..Wait, Lizzie; am going your way, and
will walk with you" =.
Her pale face flushed painfully. She
tried TO utter some words, but failed and
stood obediently near him, waiting.
Both were silent for q time, and then
Arthur Rolleston spoke.
is your sister letter, Lizzie?"
think 80, sir. She seemed q little
easier this morning. :.
am glad to hear it, laughed the young
man. Tell her I said 80, and ask her TO
used to sing" '''.E'
They bad reached her door and stood
Just within it.
Lizzie's eyes shone with tears as she
raised them to his.