The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-07-07
LIZZIE LElGH'S FORTUNE,

morrow the annual fair commences 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 es.
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 Liz"
A sudden silence fell upon them all as q
slight girl, scantily wrapped in q thin shawl,
came up the steps. Her face looked pale
and old in the bright afternoon light.
She brushed hurridly past tie woman,
or three good mornings"
Lady Liz. is on her high steppin' horses
this morning." laughed a 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 Mr.. Rolleston
really making up to herr"
Hannah answered by an expressive wink
and low laugh.
LAY low and keep thy mouth shut, and
I 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 well enough,
Luke"
THAT is good" he whispered. "Tl
drop in tomorrow. Old man has invited
me-" With a coarse laugh. Found out
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 fo- what? Don't come, for know you
will bring the stuff with you, and father ia
not the same after, indeed he is not!'
He shook off her hand impatiently.
Thou art fool, fLiz Be like othe1
~, 80 ..~I L
this ere place; it gives bad look, and
like with us. Take crop now and Their
thysen, and don't keep such a tigh
| reign on told man, then things will ali &c
right. Come now," with an cas-,
attempt at familiarity, "lel
me take yer and yer dad, and I'll make 6
fine woman Of yer, girl"
With indignant eyes she sprang back.
Marry you, Luke Hutton. Not if I wal
starving for bread. If you were q man YOU
not force yourself where you are not want,
ed. Once telling would be enough for
! gentleman"
Thank thy stars, lass, I'm not gentle
man. }" with mocking emphasis on tn,
! word.
Happen yer has lover as'is, Liz? Blu
! gentleman don't wed poor factory girls, an(
some day thy proud head will be bowet
with shame. I'll break that ERE spirit o
thine yet"
The room had filed rapidly, and some O
the girls were looking curiously at the two
Luke Hutton turned away with clenchet
| fists, and white lips.
Lizzie bent her head lower over her worl
as the task began.
Evening came at last and still the whir O.
machinery made deafening roar to unac
customed ears. A few moments passed
and then "the young MASTER" as Arthu,
Rolleston was called, came into the room.
After a few appropriate remarks, he dis
| missed them all with the announcement O.
q holiday next day. As Lizzie passed hin
he spoke
..Wait, Lizzie; am going your way, ant
will walk with you"
Her pale face flushed painfully. Sh,
tried to utter some words, but failed ant
stood obediently near him, waiting.
Both were silent for q time, and the1
Arthur Rolleston spoke.
us your sister letter, Lizzie?"
Il think 80, sir. She seemed LITTLE
easier this morning.
Il am glad to hear it, laughed the youne
man. TEL her said so, and ask her t
save for me one Of those hymns that sh<
used to sing."
-! They @1 hsd !, reached her door and stood
1iz2ie's eyes ehons With teass ee nh
raised them TO biz,