The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1881-07-07
LIZZIE LEIGH'S FORTUNE.

"A SlOTlOuBlJ uuc huIumu u1GoTuOOu. To-
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 festivities.
The factory bells had stopped ringing,
and 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.
"Ecrpen as the master will gle us our
H,rA after noonip' to-day" said one tall,
gray haired ~otnat1s
ITO be sare '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 upon 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 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
koN %hao VOL ~ how fNro 20
over. Mark my words
Lizzie Leigh, or Liz, as her companions
called her, had passed up stairs and stood
ready to begin her work.
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.
ooh, things are doing well enough
Luke"
''That is good" he whispered. "I'I
drop in tomorrow. Old man has invited
me-" With coarse laugh. Found out
how to make myself welcome, thou knowst.
A look of passionate pain ightened the
girls handsome face, and bending eagerly
forward she laid one laborstained hand or
his arm.
"Oh, Luke, if you have mans heart ir
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 mott"
He shook off her hand impatiently.
Thou art fool, Liz. Be like othel
lasses. Thou should'st not be so proud in
this ere place; it gives bad lock, and
folks here won't stand it. Thou must mil
like with us. Take crop now and ther
thysen, and don't keep such hght
reign on told man, then things will ali &C
right. Come now" with an easy
attempt at familiarity, '.lel
me take yer and yer dad, and I'll make &
fine woman of yer, girl.
With indignant eyes she sprang back.
Marry you, Luke Hutton Not if was
starving for bread. If you were man you'd
not force yourself where you are not want
ed. Once telling would be. enough for
gentleman"
''Thank thy stars, lass, Tn not gentle
man." with hooking emphasis on thu
word
Happen yer has lover as is, Liz? Blu
gentleman don't wed poor factory girls, ant
some day thy proud head will be bowet
with shame. I'll break that ere spirit o
thine yet.