The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18
PHGBE AND HER GRANDFATHER

When Phoebe Oaks ran away with
Bobin Dare she was very young and very
foolish; but she never would have done
as she did, had not she believed that
Grandma Oaks would forgive her.
She left little note on the pillow in
which she pleaded for Robin, and said
that she loved dear grandma as well as
|. ever, and prayed her to write and say she
forgave her.
But Grandma Oaks never saw the let
ter. The housekeeper, Miss Jane Pig
got, took care of that. The bold fact that
Phoebe had run away was all that reached
the old lady, and Jane Piggot did what
she could to inhame her anger against
her only relative, for old Mrs. Oaks was
rich, and Jane felt that she might be-
come her heiress if she managed we'll.
The old lady never left her house and
garden. She sat all day in the parlor
that looked out on the orchard, or in
fine weather in the arbor under the
therry trees. A high brick wall ran
round both garden and orchard, for the
Dakes place was a bit of corntry still
eft within city limits. The great gate
twas always locked and so was the front
door.
From this door Phoebe was sent away
more than once, the servants having
] their orders from Miss Piggot. The let
ters she wrote we're thrown into the fire
J in the housekeeper's room. Mrs. Oaks
believed the girl altogether false and I'M
grateful, but Phoebe did not think her
/ grandmother cold-hearted or unforgiv-
ing.
TITS Jane Piggot, Robin" she used to
ksay. II understand her motive and I
Tshall never get in to see grandma again
unless do it by strategem."
But Phoebe had no mind to forsake for
ever the dear old grandma who had been
: SO good to her.
"Do you ever see Phoebe, Jane?" the
poor oily lady would ask now and then.
ooh, yes; see the ungrateful critter,
ma am" Jane would answer.
Don't she speak to your" old Mrs.
oaks would say.
"Speak to mel! Jane would calculate,
bvading an actual false statement. "Not
likely, ma am"
"Does she look sad?" old Mrs. Cakes
would, perhaps inquire after a time.
"And don't you think she would like to
4 ask me to forgive her if she dared?"
ooh, she's as gay as lark Jane
would reply. "Much they care, them
, two. They're sure of your leaving your
property behind you. That's the worst
|(of being rich. People about ycu don't
pare for nothing else" Jane would add,
nth a hypocritical glance upward. II
yometimes feel thankful I'm poor. l
don't get fawned onto for what I'll leave. "
The words varied, but the import Of
the conversation was always the same,
and by degrees old Mrs. OAKS began to
pay:
81 could make my will again, Jane.
here are plenty of deserving people in
world. MY granddaughter need not
SO certain of it. If she had only writ
or come to see me, Jane. Only once
all this time"
San ungrateful critter, ma'am," Jane
ould sigh. "Ah, if it was not for me,
bud be alone in the world"
"Jane," said Phoebe, stopping her in
he street one day, "Jane, you must not
urry by SO. must know how grand
q is."
"Her health is about the same, Mrs.
hre," replied Jane.
"But how does she feel? Is she lone
n" asked Phoebe.
"She's got me, ma'am." amt oloped
Dr shan't." replied Jane. "She's re-
gned to your ingratitude."
IT am going to see her, Jane, said
hnbe. "I shall force myself past you
ID 60 to her." :.
f"My orders are strict, Miss" replied
tne. II should call the police. If any
fe forced themselves against her orders
10 Missus Oaks"
believe this ID all your doing, Jane, =
td Phoebe.
.xMiner cried Jane, piously. "Oh.
Dare, I didn't elope and leave my
vgrammer in her old age. l didn't
.66ey her after years Of goodness:
lint my fault, mum. Them as proved
ygrateful has only themselves to
INK. I'm in great haste. Mrs. Dare,
must CO."
yane hurried away.
Phoebe watched her, and saw her enter
FLORISTS door. In a little while she
f 10 out, and walked away, and Phoebe
ked the florists in her place.
lie florists wife sat behind the coun-
making up some bridal boquets.
What can do for you, Mrs. Dare,
kasked.
IA great deal, Mrs. Gault, il you will,
must have long talk with you.
firstly, what order did Jane Piggot
fe here?"
krha usual snrin0 order for Mrs. Oaks