Morris tribune., 1881-07-07
LIZZIE LEIGH'S FORTUNE.

A 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, aud discussing meantime the NOR
rows festivft es. -
The factory bells had stopped ringing,
and q 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 acauiesced readily, and
murmurs of discomfort arose from others,
| when some one whispered:
Hush! Here's Liz"
A sudden silence fell upon them all as a
slight girl, scantily wrapped in thin shawl,
came mp 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. is Mr.. Rolleston
really making up to her?"
Hannah answered by an expressive wink
and low laugh. r.r.rrs.,. -.. ...-
clay 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.
ooh, things are doing well enough,
Luke"
''That is good" he whispered. "Ill
drop in tomorrow. Old man has invited
me-" With coarse laugh. Found out
how to make myself welcome, thou know'st
A look of passionate pain ightened 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 down--downi
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 fool, Liz. Be like other
lsses. Thou should'st not be so proud in
this ere place; it gives bad look, and
folks here won't stand it. Thou must mix
like with US. Take drop now and then
thysen, and don't keep such tight
reign on told man, then things will ali go
right. Come now," with IN easy
attempt at familiarity, 'let
me take yer and yer dad, and I'll make q
fine woman of yer, girl"
With indignant eyes she sprang back.
Marry you, Luke Hutton. Not if I 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 q
gentleman"
Thank thy stars, lass, I'm not gentle
man" with a hooking emphasis on the
word
Happen yer has a lover as liz, Liz? Blu,
gentleman don't wed poor factory girls, and
| oouio udy euy pIouu ucdu VIII Ue DOWeC
with shame. I'll break that ere spirit OF
thine yet" III III
The room had filed rapidly, and some Of
the girls were looking curiously at the two
Luke Hutton turned away with clenched
fists, and white lips.
Lizzie bent her head lower over her worl
as the task began. Imop
Evening came at last and still the whir Of
machinery made deafening'roa to tinac.
customed ears. :, A few moments passed
and then the young MASTER" as Arthu,
-Rofleston WIS called, came into the room.
Aftera few appropriate remarks, he dis.
missed Them all WitflN the ouncement Of
a holiday next day. AS Lizzie passed hin
he spoke
wait, Lizzie; am going your way, ani
will walk with YOU
Her pale face flushed painfully. Shs
tried tontter some words, but failed ani
stood obediently nesr him, Waiting.
Both were silent for q time, and ther
Arthur Rolleston spoke.
us your sister better, Lizzie?"
Think so, sir. She seemed LITTLE
easier this morning.
Il am glad to hear it, laughed the younl
HAN. "Tell her / said So and ask her Il
save for me one of those hymns that sh,
used to sing" ~
| They had reached her door and stool
just within it.
/ Lizzie's eyes shone with tears as sh,
4 raised them to his.