Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-07-27

I -. SAAesS WV sAo WY oitO0 WAoh oiO dOU
weather. When fall came she would be
herself again.
II urged her to 60 out of town. or at
least to come and stay for while with me
in our large, empty house, bat no.
~ must work, you KNOW said Cara.
must work harder than ever now, that my
pupils have all left me for the summer. 1
couln not work with you. My mind
would he continually disturbed. and-No.
no, my studio is much the best place for
me-
".But why work so hard p said. why
not take holiday? Your lessons of last
winter surely brought you in enough to en-
able you to rest awhile now. There were
Maud KS lessons, which alone would
bring you in a small fortune. you ssid.'
ga small fortune? Yes, but a small for
tune will rot last forever said Cara,
| slowly. How do know that shall have
any pupils next year? How do know =
''There was short, sharp knock at the
studio door, and a letter fell through the
| slit, upon the floor. Cara sprang to pick
it up, glanced at the address, which saw
was in masculine hand, and faint flush
| tinged her pale cheeks. turned away to
look att picture, while she tore open the
envelope. When l turned back the flush
had faded. and left her paler than before,
her lips we're quivering little, and her
eyes had dim, hopeless look, which moved
me sorely.
Cara, you are not WELL, cried. Dear
child, you must come with me. You shall
do exactly as you please. You shall have
room with north light and be alone
when you like, and no one shall ask you a
question. We will make excursions into
the country, and you shall sketch while 1
| read, and
ssBut Carasstopped me with motion of
her hand: No, no. she said, I cannot
come. Do not make it harder for me to
refuse by urging me. must stay here
there is no other place for me.
'sHer tone was so decided that I felt it
would be useless to urge her further, and
sadly and reluctantly I left her. That
night came the news of the severe illness
of your mother, my only sister, accompa
MED with an entreaty that would 90 to
her. Of course went by the first train
next morning, leaving only a note for Cara,
to explain my sudden departure.
SIT was the first of August when had
left the city, bat September had come and
we'll nigh gone before your mother health
was sufficiently re-established to enable me
to leave her.
"sI saw your friend Cara Hastings to-
day. said one of the family, as we gath
cred around the table for the first meal
after my return. Il am afraid the poor
girl is in bad way. She was always
fragile, but now she is shadowy. She has
settled cough and hectic color. She
looked very pretty. but should be sorry
to see any dear friend of mine looking
pretty in just the same wayl'
81 need not say that the next morning
found me on my way to Cara g studio. 1t
was all true. knew it as soon as looked
In her face. She threw herself into my
arms with little cry of delight, which
changed into a spasm of coughing, and
felt the slight form pant and culver in my
arms.
s'Cara dear child, what have you been
doing to yourself cried in dismay.
cara smiled her own bright, cheerful
smile.
- ssI have had very hard summer she !
said, but shall soon be strong again. !
Now that it is all over can tell you about |
it, but at one time really thought that
should never live to do so.'
ut was not romantic story, for there
was no love in it, and no tragedy. save as
I plainly foresaw, looking in my poor
Cara s face.
'''I suppose 1 was rather extravagant
in the spring. said Cara, 'for needed
good many things, and knew that the
money for Maud KS lessons would keep
me all summer. Maud and her mother
left town rather suddenly in June, and 1
did not know where they had gone. sent
my bill TO the house, however, not oubt-
ing that it would be paid at once. wait
ed month. and in the meantime my funds
ran very low and I found that the strict
est economy was necessary. Do what l
would, however, the money melted away
ike water, and at last. IN despair, resolv
I'd to write to- DR.. X. 1t was hard thing
20 do, but did it, merely telling him that
had sent in my bill to Mrs. x. at such a
late, and having heard nothing from her.
cared that 1t had not been forwarded. 1t
eemed to me that life and death hung
lpon the answer, yet l did not really {
loubt that he would send the money at
nee. His answer came one day while you
we're with me, +:
s.'I remember said, briefly.
"'There was no money enclosed, as
lad expected continued Cara. He mere !
y informed me that the bills for NJ aud's
essons and schooling were always settled :
y Mrs. x; that the bill had been duly ,
orwarded to her, and that, no doubt, she r
would settle il promptly upon her return
4 September. And had just sixty cents r
q the worldl'
'"My poor Cara!' cried, what. did
on dog s
"'Do? What was there to do2' said +
ara. Fortunately, my rent was paid for G
aree months in advance, SO that was Z
IRE of shelter, at least. For the rest, l S
we'd for month upon that sixty cents. q
# course could not afford to buy fuel, so y
read and water constituted my entire p
let. Two rolls day are not very salts
lctory, but it was all could afford. Two q
,nts day will not set luxurious table. Il
.ungry? think was not so much hun e.
~ as weak The worst of all was that p
,uld not paint. l had not the strength n