Middletown transcript., 1883-03-02

were still perfect, and her uduSIlIol0'
now all young women, were handsome
and refined to degree that the girls IN
his Western town seldom reached.
Bergman returned to his sister 5
house, after having prolonged his visit
to Mrs. Grayston to very late hour,
and ragged anew at the meanness and
heartlessness of New York society.
''Those girls" said he, 'have hand
somer faces, better figures and more
pleasing manners than any OF the young
women that come here to see youl
daughters. 1 say it's an outrage that
they're bound to needle and thread all
day. Kate, why don't you fix them up
50 that marrying men may see them I"
Because we prefer to find husbands
for our own daughters, suppose, "
laughed Berryman's sister.
eyes, l suppose you do" said Ber-
ryman. 'sbut men aren't so selfish.
I've daughters, too, but Pm going to
do something to give that family fair
chance, just as the head of it gave
me-"
"What will you do, brother ?'' asked
the sister.
-well-I've not decided just
yet, said Bergman, racking his brain
as he realized that he had no plan at all.
"But l can send Mrs. Grayston a good
sized cheque, to begin with"
"'Twill all be spent on dress-every
penny of it, and then they'll be dis
contented because they've no society in
which to show themselves. /"
You can occasionally invite them
here to your parties.
"I'd willingly do it if they are as
charming as you think, but then they
will make new acquaintance, who will
want to call on them. Then where are
they to receive ? In the two shabby
rooms that you say are their all ? Per
haps you will give them house also,
and money with which to keep it up ?"
Bergman took himself off in huff
he felt that he was right, yet his sister
had met him at every point. Never
theless, he sent Mrs. Grayston some
money, with kind note expressing a
desire to repay to some one the special
kindnesses shown him by his first en-
ployer. He also limited that he hoped
in time to be Of permanent service.
There was great joy in the Grayston
home when Berryman's letter was re-
ceived. The family promptly stopped
work, moved into better rooms, and
bought new dresses, in one Of which
Mrs: Grayston took pains to appear at
a church in which many Of her old ac-
quaintances worshipped.
When the money was about ex-
hausted, and the family had gone to
work again, with many severe criti-
cisms of men who make indefinite
promises that raise hopes which are al
lowed to be indefinitely deferred, Berry
man reappeared in New York and an
nounced to his sister his plan for re-
lieying the Graystons from any farther
trouble. But Mrs. Kate criticized |
every detail of the plan as her brother |
announced them, until Bergman lost |
his temper and hurried off to tell his
story to those whom it would most in
terest.
The Graystons received him cor
daily, and he proceeded at once to
business by saying:
"Mrs. Grayston, all l knew about
business when l started for myself
had learned from your father. I've
been very fortunate, l am the richest
man in my county, and want to show
my gratitude by doing something hand
some for my old employers child, and
for her family"
The daughters eyes frightened as
they exchanged glances, and the young
est whispered to one of her sisters that
she hoped it would all lead to sealskin
cloaks. Mrs. Grayston's eyes bright
ened, too, but because Of more moist
m lmlre than usual, as she replied
"Nobody could be more grateful than
we, am sure"
"I am glad you take my offer in that
spirit, )" said Bergman Il was afraid
| might offend you. Well, here's my
idea own a nice new house in my
town in Iowa, which L bought at a
bargain, but l haven't any use for it.
I've furnished it throughout every
thing in it is new, and propose to give
it to you, full and free, and to take you
all out there at my own expense. l
manage the school board, so can get
each Of the girls good situation as
teacher, at four or five hundred dollars
year, SO between you there'l be more
money come in than many families out
there manage to live on right well"
Bergman paused, leaned back in his
chair, and looked quickly from one to
another for the recognition which he
considered he had a right to expect.
He saw four very sober, blank faces.
Somewhat surprised, he said:
Well, Mrs. Grayston, how does the
proposition strike you ?''
81 hardly know what to say, !" replied |
the lady.
Bergman, wondering what could be
the matter, suddenly exclaimed
"Oh, by the way, | meant to say
that my wife and daughters are heart
and soul with me in the affair they've
been spending weeks in fitting up the
house."
"What do you think, girls P'' finally
asked Mrs. GTayston.
Each girl looked or acted as if see
did not think favorably of it, and Ber-
ryman's wonder increased but he was
T.