The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-09

she spoke. II shall tear them to tatters; still
had better begin washing them at once"
The girl had high spirit and a loving
heart. The former would have driven her
into rebellion against Mrs. Witherington.
The latter made her bear hard things for her
mothers sake. She fell into the way of
doing all that Mrs Witherington required of
her, and that lady nourished the fond de-
fusion that she had secured treasure for
life at a cheap rate But all the while Iris
was hiding her time patiently, in order that
her first struggle might be an effectual and
last one.
Soon Bond could not have campeted with
her in the deft handling of Mrs. Whitening
toms hair, laces, or renovated costumes.
Adroit, light-hapded, gifted with taste to
a rare degree, she made the best her task
mistress's personal appearance in q way
that caused a spark of gratitude to ignite
at last in that self-adorng lady's heart
When she had done this, Iris made her first
move.
Mrs. Witherington," she began one night,
when her mistress was sitting exultant be-
fore the glass, studying the good effect of
recently placed ''old point and diamonds
on her head, IAN good lady s-maid now2'
There can't be BETTER" Mrs. Whitening
ton said enthusiastically.
II am glad, for you will give me charac
ter that will get me what want"
"A what?'
IA character I am going to getintO some
place where l can make money to pay for
something l must have"
And what is thatT'
lessons for the stage"
Then Mrs Witherngton scolded, stormed
expostulated, pleaded. But Iris had learned
her own value during this time of iron servi-
tude, and she stood out now either for good
wages or good character.
Mr.. Witherington will sink under the dis
grace of relation of his going on the stage,
his wife urged; but Iris only laughed.
II shall not proclaim the relationship. l
shall be too much ashamed to acknowledge
how relation has tried to degrade and
keep me down, If ever do get among ladies
and gentlemen on the stage"
What has put this idea in your head?'
Seeing that Miss Tremayne is advertising
for maid. and Offering forty pounds year
wages Miss Tremayne wouldn't be the
grand actress she is if she hadn't the heart to
feel for such POOR football of fortune as
have BEEN"
Your wicked ambition will bring you to
ruin" Mrs Witherington said spitefully,
tears of vexation coming into her eyes at The
prospect of losing her Cheap treasure" Il
wash my hands of you, but the world shall
know that you preferred life of wicked ex-
citement and temptation to a safe and happy
home with your own relations"
Your world and mine will never be the
same-luckily for me-" Iris said cody, and
hTS. WlLnerlDGtOn COulu nave SldDpeu AeI
for being so independent though penniless.
Iris went to the beautiful, popular, clever
Miss Tremayne as maid and remained with
her in that capacity one hour. At the end
of that hour the warm-hearted woman who
was at the top of the tree had learned the
story of the poor little aspirant at the foot
oft
You shall stay with me as my friend and
pupil, Iris" she said, with all that gracious
grace that has made her such sovereign
lady on the stage; land as it will be impos-
sible for you really TO study while your
mind is half absent with your mother and
her troubles, those troubles, must be relieved
at once. am alone in the world; they shall
be my mother and brothers"
For fifteen months Mr.. and Mrs Wither-
ington told their friends lin confidence"
that they washed their hands of iris, whose
conduct and career had crushed all sympathy
and interest for her out of their expansive
hearts. At the end of that time Iris made a
successful debut. Then for another year
she studied harder than ever, always helped
by Miss Tremayne. Then she ground" Tor
six months in small parts in the provinces.
Then Miss Tremayne brought her out at her
miss Tremayne's) own theater, without any
preliminary puff, and Iris touched the peo-
pies heart and taste at once.
The second night of her performance the
Witherington's were there, letting every one
near them know that the young ac-
tress was their cousin. The next, Mrs.
Poppinger received an offer from her
cousin of moderate income for her life, and
at the same time he reminded her that had
it not been for his excellent wife's admirable
training of Iris, Iris would never have been
able to approach Miss Tremayne with
proffer of services, In TACT h. aid 81
hope our dear girl win never forget that this
most gratifying result is entirely due to the
circumstance of our having given Iris
home and taught her to be useful. This is
a most pleasing reflection to us, and 1 trust
you will always keep this truth before our
dear girl"
So, as Iris scared higher and higher, the
Witheringtons eulogized themselves more
and more to their own circle, as the benefac-
tors and guardians of their little pet cousin
Iris"