The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-04-07
HER REWARD.

HER REWARD.
Saidee Saidee Where are you Why
don't you answer me when call ?"
''Yes, aunt Leah am coming In a
minute"
'.In minute |" sarcasticallY repeated
the old lady. "It's always in min
ute with you, Saidee But suppose,
because am old and helpless. my COM
fort is q matter Of no consequence
whatever
'Dear aunt Leah, you must never
think that" answered bright, cheery
voice; and Saidee Lynn came into the
room, with little tray, where was ar
ranged, Oh snowy napkin, some tea
BISCUITS, half-a-dozen pink radshes, a
few thin-out shavings Of smoked beef,
saucer of old china that would have
had you in my mind all the time,
aunt LEAH" she said merrily. "I
gathered the radishes from our own
garden. Don't they look nice9"
Aunt Leah, withered, little, old
Lady, in u dress of worn black silk, and
sharp. grey eyes, peering through gold
bound speotaoles, tasted the tea, and
shook her head.
'It's too weak" said she. cit isn't
fit to drink |"
canister, aunt Leah," said Saidee, with
distressed countenance.
Aunt Leah pushed away the cup, with
IN expression OF distaste.
''It is as l might have expected"
l,o fno
thought for my comfort to study, my
the ten l can drink cold water. dare
say"
Saidee wrunR her hands in despair,
How could she tell this weak, feeble
old lady, above whose declining years
hung the threatening Damocles sword
Of heart disease, OF their narrowing
circumstances-of the empty exche-
qucr, the clamoriug creditors, the
pitiful straits to which they were re-
duced
.What shall do ?" she asked herself,
as she went slowly back to the little
Kitchen Of the ruinous Gothic cottage,
which they had obtained for ridicu-
lously low rent because it was ruinous.
Eve borrowed OF the rector's wife
twice, and I'm ashamed to go there
again, and I've sold everything can
luy my hands on But" glancing up
ut q picture which hung in the hall be-
yond, "thore's the Velasquez still. A
Velasquez is always worth money. Bel
10 will scold about parting with it, and
aunt Leah will mourn; but we can't
1.-Two on air and dew, like the fairies. I'll
take it down to Mr.. Bruner, the artist,
-. IL, 90
purchaser. Poor people, such rs we
are, can't afford to retain old family re-
lics."
And so, when aunt Leah was indulg-
ing in her afternoon nap, and Belle, tho
beauty Of the family, was ironing ont
the hounces Of her white muslin dress
for tho morrow's picnic, valiant Saidee
climbed on n chair, took the unframed
picture down ut was the head Of some
old Spanish grandee, with astiif-pointed
ruff, and an evil leer in the eyes), wrap
ped it up, and crept across tho meadows
with it to the village.
Mr.. Bruner was in his studio--a griz
zle-headed, blunt old gentleman, in q
belted linen blouse and faded velvet
cap.
He nodded kindly at Saidee, who had
once taken few lessons from him, but
when che displayed the canvas he's shook
his head.
"Howmuch do you think it is worth p
asked Saidee wistfully.
''Nothing |" said Mr., Bruner.
"But," Dried the girl, 'it is Velas-
quez !"
"rhat Velasquez ?" said MIR. Bru-
ner contemptuousIy. "My dear, there
isp't picture dealer in the country who
would give five dollars for it. It's an
Imitation, and wretohed one at that. ;"
So Saldee tied up the poor picture,
and went home again, shedding few
tears as she walked under the whisper
ing trees.
''My last hope gone i' she thought.
"But I'll not tell aunt Leah or Belle
that it is an 1mposture. They have al
ways taken such innocent pride III the
Velasquez."
AS she came past the old brick house
at the foot Of the LOCUST Lane, load
Of furniture was being carried IN, for it
was the second week in May.
Wicker chairs, twinod with blue rib
bon, cottage piano, cases tf books,
engravings, blrd-cages, plants all sorts
Of pretty things.
Saidee paused and looked at them,
not without interest.
II wonder who our new neighbors
are to bo 2" she thought.
just then out tro ted a stout, cherry
checked old lady, With her cap all on
one side, and q worsted shawl tied over
hsr shoulders.
81 "Oh |" said she, ''are you the young
woman who disappointed us yesterday
l1bont cleaning ?''
IN mo, SAID Saidee, crimsoning to her
lItemple&
.lah, dear, oh, dear r. said the old
sledy sswhat is to become us 2 All the
>furniture coming in, and my daughter
lame from falling ofra step. ladder, and
b the girl gone, and But" with an