The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-02-17

our own daughters, suppose; iauSheu
Bergman sister.
Yes, suppose you do, said Berry
man, ''but men aren't so selfish. I've
daughters, too, but I'm going to do some
thing to give that family fair chance, just
as the head of it gave me.
''What will you do, brother ?" asked the
sister.
"H'm-well-I'v not decided just yet, !"
said Bergman, racking his brain as he re-
allied that he had no plan at all. "But L
can send Mrs. Grayston good-sized cheque,
to begin with"
''Twill all be spent on dress-every
penny of it, and then they'll be discomfort
ed because they've no society in which to
show themselves" J."
"You can occasionally invite them here
to your parties.
I'D willingly do it if they are as charm
inc 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 Perhaps you will give them IA
house also and money with which to keep
it up?'
Berrvman took himself off in a huff; he
felt that he was right, yet his sister had
met him at every point. Nevertheless, ne
sent Mrs Grayston some money, with
kind note expressing desire to repay to
some one the special kindnesses shown him
by his first employer. He also limited that
he hoped in time to be of permanent SER
vice.
There was great joy in the Grayston
home when Bergman letter was received.
The family promptly stopped work, moved
into better rooms, and brought new dresses,
in one of which Mrs. Grayston took pains
to appear at church in which many of
her old acquaintance worshipped.
When the money was about exhausted,
and the family had gone to work again,
with many severe criticisms of men who
make indefinite promises that raise hopes
which are allowed to be indefinitely de-
ferred, Bergman reappeared in New York
and announced to his sister his plan for re-
lieving the Graystons from any farther
trouble. But Mrs. Kate criticised 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 interest.
The Graystons received him cordially,
and he proceeded at once to business by
saying:
"Mrs. Grayston, all knew about busi-
ness when l started for myself had learn
ed from your father I've been very for
tunate, am the richest man in my county,
and I want to show my gratitude by doing
something handsome for my old employer S
child, and for her family"
The daughters eyes frightened as they
exchanged glances, and the youngest
whispered to one of her sisters that she
hoped it would all lead to sealskin cloaks
Mrs. Grayston's eyes frightened, too, but
because of more moisture than usual, as she
replied:
"Nobody could be more grateful than we
/ | am sure
Il am glad you take my offer in that
spirit" said Bergman II was afraid
might offend you. Well, here's my idea
own nice, new house, in my town in
Iowa, which bought at a bargain, but
haven't any use for it. I've furnished ii
throughout; everything 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. | manage the school board, so
can get each of the girls good situation as
teacher at four or five hundred dollars a
year, so between you there III 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 con-
sidered he had right to expect. He saw
four very sober, blank faces. Somewhat
surprised, he said;
"Well, Mrs. Grayston, how does the
proposition strike you?"
II 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. y
"What do you think, girls? p finally
asked Mrs. Grayston.
Each girl looked or acted as if she did
not think favorably of it, and Bergman
wonder increased but he was not man to
be turned from any purpose he had at
heart, 50 he prepared to argue the ques-
tion Fixing his eyes on nothing in par
ticular, he said:
"There are plenty of fine young men in
that country who want wives, and pretty
girls are somewhat scarce"
The Misses Grayston frightened some,
what, and their mother asked:
care they in good circumstances and
social position p
''The very BEST replied Bergman
"most of them are farmers and own theil
farms"
"Farmers p exclaimed the oldest Miss