The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1884-11-27

comfort, Aunt Abby pities me I know;
and I love her, for all her queer ways,
and I more than half suspect she knows
the other girls hate her; it will be one
help to tell her about this. / believe
one reason why I'm neUer allowed to go to
Greenwood Hill is because Frank Whit
comb invited me to that party last win
ter. I couldn't attend for want of a
dress. I'm eighteen, old enough to be
my own mistress, and / won't stand it,
so now! don't owe them much; my
work has paid all along, and precious
little clothing or schooling they've given
me-"
She was angry enough, poor child,
and grieved enough, but still she had
not cried, until a brief note from Aunt
Abby Thayer announced the fact that
she would probably be unable to pass
the approaching holiday with the
Blakes, then she broke down entirely.
Now she would have only the teeth
ing, fretful baby for company, while the
rest would be having a grand frolic in
Squire Whitcomb's great spacious
kitchen; then there would be a spread,
goodies she hadn't helped to prepare;
that would be a treat of itself, tasting
what had caused her neither toll nor
anxiety; then would come merry games
and Frank Whitcomb with his tall fig
ure, curling mustache and handsome
face would be conspicuous in the happy
company.
1t must be confessed that the next
two days were very unhappy ones for
Classy, chiefly so because she was yield
ing to feelings of resentment, strongly
at variance with her usually sunny,
hopeful disposition. But we are In
clined to the belief that "all work and
no play makes Jack" not only a ''dulI''
but a very discontinued boy-and Classy
was being crowded too far.
But Classy was a Christian. Her par
ents had beeu Christians before her. Oh
her father she remembered nothing, but
her mother had not left her until she
was seven years old, and the teachings
Of her little girlhood were all Christ and
heaven-ward.
The Blakes were a church-going fam.
lily, but even Mrs. Blake, church mem.
Der though she was, once remarked,
| she didn't see "what made Classy SC
dreadful pious." This was when she
Voluntarily joined @the church, and
afterwards refused to attend the theater,
when for once her uncle proposed taking
her there.
Thanksgiving morning the sweet face
was placid as ever. She had chad il
OUT with her conscience, asked Gods
forgivness, and was at peace again.
Mrs. Blake wondered what had come
over Classy that she seemed so bright;
she had secret misgigings as to the
kindness of her course, but then Kate
was twenty-three, and Louise but two
years younger. 1t was time they were
improving all the advantages society
might offer to young ladies of their age
whatever that might mean. 1t GER
tainly would lessen expenses considers
bly, in so large a family if the girls
should happen to marry well some day
Thanksgiving evening had come
The family, excepting Classy and the
baby, had departed for Greenwood Hill
Mr.. Blake had gone out last, shutting
and latching the front door behind him
At least he thought he latched it-but
he didn't.
A feeling of dependency would Greer
over Classy upon thus realizing hersel
shut out from the pleasures natural tt
young people,. but resolutely brushing
away a few tears, she washed the grea
pile of supper dishes, then went W
stairs to be near the baby should h,
cry.
81 think I'd better pray a little pray
err" she said to herself, cit would he'll
me I know and kneeling by the sid,
of the bed she repeated slowly: ..Dea
Jesus, help me to be patient; help m
to be patient"
1t seemed to be all she could say, bu
a little movement caused her to Loo
suddenly up, and there stood Aun
Abby Thayer.
A flush of confusion spread over tn
peachy cheeks as Classy arose from he
knees, but it was partly one of pleasure
Excuse me, dear child" said Aun
Abby, caressingly, 81 didn't mean t
come upon you SO suddenly, but I foun,
the front door ajar, and thought L,
come right in;-but where's all tn
folks?"
Classy proceeded to tell where the
were. Upon which Aunt Abby asked
quickly:
"And why didn't they invite yor
prayP"
"They did invite me particularly"
"Then what are you home alone fol-
I'd like to knowP"
"Baby couldn't very well go, nor sta
alone" returned Classy, smiling.
"Now, see here" said Aunt Abby, he
voice rising with indignation, ''do yo
go and get ready for Greenwood Hi
just as fast as ever you can"
ssn aonff Arnfio.f Gov a,o @l,n~ IT,
washed the dishes since they went ava,
and by the time 1 was dressed and ha
walked way to Squire Whiteomb's
should be all tired out, and the flu
would be more than half over"
Aunt Abby was explaining how it We
she happened to come, when all at ono
she interrupted herself, saying, softl,
"Hark! what's that noise!"
Aunt Abby, like Mr.. Blake, though
she shut and latched the front door b,
hind her-but she didn't!
Upon the instant of her last exclam;
ton both Aunt Abby and Classy heard
suspicious little noise in the lower nal
and as the former started quickly dow
the stairs, Classy involuntarily followe'
To her intense excitement Aunt Abb
caught a glimpse of a mans form ju
entering the wide dish-closet of tt
dining-room. Instantly she darted I'M
the room, banged to the door, and s
curely locked in the offender.
A mans voice at once sounded fort
A LIZ. L..