The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-11-29

pleasant and endearing was absolutely
detestable to poor, motherless Classy.
80 dear! never can 90 anywhere"
broke out Classy. 81 should so like to
90 to Greenwood Hill. Can't some
one else take care of the baby for onceP"
She seldom replied when the custom
airy prohibition came, but to-day she
couldn't seem to help it.
'SOme one elser' repeated Mrs.
Blake, in astonishment, "why, Classy,
am astonished at you, really aston
! ishedr' and she withdrew in displeasure.
When alone Cassys pent feelings
found further expression:
Il don't care if she is amazed, say
it's barbarous! Never can 90 outside
this house, and I'm just as good as
Kate or Louise Blake-the heartless
things! When uncle gave me a decent
dress for my birthday, | did hope
should have the privilege of wearing it
somewhere before it grew as old-fash-
toned as the hills, but after cutting and
making it at odd moments, except on a
few Sabbath mornings it has never been
on my back. I've some pretty ribbons,
too, bought with the money Aunt Abby
gave me Fourth of July, though she for
babe my telling any one. There's one
comfort, Aunt Abby pities me L know;
and l love her, for all her queer ways,
and | 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 90 to
Greenwood Hill is because Frank Whit
comb invited me to that party last Win
ter. | couldn't attend for want of q
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 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 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 flo
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 dull"
but a very discontinued boy-and Classy
was being crowded too far.
But Classy was Christian. Her par
ents had beeu Christians before her. Of
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 Blales 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 so
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 thGre.
Thanksgiving morning the sweet face
was placid as ever. She had chad it
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 considera-
bly, in 50 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
A feeling of dependency would creep
over Classy upon thus realizing herself
shut out from the pleasures natural to
young people, but resolutely brushing
away a few tears, she washed the great
pile of supper dishes, then went up
stairs to be near the baby should he
cry.
Il think I'd better pray little pray
er, she said to herself, sit would hel
me | know" and kneeling by the side
of the bed she repeated slowly: Dear
Jesus, help me to be patient; help me
to be patient"
1t seemed to be all she could say, but
a little movement caused her to look
suddenly up, and there stood Aunt
Abby Thayer.
A flush of confusion spread over the
peachy cheeks as Classy arose from her
knees, but it was partly one of pleasure.
Excuse me, dear child" said Aunt
Abby, caressingly, 81 didn't mean to
come upon you so suddenly, but | found
the front door ajar, and thought I'd
come right in;--but where's all the
folksP"
Classy proceeded to tell where they
were. Upon which Aunt Abby asked,