The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-04-26
LOVE ENDS THE THRALL'
DOM.
lideci YnM Xaidee!'

Mrs. Perkins voice rang out hlgh-
toned and shrill above the clatter OF
pots and pans in the great old-iashion.
cd kitchen, and Mrs. Perkins herself
appeared in the doorway. A tall, an
gular female of uncertain age, 'relict
of the late Eben Perkins, with her
skirts tucked up and her sleeves rolled
back from pair of decidedly bony
arms; her wisp of yellowish hair twisted
into hard knot on the very top OF her
head; her greenish blue eyes, full OF de-
termination, fixed upon slim little
Girl in short blue check cottOnade
dress, with mass of raven black hair
plated at the back of her shapely head,
and breaking out into little curls all
round her low, broad brow; II thin,
dark face, with great, slumbcrous.
dusky eyes, and red mouth, Stern and
unsmiling.
I'D like to know" painted Mrs. Per-
kins, what on airth you mean by set
tin out on my front piazza till nine
o'clock last night, taikin' to my
boarder,. Mr.. john Gilbert
And she paused with look OF fierce
determination which made Iaidee
Clarke nearly smile in spite OF herself.
Ever since took you out o the
poor house." continued the irate Wild
ow, "you haven't earned your salt
What with your studyin', and rcadin'
airly and late, you've been more trouble
than profit, and l say"
"And | say, Mrs. Perkins, inter-
rupted the girl. unable to longer re-
main silent, 'that if my work does not
suit you, | will return to the poor
house. My life there was certainly as
easy as it is here"
"Well. never!"
Mrs. Perkins sank into an old fash
toned rocker and clasped her hands,
with whitening look of despair.
"Arter all I've done for you-you on
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Good morning, Mrs. Perkins.
The widow sprang to her feet.
A handsome, manly face-dark-eyed
and smiling, with the most perfect Of
lefty mustaches shading tho short up
per lip-peered in through the cluster
ing honeysucklcs around the kitchen
window.
"Oh, Mr. Gilbert" she simpered,
chow you did brighten me! Why, MIR.
Gilbert, what is thatP"
For the young man had tossed fold.
ed slip of paper through the window.
"A telegram, replied John Gilbert
ooncisely, from my father. He is
coming down here toMillyille to attend
TO some law business, he says, and will
arrive some time to-day or tomorrow.
The fact is, Mrs. Perkins, | have been
30 loud in the praises of your comfort
able home, and numerous attractions
that my father thinks he would enjoy Il
few days rest here wonderfully, il con-
venient to you"
La, me!' exclaimed the widow, de-
hghtedly, so course I'll be glad to see
him. You can jest telegraph back, Mr.
John, and say that he's more than wei
come"
Thanks, will go at once" return
cd Mr., Gilbert, and he turned away;
but not without bestowing n glance of
admiration upon the pale-faced girl.
Zaidee Clarke, having placed the
great kitchen in spotless order, tied on
her white sunbonnet and swung big
basket on her arm.
"Tll run out and get the peas for
dinner" she said to herself, as she
opened the outer door and tripped
down the narrow path which led to
large and hourishing vegetable gar
den.
'Oh, dearl" she sighed, lit is dread
ful to be poor and alone! No one knows
any thing about me, for they found me
lying on the poor house steps. little
forsaken creature obody's child /;
and ! staid at that dreadful place until
Mrs. Perkins took me. Well, ought
10 be thankful to her for letting me 90
to school for d few months, and if on
ly had more time to study would not
be SO unhappy; but | am all alone, and
nobody in the world cares whether |
live or die.
..Zaideei"
The voice that spoke the name was
very soft and tender.
Little Zaidee turned, with sudden
start, to see John Gilbert standing at
her side. his handsome eyes bent grave
" on her face.
..Zaideer' he repeated, stealing near
or, listen TO me. I love you'll have
loved you ever since first saw you