The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-08-15
AN UNFORESEEN RESULT.


Avis Benton was a disappointed girl.
1t was true that she had succeeded
In comprising that visit TO the city
which had for years been her hope and
ambition. But, rs Is too often the
case. the reality had fallen far short of
the anticipation.
ats all very pleasant" she admit
tod 10 herself, land Cousin Rebecca
and John are as kind as they can be,
but it isn't what thought 1t was going
10 b."
In truth and in fact Avis had pic
tured to herself whirl of gay festivi-
ties-promenades by day, parties and
SoireeS by night; but it happened that
John Weldon. her second cousin, was
the foreman in 4 mammoth brass foun-
dry. and after days toll naturally
preferred the rest and quiet of his own
iireside, although he had taken Avis to
lecture or two at the Young Mems
Christian Association, and quiet stroll
through tho galleries Of the Academy
OF Design.
Becky. his sister, was one of those
domestic humdrum little women, who
consider pudding-making and stock
ing-darning more necessary than strolls
along the crowded thoroughfares, and
endless shopping excursions.
No expedition TO the theatre had
been proposed; and of the opera, Avis
one dream and aspiration. not a word
had been spoken until one evening she
herself spoke out.
II should like to 20 TO the OPERA"
said she abruptly.
John looked mildly from his news
paper. Becky paused in the middle of
THE opera?" said John. "But that's
very expensive place, Avis"
Nobody but rich people can afford
the OPERA" remarked Becky, resuming
her work.
"But just for once" pleaded Avis.
John shook his head.
lit would hardly be consistent"
said he.
But did you never goP" she urged.
Never, Avis" he answered.
But you must have wanted to goP"
He smiled.
II try not to want things that can't
afford" said he.
Nevertheless, the next morning he
went TO the box-oflice of the Opera
House and asked the price of seats for
that evening.
Ten shillings," the man indifferent
ly answered.
John Weldon stood amazed.
Have you no seats cheaper than
thatP" ne asked.
Nothing cheaper. Move on, please
you're stopping the line" said the
man impatiently.
And SO John went back TO the brass
foundry.
Ten shillings for hearing n lot of
foreigners screcch and squallr' said
John. who was not an adorer Of music.
lien shillings for getting into crowd
of fashionable people. who care no
more about you than IL you were cab
horse! / should like to have gratified
Avis fancy, but it's quite out of the
question"
Avis listened silently to his recital of
the mornings adventure.
Yes" she said when he paused for
q reply, "the seats are dear. But Patti
always commands fancy prices"
I'D deal sooner hear you sing
Kathleen Mayourneen,' said honest
John.
That shows how little you know
about music" said Avis with tinge OF
scorn in her voice.
81 know what suits me-" said the in.
veterately good humored brass-founder.
The next day, Rebecca wanted some
slate-colored ribbon for hat which
she was trimming over for the second
time.
II must wait until afternoon" she
said. Il can't spare time to go out this
morning."
LET me go for It. Becky" said Avis.
"It's such bright beautiful day, and
/ am SO tired of sitting In the house.
Rebecca looked irresolute.
DO you think you can find your way
TO Massey's shopp" said she. II don't
think you can match 1t anywhere else"
"Of course cam" said Avis. "Hav-
emit been there half-a-dozen times al.
readyp Give me the sample"
And, with the narrow slip Of slate.
colored ribbon In her purse. Avis set
cheerfully forth.
Soft and bland lay the spring sun
shine on the pavements; shrill sounded
the voices of itinerant flower-vendors
down the street; and Avis inyoluntar-
lily hummed tune as she moved light
lyalong.
For the first time since she had come
10 London she felt longing to be in
violets and dandelions, and watching
the frolics OF the lambs.
Early though 1t was, however, there
was the usual crush and crowd at Mas
sey's. and IL was some time before she
could get waited on.
When ut last the little parcel and the
change came back TO her, q penny
rolled away upon the floor.
She stopped to recover it. and there,
close TO the counter. under the feet OF
the throng, lay two tickets. folded to-
gether, with little coupon checks dou-
bled over.
.'Grand Italian OPERA" she read, as
she picked them up.
did you find the penny, missp" said
the attentive shop-girL
Eyes, found It," said Avis. with
her cheeks Redeemed. perhaps by stoop-
ing. ms she turned and hurried awav.
Hcr heart beat triumphantly. Her
feet seemed winged.
Some good fairy had sent an answer
to her hopes and longings Mt last
What would John Weldon sayp
At all events ho could scarcely refuse
TO DO her escort. now that reserved
seats were provided. And she pur-
chased pair of primrose-colored kid
gloves, aud new lace frill for her
neck, and came home with n heart as
light as n feather.
John was all amazement when Avis
triumphantly showed him the tickets.
"Avis. you did not buy thesep" he
exclaimed.
mo, didn't buy them" she said.
You'll take me. John. won't your"
Then where did they come fromP"
''Thcy wcre-a present." said Avis
with burning cheeks.
John looked gravely at her.
And" she added. 81 shall take It
very unkind OF You. John, IL you refuse
10 escort me"
.'Oh. I'll escort you fast enough"
said John simply. Il can't say I APP
prove OF opera-going for people in our
rank of life"
.sOur rank OF life. indeedl' flashed
Avis. Il consider myself rs good rs
anybody"
..As good--yesr' assented John.
'.But there IL fitness In all things,
Avis Tia only rich peoplc that can