The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-10-22
Sly WIDOW BISBEE.
BY LILY nj. CURRY.

There was nothing remarkable in the
fact that the Misses Asher had never
married. Wealth abundant was theirs,
and friends and the esteem of the COM
munity entire. They lived the most
serene life imaginable. They never
disagreed-and there were three of
them, of ages ranging from thirty-six
to forty-two years. They never irri
tated one another. Abigail, Dora, and
Fidelia were their respective names.
Their Municipalities blent as happily
as white and azure and sea-shell pink.
Their existence was one harmonious
round of sisterly affection, unostenta-
tious charity, and devotion to their three
pet cats.
That is, until Cosgrove appeared.
Cosgrove was the new organist of Trim
ity, the most important church In Pot
tersville, and the church whereof the
Misses Asher were communicates.
Trinity Church stood directly across the
wide street from the Asher residence,
a noble old house with it's colonnade
veranda sheltered by superb horse
chestnuts. However, the ladies in ques-
ton had taken q decided fancy to the
new organist, and evinced disposition
to second his efforts at obtaining a
choir of boys. After little they had
even prevailed upon Mr.. Cosgrove to
come and make his home with them.
Mr.. Clinton Cosgrove was dark,
handsome browed and handsome-eyed
gentleman of thirty-three. His other
features could not in strict truth have
been termed handsome, though grace
full droop of mustache barely concealed
q melancholy curve of lip which many
had found attractive.
But there were, as the new organist
discovered after time, number of
the congregation not thoroughly in SYM
patty with his boy-choir arrangement.
This it was which pointed the de-
STABILITY of a compromise. Mr.. Cos
grove determined upon soprano solo
list, and wrote at once to the metropolis.
And so one balmy day in June Joy
Folsom came down to Pottersville.
Cosgrove had never met the lady, but
she came highly recommended.
He hardly knew what he thought,
when he had had his first interview.
"Slim, timid, and face like Saint
somebody's" be said rather indefinitely,
as he walked slowly home to dinner at
Ashers', where he now made it his
home. He wondered if she could
really have sufficient voice in that slight
body.
The Misses Asher were much in
terested to hear about the new soprano.
In personal appearance there was little
difference between Miss Abigail and
Miss Dora, or between Miss Dora and
Miss Fidelia. A few more gray hairs,
q deeper wrinkle. lower voice, per.
baps. Their toilets were quite similar,
.sedate, steel colored silks, soft laces,
and some quaint, old-fashioned jewels
Yet they we're by no means old women
little art-oh, never so little art
might have transformed lidelia al
least.
But Cosgrove was not thinking oil
this. His mind dwelt upon the newly
arrived, and the probabilities of hei
filing acceptably the position in ques
ton. Suppos'ng she should fail. How
he would di like telling her she would
not suit The big brown eyes tina
looked so earnestly at HIM that after
noon-he could not forget them.
"Joey," said Miss Abigail. Il sup
pose that is shortening of JOS ephine.
-No-not Joey," said Cosgrove, slow
Iy; "Joy: odd name, is it not? But
think We shall ke Miss Folsom.
suppose You ladies will all on her."
40, to be sure" said Miss Fidelia.
Joy Folsom sang her first solo tn,
following Sabbath, and sang IT to TIN