Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-11-19

sitiOn. never possessing the energy OF
brown-cvcd Nell, whose beauty was
not nearly SO great. but who maize up
for "a snub nose and big mouth IN the
sunny disposition and quick vivacity
that was very attractive.
Fred. Norris, the son of the guardi-
an who had so foully betrayed the trust
of the girls dead father, had brought
his handsome face and winning man
ners often 10 the house over which Miss
Susan Dorrimcr presided, and had left
no power Of persuasion untried in his
endeavor to win pretty Fannie's heart.
lie was partner in his fathers law of
flee, winning his own way to fortune,
and no thought of tho blondes patri-
mony tempted him. 1t was pure, true
love that softened his voice for Fan
MES ear. shonc in his eyes when they
rested upon her and brought him often
TO her side.
And the love he coveted was given
| him. though uo words had Yet been
! spoken. when Herbert Norris suddenly
| fled, and twcnty-four hours later hiS
son was also missing.
II was q blessing. Nell said. that they
chose the spring weather for their jour
ncy. rs the cottage in Harlem WAS GER
tainly not tempting. rs il stood, for II
winter residence. II made large hole
! in the money realized from the sales OF
/ the furniture to put the old house in
repair. it having been empty for long
! time. And even when II was newly
painted and papered and frightened 10y
! the prettiest of furniture it looked very
narrow AMI rO0r, coutrastcd with the
| home where the girls had lived from
/ childhood. The piano had 10 stand all
! askew to iii il at all in the little parlOr.
! and the easy chairs and lounges looked
| all out of proportion. But Nell work
/ ed busily, and gradually the hitting
/ became a frolic and even Fannie was
! interested in wodging bureaus into inn
! possible recesscs and finding accommo-
! dation for the contents Of the great
vans at the door.
just imagine. We have 4 spare
room. - cried Nell glcefullv: there is
Aunt Sues, here ours, here one for Il
servant. if we ever again indulge in
such a luxury, and here magnificent
apartment. handsomely furnished, 10
lot . All the rubbish and trunks can
90 to the attic or loft. or whatever YOU
| choose TO call the sky paror dining
room. pantry and Kitchen, Fan. seri-
ously. like it, l. IS ours. that j. one
good thing, and we can have lots OF fun
cooking aud cleaning.
Fun - said Fan, dolcfully.
Yes fun, Come, I'm going to
give Jane her Co.,. Lc.. now we are all
nXcd nicely. AMI We VIII get dinner.
Amt You glad now We learned TO cook
al Uncle Rodney :? How We hated it?N
Fan sighed over the memory OF two
years spent with their mothers brother
on coy New England farm, while
thc father Was in Europe trying to
bring health back TO his wife, who died
under Italian skies. But Nell would
not let her NOPE, and the summer days
were coming To make the cottage gar
den new interest, and a long walk to
the boat or ears only pleasant country
stroll.
There was little money 10 put in
the bank for a RAINY day when Aunt Sue
obtained employment at her old trade
and the girls undertook embroidery for
n large dry goods establishment June
had come. when one morning Aunt Sue
received letter asking her TO take a
boardcr
"A boarder" cried Fannie, aghast
1.-THE man is crazy
For the letter was signed John
Harris. SO it was man.
He is an invalid, and wants per-
feet quiet i'll Il private family. he Of
fers $40 week. Fan
And he'll be $50 worth of bother.
Just imagine a sick man 10 fuss over.
Ten dollars week said practical
Nell. 1T would nearly keep the table
for ail of Us.
Discussed IN all its bearing the pro-
posal was finally admitted to have its
advantages. The old family physician
was given by the writer for reference,
and there was the spare room fairly
yawning with emptiness, Nell said
SO John Harris was graciously per-
miited to take up his summer residence
in the little cottage. He was white
haired old gentleman, who stopped
badly. and had large, soft eyes, as blue
rs Fannies own. From the day of his
arrival his devotion to Aunt Sue was so
marked as TO excite the mischievous
rallery OF the girls. in spite of the lit
tie old maids bushes and protesta-
tons.
Was Aunt Sue in the summer house,
stitching upon her caps. John Harris
was sure to be found. reading aloud the
interesting portions of the daily news
paper. Was she III the kitchen stirring
cake or rolling pie-crust, John Harris
was certainly leaning against the win
dow-sill, making sage remarks upon
the beans or tomatoes IN the wee ycge-
table garden. Did Aunt Sue remark
her love for flower behold the next
day a wagon from town with whole
garden ready to be transferred To the
soil of Harlem. under John Harris
directions. He was VERY kind to tho
girls. but their youthful charms evil
IDENTITY faded before Aunt Sues mature
ones.
1t was pleasant summer. in spite OF
Fans heart-sickncss and the many pri-
vations that were now duty. Poverty
had not bitten deeply into the nest-cgg
} at the bank. thanks 10 the supply oil
work and the board of John Harris.
Upon the plea of poor appetite this in
.s.lt Il IL