Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1886-03-17
MY FOOTSTOOL.
BY M. v. L.

My brother gave his work final
polish, and then viewed the valuable
articles approvingly before placing
them in their softly padded case.
''Think they look well, little wo-
MANI" he asked.
~ think they do indeed" I an
swered, in unqualified admiration, for
Ted was 81 capital workman, and had
mended the pretty trinkets very skill
fully. 81 am sure Mr.. Bailey will be
pleased. The owner herself would be
puzzled to detect where she damaged
them.'
Ted smiled; then, as he did not in
tend to take them back to the shop
until the return of his employer, which
would not be till the morrow, he de-
posted both the jeweled bracelets in
his customary burglar proof
SAFE" as he jokingly called a small,
strong, square box which he had fitted
with lock and key, padded inside and
out, and covered with chintz to match
our sofa. He made use of this as a
footstool, saying that evil-disposed
persons would be the less likely to ex-
anime it; and many a jest he had
ABOUT his placing gems under my feet,
and about me being a small person
with a high mind, for I set my foot
upon gold, and the like nonsense.
Dear old Ted! He was so clever at
his trade, and so trustworthy, thai / 9
always had more work than he could
get through. He was very fond of me
his poor little crippled sister-would
never allow me to sit too long at my
needle. and shared with me in every
possible way the little duties neccesi-
tated by our humble menage; so he and
| logged along very peaceably. We
lodged III two rooms In g quiet street
on the outskirts of Bridgeport. Our
landlady was kindly old body, who
had known our parents long before
either Ted Or found ourselves on this
worlds stage.
Having put away the bracelets safe
", my brother next packed up three
or four watches he had been busy set
ting TO rights. and prepared to go to
the shop IN Bridgeport which usually
employed him. / watched him putting
on his overcoat, for the day was very
cold, but he seemed slow in his move
ments, and thought he was reluctant
TO leave me alone, for, though I was
generally active enough, considering
my inirmity, one of my bad spells was
now on me, when, as he knew, | found
moving about pain and a difficulty
for some days. 1t happened, too,
that Mrs. Brown, cur landlady, had
gone out for the day-a very rare oc-
currence
"Can | do anything else for you be-
fore go ?'' he asked.
'No, Ted, dear, thank you"
: make sure; look round and see if
everything is put handy for you"
said my brother, placing my crutch a
little nearer.
Everything" I replied cheerfully.
"And I've such a lot of work to get
through, I shall find the afternoon.
short"
81 don't half like your being left
alone so long: for I may not be back
before s." said Ted cycling me dubi-
ously. cousin Milly would come
round if I asked her."
eyes, and bging her baby, who
would hinder my work sadly. / don't
like babies when Pm busy. Go away,
Ted, you dear, old fellow! Don't
bother about mel shall be all
right"
"Well, by-by, little woman" he
said, STOPPING to kiss me; "I'll be home
as soon as | can. And, Bessie,'' he
added, pausing in the doorway, "be
sure and don't touch the window to-
day. The sash line snapped this
morning. | must send carpenter to
see to it.. You will remember
[ promised that | would, and my
brother departed. | heard him go
down stairs and. shut the street door.
At first the unusual quiet of the house
was rather depressing; but soon be-
came too much engrossed in sewing to
pay attention to that, and stitched
away busily at some things [ was com
pletingfo for lady who was kind enough
TO praise my needlework, preierring it,
as many others did, to machine
stitched articles.
Presently thought heard a slight
noise downstairs, like the opening of a
window, but as all remained quiet aft
erward, put il down to my magma
ton, and went on TRANQUILITY with my
work
After some time l was startled to
hear a step, stealthy, but distinctly
audible on the landing outside, while
under the door appeared the shadow
of some one moving.
perhaps Mrs. Brown has returned, I"
was the thought in my mind as sat
gazing at the door; but then [ turned
cold with fear, for the handle was
turned softly, and strange man