Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-10-30
GENEvIEyE'S BIRTHRIGHT.
BY LILY CURRY

BY LILY CURRY
There is on old tradition to the effec
that helpless femininity is inevitably lo1
able.
And Daisy was always helpless Lit
tie creature. Genev;eve was only tire
years her senior; vet how different wer
the two! Not SO different in form AM
features; both OF the calm, blonde type
with soft blue eyes, and winning smile
But Daisy had little more gold in he
hair, little more peachiness Of complex
ion, little more lovely roundness o
arms and neck. Daisy, properly &C
coutred and over-chaperoned might hav
proven a great beauty. Genevieve, gaz
ing upon her that gracious ridsumme
morning, with all the fondness Of an ad
miring elder sister, had thought o
this. But somehow, as the though
came, she sighed aloud. Daisy was a
the piano, playing the spinning Song
from the Flying Dutchman." Without
ceasing to play she turned her beautiful
head and glanced at the elder girl.
"What's the matter, Viewer" she
questioned in a careless tone.
Genevieve's shoulders twitched impa
iently.
Nothing much, and yet great deal.
I can't help feeling discomfort at times.
L wouldn't mind for myself. I like
teaching; like the children. I'm 60
ing to make capital old maid after a
little. But its you 1 am thinking Of
Genevieve arose and paced the room
passing into the further apartment and
coming back with quick and nervous
tread
Their little suite was very prettily con-
trived and arranged. A parlor, of course
for Daisy music class. A good piano
everything else CHEEKY, though ine1pen-
sive-here and there some relics of days
when their father was living, and they
the pampered daughters Of luxury. A
back parlor and bedcharber in one; a
little dining room beyond. Very modest
and economical quarters, and if Genevieve
contributed much the larger share of the
two toward the maintenance of their lit
tie home she never appeared to regret it..
There had been hours that she had
lain awake at night, asking herself with
a thrill of terror how Daisy would man.
age if anything should happen to her
self. But Genevieve, as rule, elept,
well.
And Daisy's helpless, confding, rely
ing manners were so delightful!
Daisy ceased playing at length, and
wheeled about on the piano-stool. Her
fair hair was gathered high, Hebe- fash
ion, and her face was flushed with the
loveliest blush-rose tint.
"Wouldn't it be nice if they voted the
ticket to your" she cried impulsively.
Genevieve started. She had forbid
den herself to think of this, the benefit
that certain wealthy man had bestowed
upon one to be chosen by vote from
among all the teachers of the great city.
A summer excursion through Europe!
She had not allowed herself to contem-
plate the possibility of such glorious
fortune. No, no; some one else among
the band of faithful workers would pro-
fit by this splendid gift. She would ust
remain quietly at home and-and care
Cor Daisy.
"Wouldn't it be nicer" repeated the
younger sister, coaxingly.
sit never could happen" said Gene
'ieve, smiling feeble sort of protesta-
ton. II am not especially popular"
But I like to think of it." the other
urged. And just then they heard
knock.
"Oh," said Daisy; "that's Arthur
Adams, 1 know"
Geneyieye turned a shade paler, and
opened the door.
'Daisy thonghtit was you," she sale
putting out her hand gravely.
The visitor laughed.
81 met the postman, and he gave me
letter for you," he said. "Pu talk with
Daisy while yoL're reading it. 1t looks
like an important document"
One of the old friends who had not de-
serted them was Arthur Adams.
Genevieve had sometimes thought he
fancied Daisy more than in friendly
way. But the thought gave her an IN
easiness she never paused to explain.
Why should not Arthur Adams marry
Daisy? He was not rich, but ne was
well-off. On the other
hand, why should he? Daisy was very
beautiful, but there were other beautiful
girls, who were not obliged to teach mu
sic.
Genevieve took the letter into the ad.
joining room.
Arthur Adams sat down by the piano.
"Don't stop playing" he said. He
had one OF those low, melodious voices
that touch the heart and leave their echo
in it for years.
81 hope there's good news in that let
ter" said Daisy. "Poor We've! Life is
awfrlly dull for her-and for me, too.
1 wish she'd get married"
Arthur Adams moved uAeasily, and
put his hand up to his forehead, as If a
sudden pain were there.
"Do you think she-she thinks of
he asked in low tone. lis
there some one she-cares for in that
wsyr
Daisy shrugged her shoulders.
20 dear mol Poor We've! She, and I,
loo, for that matter, are hopelessly we'd
led to our professions. Besides, We've
has to look after me. Sba says it is her
b;rthright"
A dark flush had risen slowly in the
young mans olive cheeks. he was
ycung, comparatively; mot moro than !