The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1886-07-07
JANET'S SACRIFICE.

JANET'S SACRIFICE.
Now, which ofus is to go?7 said Janet
juniper.
The scene Of the family council was
the room kitchen Of great, o~ld-faShion-
cd farm house. which had seeu it, best
days 50 long ago that the memory Of the
oldest inhabitant could no longer recall
them. Mr.. Juniper. a whitc-haired man,
bowed down with premature old age, sat
in mis- big chair, half asleep over a news
paper. Lois, the " hired help sat on
the corner of the table, a half-scoured tin
pan in her hands, and a plaid cotton
handkerchief twisted turban-wise around
her head. And Josephine and Janet. the
two daughters of the household, stood
confronting one another with an opeu let
Ter in their hands.
Josephine wasana uburn-tresSed blonde
with the radiant complexion that gcner-
ally acoords with hazel eye, reddish hair
and a few curious frecklesa az midsummer.
Janet was small. dark and dainty, with
perfect hands and feet. and a grace in all
her movements. And Aunt Chelford had
graciously written 10 the girls. from her
New York home, inviting one of them to
accompany her to Saratoga for the season.
But only one.
Saratoga ~ commented Lois. who
considered herself quite equal to the
presidents lady on thequestion Of break
fast cakes. Why, You'll make your for
tune there. lou'n come home engaged.
AZ sure a. fate
Would you like to 90, Josey 90 said
little dark Janet.
Would you, Jenny ," croSs-questioned
the radiant blonde.
Lets draw lots said Janet.
'Agreed," said Josephine.
80 Lois cut the lengths OF paper from
the wrappings which had come around
the last pound Of soda crackers. and Jo-
sephine drew the prize.
"oh, I'm - glad, Joey, - said Janet.
swallowing the lump in her throat. Be
you'll have such 4 good time-and
You are the prcitiest-and you'l make a
sensation at saratoga; I'm sure YOU
will"
Il won't 20, Jenny. III stay at home.
andl let You have the chance. I'm . great
coarse. red-headcd thing. and you'rc as
pretty ~ a pink"
That would be a great idea" said Ja-
net, tossing her regal head, when you've
drawn the tot, and"
Hold your tongues both of YOU"
said Lois. As if il made a utn's differ
ence either way, Why, the one that
makes her fortune has only tocome home
and let the other have 4 chance"
THAT'S true, Jennie. When | am en-
gagged to the wealthiest putt Of the sea-
son III come back and let You have your
innings"
And upon this amicable understand
ing the subject was dropped, and the sis
tiers turned their minds to the topic Of
gray silk, rose-colored ribbons, Swiss mus
lin and new slippers, an affair by no
means 50 easily settled.
You can have my new straw hat"
said the elder sister. With a little buff
ribbon ana wheat, and a jet arrow. il will
trim up quite stylishly."
But you, Jenny ~
%, pshaw! I'm not goingto saratoga"
Going or not going said Josephine,
bursting into tears that were not quite all
OF sorrow, and throwing her arms around
her sisters neck, You are the darlingcsi.
most unseiish sister in the world, And
if | were to marry forty husbands, I'm
quite sure | couldn't love EN- all put to-
gether half - well a. I do YOU"
80 Josephine accompanied Aunt Chel-
ford % Saratoga, her modest trunk packed
with the best show their modest ward
robe could make, and Janet! stayed at
home, ia the chimney-comer like Gin
dere,lA.
4 week had scarcely zone by before
the unexpected event ola visitor took
place, AMI Lois came in 10
Slnire Liddell, from the big house.
come daan II see your pa bout that cor
ner lot
"PapI Is able to see no one" Janet
mildly answered.
IT. What | told him. but he would
not take a Or an answer"
Then : IS; 90 myself" Janet said,
after a brirs e.itation and Just As she
was, in gingham dress and plain bib
apron. shc went into the best room.
squire Liddcll. a s~talwart, handsome
man of above forty, stood leaning against
the window as She entered.
Pardon me, Miss Janet-but | expect
ed 10 see your father" he said.
Papa sees no n Mr.. Liddell. /
transact all his business for him now
Quite a responsibility, | should saw
" am used to responsibilities, she an
swered, quietly.
Well, ] simply called 10 offer him
500 for that corner lot which adioins nv
pasture fields. 1t isn't worth that. but
I've a fancy 10 join il to my land, and
Mr., Liddell,' said Janet, softly. bu,
with a meaning sparkle in her dark. gilt.
tering eye, " hushi'
Are YOU crazy, Miss Janet? ~
No, hut think you must be. You
arr a rich man-my papa Is poor. The
corner lot is worth twice the sum Won of
fer For $500 will sell it-not one cent
lessrr
Miss Janet
Il have stated my terms. Accept ol