The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1886-05-07
SECRET OF MY FOOTSTOOL.

My brother gave his work a final
polish and then viewed the valuable
articles approvingly before placing
them in their softly-padded case.
"Think they look well, little wom-
am"
81 think they do, indeed" Ianswer-
ed, in unqualified admiration, for Ted
was a capital workman, and had
mended the pretty trinkets very skill
fully. II 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 "non-burglar- proof
safe" as, he iokingly called a small,
strong, square box which he had fitted
with lock and key, padded inside and
out, and covered with chintzt to match
our sofa. He made use OF this IS 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 beinga small person with
a high mind, for | set my foot upon
gold, and the ike nonsense. Dear old
Ted He was so clever at his trade,
and so trustworthy, that he had al
ways 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 neces-
STATED by Our humble menage; so he
and / logged along very peaceably. We
lodged in two rooms in a quiet street
on the outskirts of Bridgeport. Our
Iandlady was a kindly old body who
had known our parents long before
either Ted or | found ourselves nthis
worlds stage.
Having put away the bracelets safe
ly, 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 ] was
generally active enough, considering
my infirmity, one of my bad spells was
o on me, when, as he knew, / found
moving about a pain and a difficulty
for some days. it happened, too,
that Mrs. Brown-our landlady-nad
gone out for the day-a very rare oc-
currcnce.
"Can do anything else for you be-
fore go7" he asked.
mo. Ted, dear, thank you
Make sure; look round and see Il
everything Is put handy for yea
said my brother, placing my crutch a
little nearer.
Everything" / replied, cheerfully.
"And I've such a lot OF work TO get
through, / shall find the afternoon
short"
II don't half like your being LETT
alone SO long, for ! may not be back
before FIVE" said Ted, cycling me dubi-
ousIy. Cousin Milly would comeround
If I asked her.
Eyes, and brirg her baby, who
would hinder my work sadly. Idon't
like babies when / am busy. Go away,
Ted,youdea oldfellowl Don't bother
about mel shall be all right
"'Well, by-by, little woman, he said,
STOPPING to kiss me; 's1ll be home as
coon as i can. ssAnd, Bessie he
added, pausing in the doorway, "be
sure you don't touch the window to-
day. The sash line snapped this
morning. must send a carpenter to
see to it. You will remember?"
promised that / would, and my
brother departed I heard him &c
down stairs and shut the street door,
At first the unusual quiet ofthe house
was rather depressing; but / soon be
caaar TOO much engrossed in sewing to
pay attention to that and stitched
away busiIy st some things l was com
1F'ssins y = lady who was kind