Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1886-10-22
A YEAR Between.
By GuIsEvERE.

81 think we must give up even this
humble home" said Mrs. Bromley,
with sigh.
She stood in the center Of the little
cottage room, with her household
goods piled round, and the daylight
streaming garishly in through the un-
curtained windows.
Leaning gracefully upon the low
mantel, below which an open fireplace
yawned, black and bare, was tall,
beautiful girl, the eldest daughter,
Laura.
A boy of 10 years was stretched at
her feet, and, perched upon chest
near by, with her arm encircled knees
drawn up to her little chin, and her
brown eyes staring thoughtfully at the
ceiling, was Violet-willful, CHEEKY,
madcap Violet.
She was not beauty, but there was
something very pleasing in the pink
tinted face, with its full, red lips, re-
troussee nose, and big, dark eyes,
above which q soft fringe of reddish
brown hair fell.
"One year ago We left our city
home" said Laura, slowly. at al
most broke my heart to come out here,
but now"
From bad to WORSE" broke in
Violet, In such careless tones one
would never think her heart was al
most broken, too. although it seems
10 me you will better your condition,
Laura. Mrs. Atkins is really in love
with you, and If you play the role OF
companion with your usual grace, she
will adopt you in less than year"
"What nonsensel" said Laura; but
there was glitter in her blue eyes
almost like glitter of triumph.
i 1t was her art to please when she SC
desired, and the wealthy widow was
certainly fond of her.
"And Uncle Morris is to set mother
at the head of his house, and educat,
jed" went on Violet.
ut isn't fart l won't go withou
you," broke in Jed, rolling over to se
his pet sisters face. she hasn't an,
business to leave you out. He's al
,old-"
"Hushl' demonstrated Mrs. Brom
ley. ave must not find fault. Prov
dence has been very kind to us in on
hour of misfortune; but, Violet"
:, ooh, I'll find something to dol!
cried Violet, cheerily.
Il 'If Leslie Dare"
A sharp cry from the younger cir
cut through the blondes soft, measure,
tones, and Violet, with her eyes wild
open and her cheeks flushed, sprunj
TO her feet.
Don't speak of him, don't mention
his name," she said hastily. "You ar
0 unkind."
Jed looked up at her curiously; bu
as she met the glance of those dark
startled eyes, his own fell, and
strange, confused flush spread over hi
boyish countenance.
He plucked al the border of Laura
/. gown, and looked round nervously.
r. "I'd like to see this old place whel
the chap from Boston gets throug
with it," he said hastily, avoiding tn
previous subject. ''Irll make prim
/ hunting lodge"
, No one seemed to notice his remarks
. but as Violet went out into the mex
room, her sister followed and laid a
= arm caressingly over her shoulder.
I. Violet smiled with pleasure, for th
y beauty was not usually demonstrativ
IS II didn't mean to hurt your feeling
DEAR" said Laura, softly. 'Do yo
still care for Kim, them"
81 scarcely know answered Viole
II 81 know that he is unworthy, that i
deserted me in my need, that he prove
/, himself fair weather friend; yet
: cannot hear his name without hear
% pang. / shall get over it in time"-
with a shadow of smile. "Let l
- get ready now; the carriage will
!. here for you in half hour, and
q Oh! Laura! Laura! il we could hay
: stayed together"
Eyes, dear, l know that; but GU
is not the only broken family, and yc
! will find something to do. You wei
q always fortunate in making your wa,
And when l am Mrs. Atkins adoptt
- daughter"-in gay tones-''you sha
Z take my old place and be companic
Is to US both
That was always Laura's mode
: planning--the best for herself, ar
Il whatever remained tor Violet.
" An hour later the cottage was d
Il serted, and braye-hearted little Viol
q was on her way to the city, where 81
must hereafter fight her way alone.
The next morning bevy of worl
men came down from the city, ar
with them two members of the OF
at Rod and Gun Club.
ID Steve Carpenter made tour fro
cellar to attic, and back again to Il
square front room where the day pr
:, vious the Bromley family had So
y their farewells.
Il "Not bad investment. I'll tur
this place into regular snuggcry
he said to his friend, straight, hant
some man, with gray eyes, blat
~ lashes, and dropping mustache.
y This will be the banquet hall,
o. suppose?" said the other.
Eyes; and after days sport, VOL
we make the rafters ring! TheI
: that fireplace, just the thing with
new set of tiles-and the sLelf-kind
.: used up, isn't it?"
81 He laid his hand on the spot again
which blonde Laura Bromley h;
leaned, and gave the wide board
II shake.
10 1t slipped from its place, and a clio,
of dust rose from the crevice behind.
"Pheww said Carpenter, startiI
back. "Why, what's that--an o
will?'
y Laughingly he slipped his finge
= behind the dislodged shelf and Dire
out folded paper,
"Th4 missing will, ah! at last