Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-16
THE FOREWOMAN's DAUGH-
TER.

importers OF china and elegant porce
lains in Europe. had been fayorably
honorably known to tho trade for up
wards of three-quarters of century.
The elder BeIlingham was in his grave
the younger was in bis office, awaiting
the appearance of his forewoman, Mrs.
Graham.
1t is one OF the intirmities of our Ian.
guage that we are frequently unable tc
express comparison without attaching
some misapprehension thereto, as in the
present instance. Augustus Belling.
ham was not young. He had existed
during two score years. and it must be
admitted that he showed his age.
Still, he was remarkably handsome
man, well proportioned. and in the true
sense of the word gentleman. He had
seen nothing of the seamy side of life
he had been finely educated. and had
glided without friction into the seat oil
u prosperous business made vacant By
the demise of his respected father.
Upon this particular morning he had
summoned Mrs. Graham upon matter
which had forced itself upon his notice
in her department. and which, though
he could not escape, he heartily dread
ed to breach.
Therefore, the appearance of sien-
der sickly woman, neatly attired In
black, was the signal for him to rise
from his luxurious chair in some per.
turbation.
"Will you be seated, Mrs. Grahamp''
were his first words, as he pointed to a
chair.
If Mr.. Bellingham was perturbed,
poor Mrs. Graham was still more so.
Such courtesy from her august employer
terrified her, and in speeches. amaze
ment she sank upon the edge of the seat
indicated.
MIR. Bellingham posed gracefully up.
on the edge Of his desk.
Mrs. Graham" he began again,
''you look unwell."
.'Oh, sir-do you think SO, sirP''
Yes; and you are unwell. are you
notp"
II have not been quite strong for
some time past"
''As | thought. You-er-you have
missed several days during the past
month";"
The pallid face flushed consciously.
"Yes, sir, have" she faltered, clasp
ing her thin hands; "but l have spoken
to the bookkeeper about it, and asked
him to deduct tho time from my wages. y
1t was now Mr.. Bellingham's turn to
flush.
ut is not question of money, Mrs.
Graham" he said with some constraint,
you have served so long and faithfully;
that we should not begrudge you time
lost through illness, but we must posi-
lively have someone in your place every
day.
'.Oh, shall be there every day in
future, sir," cried Mrs. Graham, the
ready tears starting TO her eyes.
But you look as though you needed
rest and care"
al think notn
Pardon me if differ with you; l
think you do. You are far from well,
Mrs. Graham. and | see it. -
Placing one hand upon the arm OF
the chair, she rose with some difficulty
and faood hor employer, a look of pit.
eous appeal in her deep grey eyes.
'.Am / to understand that you wish to
dismiss me from your employ, sirP"
.'For your own sake think 1t would
be better were to employ a stronger
person to replace you"
The words struck home to the anxious
heart like shaft She staggered for
an instant blindly, but recovered her
self as quickly,
very we'll, Mr.. Bellingham," she re-
Joined family; ''if such is your will |
have nothing to say, but God help mer'
She turned towards the door to retire,
when Augustus Bellingham took for
ward step.
Mrs. Graham!''
'Sirpn
'.Do not misunderstood me. Remain
for the rest of this month; if at its ex-
piration you find yourself well enough
to continue at your post, well and good.
Otherwise, pray believe that l shall see
to it that you are comfortable for the
remainder of your life"
He meant well; uuhappily, however,
he expressed himself clumsily, and his
generosity wounded where It had been
intended to heal.
Mrs. Graham raised her bowed hea d
and dealt him look instinct with dig
nifty.
Il thank you, Mr.. Bellnqham, y she
said 81 am glad of the pay that |
work for, but do not think that my
services to you and your father would
warrant my accepting your charity. l
shall remain during the month, and
shall hope to prose to you that / am not
as i'll as you are kind enough to think y
Dash mo! but that woman comes of
good stock" thought Mr.. Bellingham,
as he took his hat and cane and went
out to his coupe.
10 the school of art, Parsons, as
quickly as possible" he said to the
coachman, and, springing into the car
riage, he soon lost sight of poor Mrs.
Graham and her infirmities in the de-
lightful antlcipations of the rendezvous
that awaited him.
Augustus was bachelor, and it was
only within six months that his mature
heart had been touched by any sensa-
ton akin to genuine love. He had al
ways been susceptible, but not until he
met Miss Gladys Thorne at the art
rooms one gloomy autumn afternoon
had he ever dreamed of exchanging his
luxurious celibacy for the married state.
The fact was that he had found pref
ty Gladys taking lessons of one Of the
ladies whom he regularly employed to
decorate china to order. An introduce
ton bad followed and almost daily
meetings.
Finally it became the understood
thing that Mr.. Bellingham should call
at the art-rooms every afternoon and
drive Miss Thorne to town to take her
train for her suburban home.
The interview with Mrs. Graham had
delayed the lover upon that particular
day, and as a consequence, as he near
ed the goal of his hearts desire, he des-
cried the dainty figure upon the curb,
looking anxiously up and down the
street, ostensibiy for a car.
'Oh, Mr.. Dillingham; in sweet sur
prise.
.'Oh, Miss Thorne- Gladys! VIII you
can you forgive me for being SO late?n
You are late, aren't youP'' with a
coy smile as she nestled into. the corner
beside him, and the astute Parsons
whipped off in the direction of the rail
way-station.
3 Yes. ! am dreadfuily late, but / was
detained
"Well. I'll forgive you this time if
you'll honestly critioise what / have
here wrapped up in my veil
Thereupon the silky blue net was un-
furled, disclosing vase, fresh from the
firing, and decorated with mastery
finish.
'.Exquisitc!n cried MIR. Bellingham
with genuine enthusiasm. You don't