The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-06-18

''Oh, no. have thought sometimes
Of
Husband and wife waited in vain for
their guest TO continue. Her head
dropped thOughtfully-sh did not utter
another word through the meal.
L wonder if she can be thinking OF
Gertrude" Mrs. Beaman said to her
self. IF she regrets her haTShness in
driving her awav?"
She was resolved to find out. and the
| opportunity soon presented itself. 1t
happened that she had IN her possession
a portrait OF Gertrude Eaue, painted
on ivOry-one that had been given TO
her twenty years before She now
brought 1t down from the old trunk in
the attic, where it had lain so long
| neglected, and placed it on the table
near which Mrs. Waugh preferred TO
| sit.
The result was all that could be de-
sired. The restless old fingers soon got
hold Of the picture-she held it up, star
ing at it moment, a strange blending
of sorrow, anger, and regret IN her
wrinkled face. Suddenly she started
How dared you put that picture in
my way, Esther Beaman2n she cried,
stamping her foot. How dared your"
Forgive me-" came the half-fright-
ened response. ''I-I-did not know it
was there
Don't tell me that. know better"
Mrs. Waugh moved slowly toward the
door. There was blur before her
eyeS-tWO large tears fell down her
yellow face With her hand on the
knob, she looked back, and made an
effort to speak.
II did a cruel thing in-in-sending
Gertrude away. The tidings came sew
eral years ago that she was dead, and
had left an only child. l was too proud
de1frr 70
matter at the time. Do you know II
the story was tTue?"
No" Mrs. Beaman answered, glibly.
But l feel inclined to doubt 1t. 1t
seems to me / should have known II It
were So"
Poor GertrudeI She is the only per
son who ever loved me. And now she
is gone"
Mrs. Beaman could scarcely control
herself until the door closed between
them.
The old fooll' she cried, biting her
lip. "Who would ever imagine her as
giving way to such nonsense? All IS
lost should that girl ever appear
Half an hour later, while Mrs. Bea-
man still sat rumiuating, the dOOr-beu
rang. Presently a servant looked in.
The new gOVeTnCSS, madam he
said, in a respectful tone. win you
see herr
tS. 1IOIildS. SHOW Iltt III IleIt.
You are Miss Grew she said. in
sharp tone Of voice. The young per-
son Madam Pmkney was SO kind as 10
recOmmend}n
"Yes, madam"
you look very youthful for such a
position. Can you teach French and
music, as well as the more common
branches?"
Yes, madam"
VERY well. You may consider your
self engaged. The amount of the sal
ary has already been stipulated in my
correspondence with Madam PIukney
we need not refer to il again. You
VIII be expected to take the entire
charge of the younger children, and as
sist Marcia in her French lessons
Il shall try to please you. madam"
"IIumphi I hope so. Now ring that
bell on the table. One of the servants
VIII show you TO the room you are to
occupy
The girl turned to obey; but Just as
she reached the table her glance hap
peued to fall upon the portrait Of Ger
trude Naue. which Mrs. Waugh had
left lying there, the face uptuued.
\ startled cry broke from her lips.
Hearing it, Mrs. Beaman looked round
sharply. She was astOI-shed to see the
girl kissing the portrait with a wild sort
of vehemence.
What are you doingY" she angrily
demanded.
The girls pretty face grew pink with
bushes.
Forgive me. madam. I could not
help it. The picture is that Of my dead
mother. 0, how strange 1t seems to
find il here
y our mOther?''
Every drop Of blood in Mrs. BeaInan's
veins seemed turning to ice. She start
ed UP. her ewes dilated, her heart beat
p Is 10 I
married a Grey. Why did she not think
of ii befOre2
Are you Gertrude Vane's daughter?'
she almost hissed.
Yes; that was mammals maiden.
name. Did YOU know her. madam"
i? Certainly not" Mrs. Beaman
broke into a hOarse laugh. Her wits
were slowly coming back. She realized
the urgent necessity for getting the girl
out of the hOuSe-at once and forever
before she and Mrs. Waugh came in
contact with each other.
4 did not know your mother new
er make friendships with that class of
persons" she repeated, scornfully.-
But I've heard Of her; and no good,
for that matter. Please consider our
agreement cancelled. No earthly con-
sideratiOn would induce me to receive
Gertrude Nane's daughter into my
house"
What had poor mamma done that
you should turn against me2'
y decline to enter into explanations.
Go"
'But I have no money! am penni-
less" sObbed the girl. Il spent my
last dollar in getting here. What am
to dO?'
THAT is your concern, . Mrs. Beaman
haughtily replied. 4 do not feel called
upon to provide for you. You cannot
rood aT1nvlggh 20 20 a
once"
The poor soul ceased to plead, but
her step was heavy and detected aS she
turned away. Mrs. Beaman fell back
in her chair, quite faint with appTehen-
sion and excitement.
What a narrow eScapel' she mutter-
ed. wiping her hot forehead.
Miss Grey was cropping her way
through binding tears to the house
door, when a yellow, jeWeiled hand fell
lightly upon her arm. Mrs. Waugh had
descended from her chamber just in
time to encounter her on the way out.
YOu are crying she said, kindly
"What is the matter?o
The girls tears flowed faster than
ever at hearing the voice of sympathy.
In haf-a-dOzen sentences she told her
simple story.
Il felt so sure Of the situation." she
said in conclusion. MADAM Pukney
told me the matter was settled. Ana
now l have no money to take me away
no friends TO whom / can go.
Take courage, my dear" she said.
"YO on shall be provided for
Before the other realized her lnten-
tion, she had drawn her forcibly back
to the drawing-TOOm door. and the
next instant the two stood before the
dismayed mistress of the house.
This child tells me you have de-
oil L7frHf
/ old lady. 'Pray reconsider the de
! cisinn and clNa Lnr q triaI shaIl 70