Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1886-06-24

to be useful this time. I've found .
music teacher for Annie"
''Nhat do you propose doing with
MIR. Delorme" asked my mother.
''But he hasn't suited you. l said.
"You complain every time he gives
Annie her lesson. This girl whom l
have seen is coming here tomorrow.
when, If you like her, you can engage
her directly; and, if you please, mother,
1 wish her 10 live here in the house
like lady. too, for she is one" l con-
cluded, emphatlcally.
"Who is she? What is her names
She has recommendations, suppOse?"
| II don't know who she is; and you
will not be particular about references. y"
Lob, shall mott" cried my mother.
a little scornfully. Il must then solicit
this unknown to become an inmate OF
our house. and be very grateful if she
consents"
"Oh, no." I exclaimed; cit is she
who will be grateful. Be your own
kind self, mother, and give this girl a
trial. 1t can do us no harm, and can
not fail of doing her good"
but. how am l to know what infiu-
ence she may have upon Annie? She
may be one of those excessively low
people," responded my mother in a
half yielding tone.
mo, indeed-for. as the story books
say. she has seen better days.
'.Ah! in that case will see her. Had
you not better 90 to church with me
this afternoon, and wear tina: exquisite
new bonnet? Varens will be there,
and so much depends on a first impress
sion"
l went to service with my mother.
but. unfortunately, Varens was not
present, and consequently the execu-
ton my new bonnet would have effect
ed was reserved for future time, or
forever.
In my hurry had forgotten to APP
point an hour for the stranger to call,
and as was obliged to go out, l was
in continual fear lest she should come
while l was away. l hurried my
mother through her shopping, at the
risk of making her out of humor at her
interview with the expected music
teacher. Fortunately, however. my
mother had been to lunch, and was in
her boudoir indolently discussing our
purchases when the bell rang, and a
servant came up to say that there was
a lady below who wished to see Miss
Romaine.
Ibid she say what her business wasp"
inquired my mother, as l rose to de-
scend to the drawing-room.
Something about giving music les
sons, ma am, was the answer.
ut is she. thenr' l exclaimed. NOV
ing toward the door, but was arrested
by my mothers saying:
''Show her up here"
l stood waiting to receive her, feel
ing almost as anxious, thought, as the
stranger herself The girl paused at
the door, her face tightening up as she
saw me into brilliance which was the
most exquisite compliment that could
have been offered.
''This is the lady of whom told you.
mother" l said.
knew that my mother would notice
the quiet, perfect good breeding with
which the girl responded to her greet
ing.
.'Please be seated, Mis- said
my mother, with as much suavity as
though she were addressing one of her
own circle. However vain and friv-
olous my mother was, she was always
polite, with that genuine kindness of
heart which is the soul of pOliteness.
MY name is Kent" she said. Your
daughter has probably told you that l
am in search of situation as music
teacher"
The light of her face had died away;
she was mechanically repeating the old
story.
Yes; wish to engage teacher for
my little girl. You could teach on the
organ and piano, presumed"
Eyes; and harp and guitar. Also"
''And vocal mnsic?"
Eyes, madam"
"Would you mind playing little to
us on the piano there?"
Miss Kent rose and went to the
piano. She glanced ut the music lying
there, then sat down and played. Her
playing was perfection. it seemed tC
me, but knew instantly that she was
! uOC III TIC iuOOus tudt W pay IuuS vi
trial did not summon the soul to her
music. Her knowledge. her touch,
were Incompatible. and l hoped some
day 70 feel the thrill of enthusiasm in
that touch.
''Delorme can not play like that, can
he. Mabel?' asked my mother, turning
with pleased face to me.
AT that moment servant entered
with some cards. My mother looked
at them, and exclaimed:
1.-The Chapmans and Mr.. Varens! Come
down, Mabel, as quickly as possible.
Engage Miss Kent, and ask her to
make her home here, as You wished.
] would like to have you come to-mor-
row, Miss Kent. For the present,
good-bye;" and she hurried from the
room.
1 did as my mother requested. 1
had only to look in Miss Kent's face to
be assured of her gratitude. l knew
the obstacle her pride would be to our
attempts to make her entirely our
equal, one of our family! My mother
liked her; my little sister Annie was as
enthusiastic in her affection as possible.
Insensibly Miss Kent grew less re-