Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-06-12

E < - ezlcngA to sdn my ptctases. Pfsy ten m trnly. 0f cou1se ycu hneW from Tom thaG my father. though known ss clever author, Is not rioh, and has four boys to start in tho world now Tom is oil his hands. should be very thankful, If I could help him . nttle.'
 "Of your talent there can be no doubt, was the decided reply, "but you certainly ought to put yourself under good master. z"
 I am afraid that is impossible" she said. T must wait q little longer, and then may be Tom will be able to help mo.
 Have you seen him lately?p she went on her voice breathing of sisterly pride. "Are you aware that tho dear old fellow has had great success at last7 Yes, his designs for . new mansion for Sir Frederick Lorimer were selected by the Baronet himself, from twenty others, some of which had been sent in by men of high standing. It is Toms first step to fortune. Already it has brought him the promise of other work, and made all of us 50 happy and thankful.
 'Even our whimsical aunt" and Madge lnughed little ''has condescended to be pleased; and when she heard was coming hero she gave me the five pound note am spending on creature comforts for him."
 Your brother deserves to succeed said Toms friend warmly. ''One docs not often uAAosoo and painstaking as he is clever"
 Madge positively beamed on the speaker.
 "Oh, thank you thank youl It it so nico to hear you say thisi Do you know, we had been feeling very uneasy about Tom; he was striving so hard to make start, and sus- tained so many disappointments, that he wrote in quite depressed tone. am ashamed to say cried over his letters, poor boy; and shall love Sir Frederick Lorimer all f~ 1SN- cern his abilities
 "You do Sir Frederick great honor," said Madge's assistant, as he descended from his perch, and drew back to see whether the pie ture hung straight. More, I fear, than he deserves"
 "It was q foolish speech to make," she an- swered, contritey "but mean it too. If he continues to be satisfied with Tom, and re- commcnds him--' "As I have no hesitation in saying he will do,' interposed Toms friend.
 ''Then he is q dear old gentleman, 6nd shall have place in my heart alwaysp'
 Bluslling for her own enthusiasm, Madge ran away to shake and put into place the cushions of crazy patchwork that she had made during tho winter evenings for Toms armchair.
 "It looks quite cosy, doesn't it?" she asked, surveying her work complaccntly. "When I got hero, the dirty windows, the faded cur-- tains, and the general air of discomfort made me wish had persuaded father to let me come sooner. How miserable Tom must have been P
 "Not so much so as other bachelors could mention" was tho earnest and somewhat sor rowful reply. Your brother may have spent very lonely hours here but he knew that with in reach he had parents who loved and prayed for him, and a dear little sister full of sympa- thy with him in all his tolls and troubles.'
 'You speak, Said Madge, softly, "as if you"
 Am not equally favored? Neither am I. For some years past have been a far moro lonely man than Thomas Hhrland." Madge longed to say something consoling, but she could only look her compassion, and this she did so eloquently that Toms friend put out his hand to clasp hers.
 However he drew it back again, and in sprightDer tones, fourishing the hammer, de- l manded what he should do next. stI don't think need trouble you any fur | ther," and Madge glanced once moro at the clock. "Tom will be here very soon. The curtains must be left till tomorrow, for promised him high tea, and there isn't n minute to spare. If you will kindly amuse | yourself with this newspaper-I am afraid it | is three days old, but you'll not mind, will 1 you?p
 If Toms friend laughed 1t was behind the paper, and he held it so that Madge did not see how amusedly he watched her as she fitted about, too busy totcast thought or a look in his direction.
 First there was the fire to be lighted, for even in May London rooms are dull and dark in the early twilight; an when, by little delft management, it burst into ruddy glow she drew 8 round table near the hearth and began her preparation for the evening meal. | With the aid of a marvellous little spirit. stove that stood on the fender, dish of cut lets were cooked, and an emelet and coffee run up to the attic rented for her use. there to brush her curly hair, change her dress, and remove from her hands and face all traces o 1 the days labors.
 l Another trip upstairs to comfort the fret ting children of the sick lodger on the third l floor with slices of tho country cake that ha6 formed part of the contents of hamper Madge brought with her, and pause to sa, a few inspiriting words to the ailing mother and then she ran down once more, singing a. she went.
 Tom had arrived during her absence, ant over roll of sections and elevations he an< his friend were discoursing; but Madge dar ingly interposed:
 "Cnnnot this be deferred till after tea2 I
 will be cruel to spoil my cookery, and let m.
 coffee grow cold. You will stay Mir. Benson2
 'My dear Madge! :" her brother exclaimed
 but whether it was in depreciation of he
 interference or not she could not tell, for hi
 friend replied promptly:
 "I shall be very pleased to stay, Miss liar
 land, if you are certah shall not be an ip
 truder."
 He was soon reassured on this point, an, | Mo1r H fho <,f fhGa r1{f1 vxyis~
 some graco, and such bright looks and livel,
 speeches, that oven Tom, who had been un
 usually graye, regained his spirits, and tn
 guest proved himself quite an acquisition.
 There were few subjects broachod on whic
 he could not converse well; and if Madge ha , q little fun at his expense when he oonfesse
 his ignorance of everything pertaining t
 housekeeping, he turned the tables on he
 when she had to acknowledge that this wa L .,f~lk rI.~