The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1888-04-24
BRAVE JACK.

"l'n go and try my fortune with
Uncle Robert" said Jack. sBess and
Maria failed because he could not stand
girls with such fine ideas; but I won't
trouble him that way. The old fellow
Is all right if one only stirs him up In
the right way.''
"My child,' said the gentle Mrs.
Raymond. tsI do not like to hear you
speak in that boyish, rude manner.
fear your uncle would have less patience
with you than your sisters. No he does
not intend t. forgive mo, and we will
make no furtner advances.''
sob, yes we will, dearie!'' and Jacks
curly head buried itself in the mothers
to win the obstinate old-well, there,
then-to win our honored relative to q
proper sense of his obligations toward
his only sister and her interesting
family. How will that do, ehP Now,
mother, don't shake your head so; it's
no use Why did you give me boys
name and bring me UP on tops and
marbles if you want me to be a real
girl?''
''It was your fathers wish, you
know, dear. He was so grievously dis
appointed that he had no son. But
Jackueline is not boys name," and
Mrs. Raymond shook her head smiling
ly at her wayward daughter.
"No, but Jack is; and Pm never
called anything else." that young lady
replied, triumphantly, with all obstin-
ate little shake Of the jetty curls that
gave such piquancy to her bright face.
''If father were only here he would let
me try anything that would take the
burden from off your shoulders, and,
now that he is dead, uncle must surely
forgive you for marrying against his
wishes. What right had lie to have
wishes anyhow?'
"He was my only living relative and
guardian" answered Mrs. Raymond,
who was always ready to excuse her
brothers. harsh treatment.
"Well, mother, do let mo 60 beard
the lion IN his den, the Douglas in his
hall, said Jack, gayly. "You know
we mast do something, for we can get
no work Of any kind in this place.
though we've tried so faithfully.'
''WeIl, go, my dear, and shall pray
for your success" said the gentle
mother.
MI. Robert Doran sat covering be-
side a dull, spiritless fire one bright
morning. His room was dusty and dis
ordered, though its furnishing was
good and even luxurious. He looked
moody and discontented, as if the
wealth that showed itself in the hand
some surroundings brought no pleasure
to its owner. Perhaps he was thinking
of the sister who had once made sun
shine in the now gloomy home, and
wished that his pride would let him beg
her to come back and care for him in
his drcary old age.
tan at tho 6oor oro,ood i,
"Who Is it? he demanded, in sur
prise, for his servants never came un-
summoned.
The door opened slowly and bright
facetpeepedn Jill.
It's Jack Raymond, at your service,
uncle,7' and III the venturesome girl
walked and stood before him. ~
She wore long ulster, closely but
toned to the throat, where a standing
collar and neat black tie showed
themselves, while on the short, glossy
'curls was a jaunty "Derby,'' gtiltless
ofany trimming save the simple mas
cufine band
"Why, i didn't know my sister had
a sonl'' exclaimed the old gentleman,
his wrinhled face showing something
very like satisfaction as helOOked at the
new conner.
"She HASN'T" said Jack, with dane
ing eye; "but it isn't my fault. I do
my best Pm awfully sorry Pm not
boy, uncle, if it would please you; but
let me stay awhile and you'll sec what
first class substitute am," removing
her hat and bowing with easy grace.
"'But, dear mel how dull it is herel
Your fire wants good stirring upl''
And soiZing the poker she attacked
tho GOALS In tha 1l,it1,
that seemed to, imply that she would
like to treat him in the same fashion.
A bright blaze followed her vigorous
action, dancing OH the walls and show
ing the bright hues of pictures and fur
nlture, despite the dust that covered
them, bringing a CHEEKY look, too, even
to Mr.. Doran's grim face.
"Therelo said Jack, giving last ap-
proving poke, "that's better. Now, if
1 just open this window and let in the
sunshine, so--' suiting the action to.
the word-"you'll feel as bright as a
spring morning." e
The girl was like a May-day herself
iluttering around the room as If waited
by Invisible breezes, her bright face the
embodiment of suGshine; and as the
lonely old man watched her light fingers
bringing order out of confusion that
had reigned SO long, a quizzical smile
dawned on his face.
"For a would-be lboy you seem to
know good deal about such thlngs,n
he remarked, dryly.
'That's the mother-part of NO. said
Jack, as she ''settled'' the chairs and
furniture with touch that duly a
woman has.
Then she came and sat down on