Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1888-06-15

She hasn't said Jack, with dane
ing eyes; but it isn't my fault. do
my best. I'm awfully sorry I'm not Il
boy, uncle, if it would please you; but
let me stay awhile and you'll see what
a first-class substitute l am remov-
ing her hat and bowling with easy
grace. But, dear me! how dull it is
here! Your fire wants good stirring
up!
And seizing the poker she attacked
the Goals in the CRATE with an energy
that seemed to imply that she would
like TO treat him in the same fashion.
A bright blaze followed her vigorous
action, dancing on the walls and show
ing the bright hues of pictures and
furniture, despite the dust that COW
cred them, bringing a CHEEKY look,
too. even TO Mr.. Doran's grim face.
There said Jack, giving last ap-
proving poke, that's better. Now, if
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"
The girl was like May-day herself
fluttering around the room as if watt
ed by invisible breezes, her bright face
the embodiment of sunshine; and as
the lonely old man watched her light
fingers bringing order out of confu-
sion that had reigned so long, a quiz
zical smile dawned on his face.
For would-be boy you seem to
know a good deal about such things -
he remarked dryly.
That the mother part of me, said
| Jack, as she settled" the chairs and
furniture with touch that only wo-
man has.
Then she came and sat down on a
| footstool beside him. and, clasping her
knee with both hands, looked up with
smiling audacity, saying: You'd BET
ter let me stay awhile, uncle; you'd be
a great deal more comfortable.
There was deep anxiety beneath the
merry exterior, for she knew well how
vital her uncles favor was. Her
mother was too delicate, her sisters
too fine ladies to work, and the child
(she was not much more, in spite Of
her seventeen years., felt as though
the burden of the family rested on her
shoulders.
Her uncle was very wealthy-if he
only could be brought TO forgive her
mother what happy days they would
seel
He had sent once for her two sisters
to spend a week at Glenside-a step
toward reconciliation, which her
mother had hailed with thankful joy.
But before the week was out he sent
them both home, saying he couldn't
stand their fine airs that since his
sister had chosen to bring up her fam
lily to such idle habits. he would have
nothing more TO do with them.
The one longing of the old mans
heart had been for son 10 bear his
name. That hope disappointed in the
early death of his son he had gradual
ly grown into the selfish, gloomy man
Jack found him this fair, spring morn
ing.
There was something in her bright,
boyish face that fascinated him; and
now. with warmth that surprised
himself, he said: Stay if you like, my
child It's dull place within doors;
but there are flowers and sunshine
1t was so much kinder than Jack
had dared hope that she could have
cried for joy.
"Oh, you dear uncle.' she said and
kissed his wrinkled old face with an
honest heartiness that he was quick
to feel
There, then" he said impatiently,
as if ashamed of the unwonted soft
ness he had shown. "Go and tell cook
you're going to stay, and that she
must give you a room and see to your
meals. Do not be afraid if she'scross, y"
he added, somewhat anxiously; she
does not like trouble or work"
Il won't said Jack. as she ran off.
Half an hour later she looked in the
door again, saying: Come to lunch,
Uncle Robert. Yes (ds he stared at
her in amazement) Il know cook al
ways brought you just what she liked
up here because she did not want you
down stairs There has been a skir-
mish, but it's all right now. Come for
my sake, please"
Mr.. Doran drew his dressing-gown
more closely around him and followed
Jack down into the small breakfast
room, which she had chosen because
it was so much pleasanter than the
great oak wainscoted dining-room.
A most tempting lunch was spread
upon the round table, and flowers
were intermingled with the dishes in
profusion. 1t was pretty TO see the
air with which she led her uncle TO his
place. then took her own opposite
him, almost forgetting-in her eager
ness to serve him-to satisfy the de-
mands of her own healthy appetite.
Did cook do all thisg'' Mr.. Doran
asked, with some curiosity.
No" replied, Jack, blushing. "She
wanted to take you up some smoky
soup, and because | said no, she
wouldn't do anything else, so / did it
myself. Don't you like it all?'' and
she looked anxiously at him.
"You are not like your sisters" he
said, not replying to her question.
"Oh, nor and Jack shook her head
somewhat dejectedly 'They are very