The Grenada gazette., 1888-05-26

1--we lubtt. VIC iVi ~ tNtl
since We came away. You, yourself,
say that am not so well since leaving
school, and it's only because Tn not
out of doors enough. Some people
don't need the country; DO"
Il think it Il very, very selfish PLAN
said Mrs. Searles, decidedly. "rhe
idea of spending all that money on an
old country house that will do you or
us no good, nor anybody, for that mat
ter.
Let us hear what you have to say
in favor of it, and Mr.. Searles leaned
back with a resigned expression.
II can't expect any of you TO agree
with me-" said Bertha, looking and
feeling hurt; but it is not my fault if
God has given me so strong love for
the country that shall never be happy
out of it. And l deny that it is selfish,
for one of my pet plans is to have a
lovely place where you and the chill
dren could come aud stay any length
of time, free of board, " and the eyes
behind the glasses could not see for
the tears standing in them.
There, never mind, dear" said her
father, soothingly; Let us hear all
the plans. 1t sounds very quiNotic and
rash, but we will judge you by the
common sense you always have
shown"
DO You expect to live there9 to
leave us?" asked Mr.. Searles.
That's what | want to do. at least
in the summer. | do think l am old
enough, and steady enough to strike
out for myself bit. II | married, you
would have to let me 90; why not do
50 now? for l can come back to you
now at any time, and may be couldn' t
if l were married, you know" and
Bertha smiled as though this argument
must convince them.
You are SO fond of painting con-
tinued her mother, "w by not take this
money and educate yourself in that
particular branch you have chosen?
You could do 50 much with all that
money.
Il thought of that the very first
thing replied Bertha. But my
health might break down meanwhile.
No, Id rather have the country and 4
few lessons. l know can do better
50, and She looked unconvinced.
But your time" continued Mrs.
Scarles. What would you do with
that?'
Paint and study, and raise chickens
and vegetables too added Bertha.
I'm afraid you are too sanguine, "
said her mother, shaking her head.
You will find it unbearably dull there
after the novelty has worn off.
"Oh! no, mother | do not expect
to jump into fortune. or into popu-
larity. You can not look at it as do,
because YOU don't care for the country.
Besides, we have friends in Kent, and
it is not out of the world. | can come
to the city for lessons. Oh! | know
| I'll not fail. am not so used to lux
urv that can not accommodate mysel,
to little poverty. and I would rather
paint and live in the country, in The
open air, with plain clothes and food
than to teach or do any thing else herr
with handsome clothes and other lux
ures. You know long ago decided
to make painting a profession, ano
with the start | have, where could
study better than where | am happy
where my health is good, and wher'
every flower and leaf, every bit Of blu'
sky, and every glorious sunset is paint
ed by Gods own finger"
This was rather thrilling, if no
strictly original, and Ella stared a
her sister in surprise. What ha'
happened to Bertha! Mrs. Searlc
looked sidewse at her daughter, Will
father applauded the eloquence Q
tongue, and cheek, and eyes.
That's brave. Well, you have bee
dutiful daughter always, and | wi
not oppose you in this. You AZ
eighteen now-old enough to kno'
what's what-so 90 ahead and come t
me if you need advice"
In accordance with her father ad
vice Bertha determined to transact fo
herself all the business connected wit
her new enterprise; so she went
: spend a few days with friend in Ken
, After many visits to the owner of tn
house, many letters to and from he
father an agreement was made b
which the place became hers. The Vi
, lagc was not growing rapidly, an
, there were no manufacturing industrit
to raise the price of land. The hous
l had been untenanted for some tim'
! and the owner was glad to be rid of
7 for the sum of eight hundred dollars.
Very proud and happy was Berth
: when she returned home, after havin
: ordered a few repairs on the house, 81
} cured man to make garden in tn
4, spring, and attended to other necessaI
things
"WeIl, how goes it with our lady
e property9'" asked her father, jokingl.
e Every thing Is Splendid replie
: Bertha. "And, father, you must hel
ne by taking eggs and fresh veget