The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1888-05-17

an occasional longing look back 10 the
old home. But she had = deep. true
lore Of country life. aud when her
school days were ended she began to
realize her loss. Busy, practical girl
that she WIS. she did dream Of the
time when she should live in the coun-
try again. and every plan for the future
was made with reference TO this hope.
At school she had been bright and
studiOus. but the few lessons she had
taken in painting since leaving school
had shown her talent 10 lie in that
direction. She was passionately fond
Of the art. aud spent all her leisure in
designing and copying. Heretofore
she had used her exquisite taste and
skillful touch on souvenirs for family
and friends; but now she had answered
the call for Christmas cards. hoping To
win one Of the prizes offered.
She waited a day or two for the card
TO become thoroughly dry. then with
many misgivings sent it OF.
It was hard to wait for an answer.
but Bertha proved herself equal TO the
occasion. telling no one her secret.
But how shall ! tell Of the great joy
when at last the answer camel She
had won the prize for one Thousand
dollars.
My dear daughter. how proud
am" exclaimed her father.
1T isn't bit more than you de-
serve" said her mother. smiling fond
~ upon the girl who always had been
a good" daughter 10 her.
''Ohi let me see iii'' cried her sister
Ella. IL knew you'd do something
great one Of these days
The girl stood with shining ewes and
red cheeks. receiving the congraiula-
lions of her family. II was good to
feel that she had done something TO
make them proud Of her.
What UW you do with so much
money?' asked Ella; but her sister was
not prepared to tell. She knew very
well that the only plan she vet had
formed would not be- looked upon IA
vorably. She was by nature independ-
ent. but il was like facing a battery to
go before her family. tell her plans.
and know that they thought her rO-
mantle or ridiculous.
We'll. Bertha" said her father. one
evening. laying down the paper. "have
YOU decided how To invest your for
tume?'
Yes. father. bnt I'm afraid you'll
not approve. answered Bertha. hesi-
taiingly. while Mrs. Searles looked up
from her sewing. and Ella from her
book.
Bertha made Il grand effort Il want
to buy our old place back" and her
voice trembled slightly.
Are you crazy, Brrihar' exclaimed
her father. amazcmcnl IN every line Of
his face.
What on earihr' gasped Mrs.
Searles; while Ella closed her book in
rash disregard ofmarEs ON the morrow
for unprepared lessons This was SUI
premely more interesting than Latin or
physics.
II want to take it up while have
the chance" conti"-ad Dell Itm
unOvcupn7i now. aud needs repairing.
but no one can tell when land may be-
gin to 'bcom' there. aud it may go of
out of my reach"
"Bui. Bertha, what do you want Of
f.? To what Use can you possibly put
it?'
olive there. I've longed for il ever
since we came away. You, yourself
say that am not so well since leaving
school. and it's only because I'm not
cut Of doors enough. Some people
don't need the country; do
II think it very. very selfish plan"
said Mrs. Searles. decidedly. 1.-The
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 70 say
in favor Of it, and Mr.. Searles leaned
back with a resigned expression.
81 can't expect any of you to agree
with me-" said Bertha. looking and
feeling hurt; "but il is not nv fsult IL
God has given me 50 strong love for
the country that shall never he happy
out of it. And I deny that il is selfish.
for one Of my pet plans is TO have =
lovely place where you and the chill
dren could come and STAY any length
Of time. free Of board" and the ewes
behind the glasses could not see for
the tears standing in them.
There, never mind. dear" said her
father. sOOthingly; LET ms hear all
the plans. Il sounds very quixotic and
rash. but we will judge you by the
common sense you always have
shown"
"Do you expect to live there? to
leave us?" asked Mr.. Searles.
That's what l want o. do. at least
in the summer. do think l am old
enough. and steady enough 90 strike
out for myself bit I'll married. you
would have to let me go; why not do
so now? for / can come back 10 you
now at any time. and may be couldn't
II were married. you know" and
Bertha smiled as though this argument
must convince them
"You are 50 fond Of painting" con-
tinued her mother, ''why not take this
money and educate yourself in that
particular branch you have chDsen'
You could do so much with all that
money"
II thought Of that the very first
thing" replied Bertha. But my
health might break down meanwhile.
No, I'd rather have the country and
few lessons know can do better
So" and she looked uncOnvinced.
But your time" continued MrS
Searles. what would you do with
that2'
Paint and study. and raise chickens
and vegetables too" added Bertha
"Tm afraid you are too sanguine,"
said her mother. shaking her head.
You will find il unbearably dull there
after the novelty hiss worn of"
OH no. mother. / do not expect
20 jump into n 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
IL is not ont Of the world. I can come
to the city for lessons Obi l know
I'll not fail am not 20 used 20 lux
ury that ] can not accommodate myself
70 q little poverty. and would rather
paint and live in the country. in the
open sir, with plain clothes aud food.