The Grenada gazette., 1888-05-26
"BERTHA'S FARM
A Daughters Investment and
What Came of It.

Bertha had been painting all the
afternoon. In one corner of the room.
by the window, stood her table laden
with oils, paints, brushes, powders,
palettes and the numerous articles used
in painting. She had laid down her
brush. and now sat staring at the card
before her. The near-sighted eyes
were just a little misty, for on this
card were based many hopes.
Several years before this time Mr..
Scarles had failed in business, and be-
ing forced to give up the little country
house in which all but the youngest of
his children had been born, they came
to the city, some forty miles from the
former home. Here they had lived
since. Business was fair now, and all
seemed happy and contcntcd. A com
Portable home, plenty to eat and to
wear, pleasing children, friends and
health. What more could family
desire?
But Bertha did choose more. While
attending school and enjoying all the
frolics and diversions of schoolgirl
life, she had been contcnted with only
an occasional longing look back to the
old home. But she had a deep, true
love of country life. and when her
school days were ended she began to
realize her loss. Busy, practical girl
that she was, she did dream of the
time when she should live in the coun-
try again, aud 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 to lie in that
direction. She was passionately fond
of the art, and spent all her leisure ir
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 tC
win one of the prizes offered.
She waited day or two for the care
to become thoroughly dry, then witt
many misgivings sent it off.
It was hard to wait for an answer
but Bertha proved herself equal to th
occasion, telling no one her secret
But how shall | tell Of the great 10,
when at last the answer came. Sh
had won the prize for one thousan'
dollars.
My dear daughter how proud
am exclaimed her father.
ut isn't bit more than you de
serve said her mother, smiling fond
" upon the girl who always had bee
good" daughter to her.
"Oh! let me see it.' cried her siste
Ella, Il knew you'd do somethin
great one of these days.
The girl stood with shining eyes an
red cheeks, receiving the conGratula
tions of her family. 1t was good t
feel that she had done something t
make them proud Of her
What WiN you do with so muc
money!" asked Ella; but her sister wa
not prepared to tell. She knew yer
well that the only plan she yet ha
formed would not be looked upon fs
yorably. She was by nature independ
ent, but it was like facing battery
90 before her family, tell her plan
and know that they thought her II
mantle or ridiculous.
well, Bertha" said her father, or
evening, laying down the paper, "haN
YOU decided how to invest your 70
tune?'
Eyes, father. bnt I'm afraid you
not approve" answered Bertha, hes
tatingly, while Mrs. Searlcs looked u
from her sewing. and Ella from HI
book.
Bertha made grand effort. Il wal
to buy our old place back" and HI
voice trembed slightly.
"Are you crazy, Bertha" exclaimt
her father, amazement in every line
his face.
What on earthH' gasped Mr.
Scarles; while Ella closed her book
rash disregard of marks on the MORO
for unprepared lessons. This was 81
premely more interesting than Latin
physics,
II want to take it up while ha'
the chance,n continued Bertha. 1t
unoccupicd row, and needs repalrlni