Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-08-08
MRS. MOTIONS WARD.


welcome home, ROdneyIr
Thanks, dear mOtherl it seems
gerry pleasant To be under ones own
roof-tree again," replied the young
man addressed, glancing appreclatively
around the beautiful and home-like
rooms, while a look of satisfaction stole
over his bronZed face. Then he turned
TO the lady again. "Aud 1t seems TO
me you grow younger every year,
mother" he said.
"The time has slipped away very
quickly. You remember | wrote you
two years ago, shortly after your de-
parture for Europe, that my old friend,
Mrs. Fletcher. died, leaving as my
ward her daughter, then a girl of tif-
teen; she has been with me ever since"
said Mrs Morton.
you placed her at school, sup
pOsey' remarked Rodney.
"No. l engaged a governess. and
masters instruct her In music and the
languages. -
''AIy dear motherI What a world of
care you have taken upon yourselfl
Now | propose that you place the
young lady at tirst-rate boarding
school. The plan has proved deci-
ded success with Aunt Elith's daugh-
ters."
- could not send her away from
me, " returned the lady, with gentle
decision. IL love her altogether too
well. ~
My dear mothery' exclaimed the
young man again, impetuOusly- You
were always ready To sacrifice yourself,
but this Is nonsense. / insist that the
care should be removed from your
shoulders for ut least year or two.
Pray send her to a good school"
The lady smiled.
''She would die of home sickness,
Rodney"
'.She would meet with girls of her
own aye, and would enjoy their com
pauiOushIp," asserted Morton, emphat-
really. These schools bring together
= number of bright, intelligent girls.
believe sine would be very happy and
couteuted there; my cousins Were" "
"Well, we will talk of 1t again,
said the lady.
A knock was heard at the door, and
servant entered
'.The singing teacher for Miss Elsie.
maam."
VERY we'll; she is in the sitting
room, reading" replied Mrs. Morton
GOQl4 uNs ultA l4tl LlA sAAiA-
That is singular; she knows this Is
the hour for the singing lesson; l will
look for her myself,n said the lady.
starting up.
This is too muchl'' thought Rod
nev. MY mother at the beck ami call
Of "A careless school grip He frowned,
and his cheek flushed with annoy ance;
he was very proud and fond OF his
mother. II am convinced that a
strict school would do Miss Wilfulness
all the good in the world. She would
meet young ladies' there whose ac-
uualntauce II would be pleasant for her
10 retain IL she is bright and attract
i've, she will doubtless some day meet a
sensible and perhaps wealthy fellow.
and mother can congratulate herself
that she has fulfilled her trust nobly
and satisfactorily
He sauntered out Of the room, along
the hall, passing the music-room, where
an impatient Italian professor stood
nervOusly pulling his long mustache.
The reception room looked inviting.
Rodney went to the lre, and suddenly
became aware that the apartment was
not uuinhablted. The huge chair-back
had concealed Its little occupant from
view. She was sound asleep. Rodney
gaZed at the young girl in surprise.
Whom have we hereI" murmuIed
he. surveying her with look of pro-
found admiration. "a little prin-
cessIn
She was certainly worthy Of the
remark; her dress of dark velvet was
quaint in its design, setting OF per
fectly her fair, rather childish face,
with its ripping brown hair; the eye
lashes that rested against her round
cheek were dark and very long. She
had curIed herself up in the great chair
like "A tired child. Mrs. Morton en-
tered the room; Rodney turned to heI
with a new expression Of tenderness II
his lue eyes.
who IS she, mother" he said
step sottly-she is asleep"
Elsie, child, wake up. dear. You
singing master is here" said the lady
giving the girl "A gentle touch on the
arm.
Mother, IS this young lady your
wardY"
Certainly, Whom did you suppos,
she was, R0dney2''
Rodney blushed deeply; he thought
OF al he had said, and bit his lip; with
out word he turned aud made hi:
escape from the room, not, however
before he caught a glimpse of pal
OF wide brown eyes liked wonderinglI
upon him, sleepy eyes, not half awake
very charming eyes.
lie reached his own room, and sa
down 10 mediate.
hat have I been saying Il
mothergn exclaimed he. "Send tina
ehlld to bOarding-school. among 10
OF pert, saucy girlsl''
Then very troublesome idea occur
sed to him; what if his mother ha,
9een Influenced by his forcible remarks
what If she decided, after all, to con
sign the little princess to 'tTst-rat
ooardiug-schoolp'
Rodney sprang up and walked rest
iessly to the window, from whence Ia
heard the sound OF fresh young voic
practicing scales and exercises owe
Aud over again.
Poor little girl! What tediou