Wichita eagle., 1888-12-26

girls to have good, strong education-ne
gimcracks, no turin language to jabber in.
She was willin to pay good wages-would
give her governess twenty pound year and
her board; but she mustn't expect much
waiting on. They didn't keep any servants
didn't need any; pity twould be if two
hearty girls like hers couldn't do their own
work
Poor Martie! She would not say no at
once; because this was, thus far, her only
chance, SO she promised to give an answer
soon, and went back to ner room, praying
heaven to send her something better.
She thought her prayer was answered
when gentleman called that evening, talked
with her about his three little girls and
seemed well satisfied with the modest ac-
count she gave of herself. He was very par
! tlcular about music, however, and would be
glad to hear Miss W Woodbridge play. Their
interview had taken place IN tine kindly shell
ter OF the quiet little reception room; but the
piano was IN the big parlor, and III there the
| professor and the Rev. Paul Appolos we're
discussing earth and heaven The colonel
was stalking about, showing off his martial
figure, and the young bride, by the side OF
her new lord, was holding court in the midst
of a lively circle of callers
Shy, bashful Martie! how could she play
/ before all those peoplel Poor, timid little
wren, that had just crept from under the
mothers wing and flown out Of her nest!
! Could she show what sweet music she knew
I how to make with a crowd of hstenersa
/ There was none Of the airs and graces Of
The music pounding young woman about
Martie as she dropped down upon the piano
stool and took a moments grace before en-
ierlng upon the dreadful ordeal Twas no
use waiting, but oh, if the gentleman would
only sit down! Why will he stand before
her and watch her poor, frightened fingers
as they trip and stumble, give wild jump
for distant note and miss it, make dive
for one octave and light on another, and at
last lose their way altogether and go on
chasing each other up and down the kew
board. Martie knows the piece she Is trying
to play as well as she knows her own name,
but 1t all flies out of her head and slips away
from her fingers, and she ends at last with
hnale OF her own inprovising, feeling her
hair stand strai ,sht on head as she does it.
The gentleman was much obliged" left
almost immediately, and Martie, in state
of grief and modification, was rushing
through the hall, eXcisiming, with a sob, as
she covered her face with her hands: "What
Shall doT' when she was suddenly stopped
at the foot of the stairs by Mr. Raymond.
MY dear child,n said he don't take it so
to heart I've heard you play that piece be-
fore, and thought how well you did it; but,
of course, you couldn't play with all those
people staring and listening. The man was a
brute to ask you to do it,"
80 no, it is who am such a simpleton,n
said Martie, "but you are very good to me;o
and she hurried On up stairs, longing to get
where nobody could see her, but feeling
colnforted little even then by the tender
sympathy which had done its best to console
her.
Once in her own room, the food gates were
opened, and Martie cried over what she
called her disgraceful failure, until she had
succeeded in getting up raging headache
Thel she went to bed with the determination
of writing in the morning to Mrs Myrick,
informing that lady that she was ready to
accept her offer and enter upon the ''educa-
tom of her children. But before she had
time to carry her resolution into effect Mrs.
Myrick herself appeared, having made up her
mind that Martie would not do for them.
She hadn't been brought up in their ways,
and was likely to be too particular.
Thus vanished all hopes of success from ad-
vertising Mrs. Allen next advised that
Martie should try one of the educational
agencies in the city, and an application was
accordingly made. Then followed more DAYS
of anxious waiting and of hope deferred. re-
sulting at last III a visit and generous offer
from a lady who won Martie's heart at the
outset with her pleasant face and winning
ways, and her gentle, motherly talk about
the little boy and two little girls at home
for whom she wanted teacher and compan-
ion. But, alas, that home lay hundreds of
miles away.
1t seemed to Martie like going to the ends of
the earth. She had twenty-four hours in
which to decide; spent half the time in wan
dering between yes and no-between the
courage to go and the homesickneSs that
crept over her at the very thought of it.
Then, scolding herself for a genuine coward,
she made up her mind that go she must and
go she would.
'Whatw exclaimed Mr.. Raymond, in
tone of surprise, have you really made up
your mind to go SO far from home and all
your friends"
Eyes, must CO." said Martie, with little
culver in her voice. Please don't say any
thing to discourage me-"
Il wouldn't for the world" returned Mr..
"only that know of a situation
nearer home which you can have if you will (
accept it. Come into the reception room, and
will tell you about it."
Martie was all eagerness now. How de- !
lightful if, after all, she should not be
obliged to make an exile OF herself
1T is companion, not a teacher, that is
wanted" Mr. Raymond continued. Would !
you be willing to take situation as COM
panionr
Martie's face fell a little, but she answered: |
81 should be very glad TO take such stu
alton, if ! could fill it. Do you think l |
couldg'
Pm sure you could"
''Do you know the person who wants COM
panionf"
YES.
"Who is itg'
Myself
YOURSELF How WHAT The exact
question which Martie intended to ask just
here must be left to the Imagination, since
she did not seem TO be quite clear about it
herself
Mr.. Raymond continued: YES, it is /,
Martia | want you for my companion, my
wife" The gray eyes twinhled as he asked,
Nv Ill you take the situationP
An hour later Mrs. Allen entered the room,
exclaiming, Bless my soul!n as she stumbled
upon an unmistakable pair OF lovers
''Ny Dear Mrs Allen said Mr.. Raymond,
taking ais blushing companion" by the hand
and leading her to the asuonished old lady, Il
know that you will be glad TO hear that Mar
he Will not be able to make an engagement
with that lady: she has already made one
with me- Boston True Flag.
Boys and Girls in Holland.
s letfar fran q Indy trareIir,r n Hnlinri /