Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-26

with the girls. You are not like yourself
lately and it will do you good"
AZ mean spare me Tor good"
"Whatr' she exclaimed. Cousin John
looked up in establishment.
"Iwould like to go to the city. l think
Uncle James would help me to get posi-
ton in some store. should get along nice
ly"
"Never," said aunt.
els it too dull for you herep Cousin Jack
asked, slowly
"Y-yes,"I answered, not knowing what
else to say.
"Don't go away, child. I'll get a woman
in the house if you don't like the work, !"
said aunt, in distress.
"Oh, aunt-aunt, it isn't that, believe
me love the housekeeping. Don't think
me so ungrateful."
"What shall we do for some one to keep
US in order, If you got" asked Cousin John,
in dismay.
~ suppose you would miss me a little,
but after awhile you''-
"Don'ttalk any more about it." said aunt
The subject was renewed, however, and
as a result was dressed ready for depart
ure, and my trunks were in the hall await
ing the carrier.
Aunt was almost angry at me for persist
ing in "such foolishness." Cousin John
said:
''Ifsh finds it too dull here, perhaps it is
4 best for her to 60"
I couldn't help crying little in my room.
Twas thus dolefully occupied when Linda
appeared, saying that Cousin John wanted
me In the parlor. After trying to wash
away the traces Of tears, went down. He
looked very grave and didn't smile when
entered the room, as he generally did at the
sight of friend.
Carrie" he said, taking my hand, 81
want you to promise me that If you do not
succeed as well as you expect, or do not
like your new life, you will come back
here. I'm sorry you are determined to go.
1t will make a great difference in my
home"
He dropped my hand and turned to the
window.
Just then Linda came in with card in
her hand. Mr.. John, you dropped this in
the garden
His brows contracted little at her quiz
zical look As she passed me she whispered:
THAT'S the one he kissed"
Good manners to the contrary, I looked
at the card in his hand-and saw my own
likeness.
/" 1t is yours" he said, quietly, putting it
in his pocket. How hard / did try to CON-
pose myself, but felt my face reddening.
1" l didn't know you had one of me-" I
said, as cooly as l could.
{" 1t Is the one mother had," going TO the
window again.
How fast my heart beat and how loudly
the clock licked in the Stiffness.
You must be off, child" said aunt,
DOR you will miss the train; and since you
mast go you might as well be in time for one
asanother."
"Im not going aunt" said, taking off
my hat and jacket.
She stared, and Cousin John turned
around with such look of glad astonish-
ment in his gray eyes that nearly cried
again
"Tll tell old William to leave the trunks
then" said aunt 81 hear him in the hall
now"
: "Do you want me, joint"
He had puzzled look on his face, but he
gradually seemed to understand. The as
constituent faded and only the gladness was
left in his eyes.
"More than the whole world" he said,
holding out his arms. What followed you
can guess. When aunt came back she
stopped at the door, but John said:
Come here, mother, and welcome your
daughter"
When Linda came in, after my explana-
ton of my wish to go away, aunt said:
"Lindy, you should have all the red rib
bon you wished now, if they looked twice
as hldeous as they do'
And surprised the child out of her wits
by taking her in my arms and kissing her.
Aren't you glad it is leap yeara" asked
John, when we were costly settled for the
evening in our several places. But aunt
took my part.
"Don't tease the child; she did what
you should have been brave enough to do
long ago" -Peck'S Sun