The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-09-22
HER LITTLE SISTER.


child, but she does act to me as if she
was bewitched."
Frances Crest set down the blue
trimmed plate she was wiping with
coarse homespun towel.
"Where is she, MOTHER said she.
"Out in the woods, | suppose. It's
where she always goes"
Mother, you must remember that
Lizzie is young. Don't be hard upon
herl" pleaded Frances.
Mrs. Crest was Farmer Obed Crest's
second wife, and Frances. the tall, pale
girl with the somber brown eyes and
the oval. colorless face, was the good
woman's stepdaughter. while pretty
lS-year-old Lizzie was her own and
only child.
"But for all that" said Mrs. Crest. Il
put deal more dependence on Frances
than do on Lizzie. Frances is all the
same to me as my own child
Hard upon her." she repeated queru-
lousy. "What I'm afraid of is that I'm
too easy with her. She's always had
her own way in everything. And she
takes it dreadful hard that you should
be going to Albany and she left at home.
never knew such nonsense in my lifer
\ disturbed expression passed over
Frances face.
"It's natural she should feel so.
mother" she urged gently.
Frances Crest had diligently taught
school for three consecutive seasons to
earn the money for this coveted winter
in Albany, during which she had prom
ised herself 10 take music lessons and
add to her knowledge Of art and litera
ture.
For she was engaged to Stephen Els
worth, and she longcd with an exceed
ing great desire to make herself worthy
Of his love.
"I'm only country girl. she said 70
herself, "and he lives in the city, where
he is meeting brilliant women every
day. And it would be dreadful if, after
we were married, he should be ashamed
Of me-
Mrs. Rigney, distant cousin Of the
Crests, had offered 10 give Frances a
home for the winter for what use She
could render in household matters. and
the money she had saved was TO lie spent
in suitable dress, lessons and other eX-
penses.
And, best OF all, she would see Stephen
Ellsworth every day.
She finished her household tasks and
went quietly out 10 the nook in the woods
where she knew that she should find
Lizzie.
And here, with her head leaning list
lessly against tree trunk, sat lovely
girl Of scarcely eighteen, with deep blue
eyes, full, cherry red lips, and a com
plexion like balsam flower. One hand
was immersed in the cool, running water;
the other held crumpled pocket hand
kerchief. drenched with tears.
"1izzie!" exclaimed Frances, you
have been crying"
The blue eyes sparkled resentfully.
CRYING? OF course I've been crying.
retortcd Lizzie Crest. "Who wouldn't
cry, TO be LETT alone in this dismal hole
all winter long, while You are enjoying
yourself in the city: But / won't stay
here. III run away and 90 on the stage.
or else III drown myself in Packers
pool"
Lizzie. Lizzie think what you are
saying"
81 don't care" pouted Lizzie. "What
is life worth in a place like this:'
And she burst into fresh food Of
tears.
Frances sat down and took the golden
head tenderly into her lap.
All her life long she had been accus-
toned to subordinate her will to that of
this lovely, tempesluous spritc. What
signihed one sacrifice more or less:
Don't cry any more, Lizzie" she
whispered. I've made up my mind.
You Shall 60 to Aunt Josie instead Of
me-"
~
"And I'll wait another year" added
Frances, swallowing lump in hcr
throat. "You shall have the music les
sons and the art lectures; You shall see
what "A winter in the city Is like.
Lizzie eyes sparkled, her checks were
red. She flung her arms around Frances
neck, with a sudden cry of rapture.
"Oh, Frances, YOU don't really mean
IT."
ayes. do" bravely uttered Frances.
"But mother won't consent
81 will see TO that.
Once more Lizzie showcred soft. warm
kisses on her sisters check.
"Oh, you darlingl you sweet, guar
dian angel" she cried and l am "a
selfish little beast TO allow You t. sacri-
I fee yourself in this outrageous fashion.
But if you knew how have lonScd e.
escape from this dreadful groove Of
homework, and sewing, and butter max
ingl"
you shall escape, Lizzie, said Fran
ces.
And 40 one ever knew the bitterness
/ Of the tears she shed when Lizzie went
to Albany.
Mrs Crest demonstrated stouily, bat
/ Frances held to her own way, ard Liz
zie's enIreaties were not to be withsiood
Frances don't care" pleaded Size
Frances always was a human icicle
And I'm 50 much younger than she is,
and-and '--
And SO much prettier," quietly spoke
the elder sister. Yes, Lizzie dear.
know it.
Lizzie laughed and tossed her golden
curls.
AT all events. said she, Il think
ought to have fair chance
Lzzies letters from Albany were full
Of life and sparkle. She was like bird
let loose. Everything was couleur &c
rose TO her. The gay streets were a
dream of delight; the opera was an actual
reality. Her new dresses filed her with
delight; she was improving so fast in
music and drawing, and she could no.
imagine how she had ever lived all those
dreary, dragging years in the old farm
house al home.
And best of all. Stephen Ellsworth had