Wichita eagle., 1889-09-18
The invalid drew a LONG breath


''We mustn't think Of that" said Elfrida
resolutely. You're going to get well, and
| then we shall both do splendidly. Kiss me
dear. I've got to pack my little bag for the
the carriage is waiting at the 'Headquar-
| ters'n
1.-The carriagel They must be very grand
people," said the elder sister, "But you
haven't told me the address. Frida-"
EIfrida stopped packing and regarded her
sister with eyes of puzzled amusement
Il forgot TO ask it, said she, "but I'll send
| it by mail 1t will all be right, dear. Now
one more kiss. Good-by!"
And Elfrida ran away, blinded by the
tears she was too brave to shed in her sister:
| presence.
''Is it very wicked, 1 wonder" she asked
herself, ''to let her think I'm going to be
companion TO sick ladyF But something
had to be done, or we both should have
starved
1t was twilight when Zenas Galway as
sisted his companion to alight at the door OF
the farmhouse under the following maple
boughs.
My mother is sitting there by the win
dow said be. $50 and speak to her; she
can't come to you. She has no use Of her
limbs"
Elfrida Hewitt advanced boldly to the
kind faced little old woman in the cushioned
arm chair.
Mrs Galway held out her hand with a
smile.
who are you9" said she, pleasantly.
81 am the new girl"
''I'm glad to see you, my dear. What is
your namel'
"Elfrida Hewitt"
"What can You dog'
Elfrida colored TO the roots of her glossy,
chestnut brown hair
Il can sing" said she, sand paint little
in water colors and play the piano; l can
read aloud and embroider"-
Land alive, childw cried out Mrs. Gal
way, what on earth do you suppose is the
use of all thati Can you churnl Do you
know how to cook, and wash, and make soft
soap, and"-
No" said Elfrida, her fringei lashes
dropping and her lip quivering. But can
learn-lm sure | can learn, If only you'll
show ne how. Please-please do try me!'
And Mrs. Galway found herself crying for
sympathy before she got through.
DO you think I've done right, Zenas?''
absolutely nothing about homework, but
she's strong and willing. She's broken two
of the blue willow pattern cups already, and
she let the clam soup burn this morning while
she stopped to play with the kitten. But
she's such a sunshiny bit Of thing, and she
really does want to learn
Right OF course you're right said
CHEEKY Zenas "Never mind the clam soup
I H. I'M
rate when she's learned the a of the
thing"
And Zenasn-
"Yes, mothers"
"She told me so much about that invalid
sister Of hers in the tenement house in Prince
street down in the city-the one that's had
typhoid fever, you know-that I've most a
mind to send you TO bring her here. Shed
get well deal faster on new milk and coun-
try breezes and think of the company she'd
be 10 Eifridal"
ITS capital idea, mother said Zenas.
"Tll gor'
Because, you know said Mrs Galway.
laying her hand on her sons arm, "it's some
how borne in on me that I've been sort O.
hard and selfish all my life, and haven't
thought of other folks as much as I ought
And mebbe this Affections been laid on me
on that account"
Nonsense, motbey!"
"Its true, Zenas I've been too set In my
way. Things might have been very different
if / hadn't stood up so obstinate against your
bein engaged to Fanny Walters two years
ago. If l could only undo that mischief
now!"
Her lips quivered; she looked up to his face
through a mist of tears
That's all past and gone mother" said
Zenas. I'VE won't fret about it now. Tell
Elfrida 10 write to her sister that I'll drive
into town for her next Tuesday with the
easy carryall, and she must be ready to como
back with me-"
When Zenss took the letter to carry it to
the poStoffice, he gave little start Of sur
prise.
Why, Elfrida," said he, "your sisters
name isn't the same as yours!7
No. said Elfrida, innocently. eve are
only half sisters; didn't you know thatl But
we love each other just the same"
Zenas Galway drove into town on the fol-
lowing Tuesday, with the easy carryali and
plenty of wraps and cushions. Once more,
in the yellow glow of twilight, he brought
back passenger, and led her up 10 the arm
chair where Mrs. Galway sat knitting with
half closed eyes.
Here she is, mother dear" he said e1ult-
antly 'Elfrida's sister-and the daughter
in-law you are forging for in your secret
hearth
why, Fanny Walters!" csied Mrs. Gal
way.
Fanny burst into tears on the old lady's
shoulders
But not unless VOC bid me Welcome" she
sobbed. I'm too proud for that"
You are Welcomes hundred times well
come-my daughterI7 solennly spoke Mrs
Galway. "But-but-I don't understand"
Nor I either.' cried Elfrids, who had
danced joyously into the room Is il truei Is
Zenas 10 be my brotheri and are we au 10
live here togetheri On, Fanny, Fanny. an
50 gladl"
And 50 am l." nurmured Fanny. hiding
her face on Elfrida's neck.-Helen Forest
Graves IN Philadelphia Saturday Night
Some Mexican Supsrs4ionS
II L b.al5svei that fka r.aurSie,,sr rho lss I