The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1889-10-19

'Ml II to hear that our
y ~ dear Alice is far
~ ~ from strong just
now, and has
been ordered change of scene and air; in
fact, few weeks travel on the continent
is what she requires. Unluckily, my hus-
band is still so much of an invalid that
it is impossible for me to leave him; but,
remembering the fondness you have often
confessed to me of travelling. venture
to ask you to undertake the charge of
our daughter. OF course you will have
no expenses, and we will make up to
you the loss of your valuable time.
Hoping for favorable answer. believe
me very truly yours,
"RosE PATTERSON.
"P. S.-Alice is engaged to be mar
ried to a Mr.. Vanbruton: the match is
all we could wish"
The lady to whom this letter was ad-
dressed read it through carefully twice,
and then, still keeping it open in her
hand, she turned to speak to her conf
panion, n man who was occupying the
only armchair in very meagerly fur
nished sitting room.
II have an invitation here" she said;
II think shall accept it," This elected
no response except grunt, so Miss
Rogers continues: at is from Mrs. Pat
terson, a lady met two or three years
ago; she wishes me to chapcron her
daughter, to go abroad with her. What
do you say to it, Dick?''
Her brother, thus appealed to, removed
his pipe from his mouth, and regarded
his sister intently. She was worth look
ing at, but was by no means handsome
woman; her hair was dull black, and
her eyebrows were too thick, while her
eyelids dropped, so that her eyes, her
best feature, appeared half shut; but
her figure was good, and her hands and
feet small; altogether shc was interest
ing, and although always pronounced
plain, she often received more attention
than many better looking women.
You evidently intend to go" replied
her brother; $50, whatever said would
not make any difference to your plans,
but my opinion is that Mrs. Patterson is
a rash woman, and that should hardly
choose you, my dear Anna, as duenna to
my only daughter"
Miss Rogers did not appear to be Of
Tended at this candid but not lattering
opinion of her merits, but proceeded to
make observations on the letter.
"She will pay all my expenses and
make up to me the loss of my valuable
time. Very valuable, is it not? 1t is
chiefly spent sitting here, waiting for
pupils who never come. Miss Patterson
is engaged. The match is all they could
wish; SO conclude this Mr.. Vanbruton
is wealthy"
"You had better answer it at once"
said Dick. "and find out how soon you
are going, and other PARTICULARS; and,
Anna" lie added, crossing the room and
touching her affectionately on the shoul-
der, "your luck is on the turn; don't
abuse it,
"What do you mean?r asked his sister
coldly.
II mean, that with you good luck n-
variably means-mischief. You know.
never interfere with your arrange
mcnts, but for once, cntreat you, be
straightforward, and don't attempt to
fool these people. who wish to do you
kindness"
Anna laughed Have you taken to
preaching. Dick? Surely it will be case
of the blind leading the blind! Besides,
am not SO sure about the intended kind
ness. You hire a servant, because you
wish for some one to work for you, and
you pay that servant, not because it is a
kindness but because it is necessity.
If recoIlect Miss Patterson rightly, she
will consider me as a sort of upper serv-
ant and treat Inc accordingly"
"Then, my dear, if were you, should
certainly refuse the place" replied Dick
promptly. I'VE are not precisely beg
gars. SO you can choose which you would
rather do"
II have made up my mind and shall
go. 1t would be folly to throw away a
good chance for fear Of little unpleas-
antness," said Anna, and seated herself
ut the table to write her answer. Dick
went to the window and surveyed the
grimy view of innumerable chimney
pots and the back gardens of the houses
opposite. Presently lie remarked:
~ am trying to think what is your
good chance in this expedition, but l
give it up, unless it is that you expect to
pick up husband"
Perhaps you have guessed it," muir
INJURED his sister swectly, "although you
have worded it coarsely. However, l
advise you not to trouble yourself about
it, and if you are going out, please post
this letter."
He took the letter, and bent down and
kissed her, saying gently, 81 am not
particularly good man, Anna, but l
doubt if you will ever find husband as
sincerely fond of you as am. You see,
| have the advantage or disadvantage of
being thoroughly acquainted with all
your faults, and yet my affection doesn't
cool" And laughing little at himself
Tor displaying such unwonted feelings,
he staggered to the door, and went out,
slalnming it after him. Miss Rogers
hard face had softened considerably dur
ing her brothers brief harangue.
AAS AAAo INV oS a 6OC0 AuskLs AAu duA
certainly worse woman, but I think
nothing will ever come between us, dear
old Dick" she thought. "Still, shall
keep to my little plan. Every man for
HIMSELF ETC." And Miss Rogers rang
the bell to order her tea. liking for
which beverage surely both good and
bad women agree in.
Hay:l:o:ra Manor was large, aluare
built house of by no means picturesque
exterior. but very spacious and com
Portable within. 1t had no rambling
corridors, or old oak staircases; no deep
window seats or other romantic hooks,
and. above all, no odd little steps in
dark and unexpected places, giving
terrible shocks 10 the nervous systems of
the uninitiated, who unwarily approach
them, and either stumble up or stumble
down, as the case may be. The owner.
Mr.. Patterson. who had built this house,