The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1889-07-10
ANNETTE.

came To llVe IN the nouSenoid OF squire w Oou-
bury, the richest man in the little New
Hampshire village. She was an orphan, but
her parents had been members of a company
of strolling French actors in Canada, and
after their death their child remained with
the actors, her part in the performances con
sisting of horseback riding, at which she was
very skillful
In the course of their wnnderings they
reached the little New England village, and
meant to perform there, but the jealous con-
stable arrested them asvagrants and brought
Thorn before Squire Woodbury. He released
them, but was much disturbed by the thought
of the undesirable life the girl Annette led,
and after asking some questions and thinking
it over, he decided that it was his duty to re-
move her from such surroundings, and take
her to his home to be trained by his wife.
Unfortunately, the squire and his wife
were particularly cold and severe people, and
Annette found her life almost unbearable,
accustomed as She was to liberty and in
diligence She was full of life and gayety,
and the Woodburys approved of only the
quietest and most defnure conduct. Instead
of amusing herself all day as she pleased she
had now to do the tasks set her by Madam
Woodbury.. She loved bright colors and de-
tested the plain grays and browns, with a
white cap and apron, in which she was
always dressed now
Indeed, ON the first day she spent in the
house came a conflict between herself and
Madam Woodbury., when the latter took
away Annette's one treasure-a rich brocade
sash, a birthday gift from her father. Madam
Woodbury. insisted upon putting it away,
amt .afc uhf mud rat,aI1ad a,ad fia llxu
gave way to a burst of passion and crying,
which only made Madam Woodbury. more
determined. She would have liked, il she
could, to prevent Annette from even thinking
of her past life As it was, she forbade her
to mention it, or to dance, or sing her light
French songs, which were not wrong in
themselves but were an abomination to Nine.
Woodbury., who, in fact, disliked Annette
and everything about her, especially her
French birth; for this was many years ago,
At the time Of the French and Indian war,
and Lieut. Paul Woodbury., the only child,
wasaway in the midst of dangers
He was the one person in the world, 1t
seemed whom the squire and his wife loved,
and he was very dear to them. Annette
sometimes looked at Madam Woodbury. in
wonder as her face softened and her voice
grew gentle when she spoke of Paul There
was no affection left in her heart for any one
else, Annette thought,
Nevertheless, Madam Woodbury. always
fed and clothed Annette well, and her work
was never too hard for her. and she was a
strong, well grown girl of 10 when one De-
cember night Paul came home on visit,
after an absence of more than three years.
This was entirely unexpected, though he was
surprised to find it so. ar
why, sent You a letter by sntler named
Ellis, it ought to have reached you ten days
ago. he said. Fif
II fear that means danger TO you,n the
squire said.
''Oh, no; not at all / paid him, and
suppose he's spent the money for drink and
lost the letter; that often happens when you
depend ON such fellows I'm safe enough,
since got over the frontier all right 1t
would have been bad business II they had
caught me, though 70 tell you the truth, !
have some papers In my saddle bags that
would hang me for a spy il should fall into
their hands--but WON'T he added, with his
merry laugh THAT'S the reason brought
my saddle into the hall, here instead of let
ting it 60 out to the stable.n
Paul arrived on Wednesday, and was to
leave the following Friday night. On Thurs
day afternoon Madam Woodbury., calling
Annette to help her, went to get some cloth
ing which the young man had left when be
went away, and now wished to take with
him She unlocked large closet and took
down and opened number of boxes and par
GELS before she found what she sought She
spent some time sorting and arranging the
clothes, and then left the room.
Annette, left to herself, began to look at
the various articles that were lying scattered
around. An open box attracted her atten-
ton. She turned over its contents and pres
emily, with a cry of delight, she drew out her
brocade sash. This was a discovery. She
had not seen ii since it was first put away,
she did not know where She pressed it to
her lips. 1t was like meeting an old friend,
and in minute she pulled off her cap and
apron, wound the sash around her, and went
to the mirror.
Standing there, she forgot Madam Wood
bury's commands and everything but her
own satisfaction, and began to sing gay
French song and TO dance, looking at herself
all the while Perfectly happy, she danced
on until she was startled by hearing an ex-
clamation, and turning saw Madam Wood
bury and Paul at the door The young man
was smiling at the. picture made by the girl
dancing, covered by tho costly fabric, her
eyes shining and her cheeks glowing, but
Madam Woodbury's face was dark with
anger. She tore off the sash and overwhelmed
Annette with reproofs and threats.
1.-THE sash is mine," Annette said, at last
breaking her sullen silence. 1T belongs to
me and have a right to it."
''You shall have it no more,n Madam
Woodbury. said. $50 down stairs now and
attend to your work"
Annette obeyed her, wondering il she really
meant to keep the sash from her always
She soon found out.
The next morning pcddler came and was
admitted to the hall, where he displayed his
wares, and while Madam Woodbury. looked
over and priced them, Paul bought some to-
bacco. Annette was at work Ia the dining
room and paid no attention until she saw
Madam Woodbury., who had gone up stairs,
return with the sash In her hand. Aanotte
ran out into the hall and saidi
MADAM Woodbury., what are you going
to do with my sashs"
Madam Woodbury. took her by the shoulder
and pushed her back into the room
LET me have no disturbance" she said.
~ am going to exchange this sash, which is
such n temptation to you, for some cloth that
viii be useful and suitable"
''You are going TO take away my sash
You shall mott" Annette cried.
''Not another word,n Madam Woodbury.
answered. 81 told you that you should not
have it again"
Annette stood for minute stunned; then
sob broke from her and she rushed away.
Paul looked pityingly after her.
Must you do this, mothers Is it not a
heavy penalty for light offenser' Annette
heard him say.
She did not catch Madam WoodbuFyS re-
ply, but he turned away with sigh. His
sympathy was q drop Of comfort 70 Annette
as she went on with her work, her brain in q
perfect tumult Of anger sorrow, and bitter,
revengeful feelings. She was burning with
indignation, and thought Of Madam Wood
bury with absolute hatred.
Presently she was called into the hall, aud,
determined that she would not betray how
deep her grief was, she stood with an indif-
Terent LOOK while Madam Woodbury. piled up
various purchases In her arms She glanced
at the peddler, started, and then scrntinized
him long and carefully. Her eyes. accus-
foynad ff. the havicaa ~ the efaua defacfad