Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-04-27


dressp
II was Flora who undertook all the ar
rangements, and they were soon landed at the
neat little furnished villa they had engaged
Just outside the town. tidy Staffordshire
woman opened thedoor, and coy fires burned
in the two little sitting rooms. Lady Margaret
looked round the drawing room and across
the tiny slip of passage, and muttered:
Like dolls housein
eyes" said Flora, quickly, $50 neat and
tidy"
After a few DAYS things began to settle
down, and Flora made the acquaintance of
working clergymans equally energetic wife.
This lady pronounced the party at Acacia
cottage TO be evidently quite respectable, and
the girl intelligent and inclined to be useful
She also remarked how very plain she was
Her husband agreed with her, but softened
the observation by well known proverb,
Handsome is, etc.
Flora gained her object. and became &C
ouanted with nail makers. First she went
over her own works under the condescending
guidance of very vulgar manager to whom
large salary was paid. She appeared to be
examining nails, but was really occupied in
studying the beings who made them Very
grimy, very stolid in most cases. not much
imagination being fostered by their work or
surroundings. Some looked thin and i'll,
many of the young workers especially. Flora
found out the wages paid to each, and the
manager said they were asking an increase.
but wouldn't get it.
''What if they striker asked Flora.
'They know better. If they did I'd replace
them by other men"
1t was getting very cold weather now
dark and damp, in many cases Squalid She
had hard work TO gain adnittance some
times and dcspaired or reaching the people
i'll her assumed character. At times she found
it relief TO wander near Ridwell Grange.
| and was glad TO find the place let and well
cared for. There were nice cottages near it,
and when resting in one after long walk,
Flora met another visitor, who knocked ant
| entered cheerily, all the children running for
ward 10 meet him. He began fumbling IN
his pockets for apples, and then as he offered
| them, caught sight OF Flora. The woman
said
Its Miss O'Moore, sir; young lady from
| the town. She does deal of good among the
| nail makers
Flora coored brightly, but before she could
| disclaim the gentleman said:
''They need friends ignorant and down
| trodden some are, and pulled with discon-
| tent and arrogance the rest. | hear good
deal, for rent my house from the agent of
one OF the big firms"
Flora said she had seen some trouble in her
short acquaintance with the people, and then
/ telling the woman she must hasten home she
| left
The early shadows of dun, frosty Decem-
Der day were falling, and she walked quickly,
as there were two miles of lonely road to
| travel Suddenly, from the hedgerow, a
wild looking, dirty man stepped before her.
Flora tried TO move aside, but the man held
out both hands, saying:
I'm starving. You looks well fed enough
| Give me money, or it'll he the worse for
you
The girl turned pale, but resolute
Il have no money-let me pass
| You've got u watch if you have no mon
ey," said the man, land I'll ave it,"
His dirty hands just clasped her delicate
wrist; she shrieked for help, though fearing
| none was near; then a mans figure followed
| by a huge dog, leapt the hedge, and the dog
seized the beggar by the shoulder. The
wretch let Floras hand drop with howl of
pain, and the girl felt dazed darkness sur
rounding her, and became unconscious.
MY love-" said Lady Margaret O'Kelly,
II think our little farce should be ended We
| promised to return to Terrick for Christmas,
and there is only fortnight left"
Flora was looking meditatively across the
prim little front garden at the milzman's
| cart
''You have done all you can for tho poor
| people. am sure the good vicar and that
| very gentlemanly man who has Ridwell
| Grange speak most highly of the good you
| houe yynl-al " bar Az
Grangeitself could not be in better hands
than Mr. Observation-Disclosures you lived
| there yourself"
| "Quite true, auntie," said Flora turning
towards her. You have been very patient
and good TO stay so long. | am only sorry &c
leave my quiet busy life for all the humbug ]
shall have to endure"
Lady Margaret looked keenly at her niece
You would not be coward, my dearlr
mo; | don't think so at least. Dear me
there's the door bell, and Hannah is Just
bringing our coy teal Some old GOSSIP
from the villas, | dare say-you are good
natlred to them, auntie!"
But the visitor wore mans attire, and wa.
Mr.. harrington. He came, he said, to ash
Miss O'Moore's advice as to some Christina.
festivities for the poor and would her nice,
do him the kindness to help him.
Darlington, but my niece and / are leaving
almost directly"
For Christmas" he asked in a low voice
Altogether" said Flora quietly. .'My
aunt and only intended "a short stay here "
Mr. Darlington became wonderfully silent
and distract, and drank his tea in an absent
manner, breaking in upon some conversation
with the inquiry:
when do you leavef
"In four days" said Lady Margaret. ''Pray
have some more toast" Flora left the room
to send Off some letters, and Mr.. harrington
said hastily to her aunt:
Miss O'Moore, may see you alone thi.
evening, if calil'
Certainly" said Lady MARGARET and q
curious smile fitted oyer her face when h,
was gone She .nIif Elissed II thought something
"ould Coillt5'o Of that day when he rescued hel
rom tIls beggar-such trifes life hangs ON
Dear me what a tale | have to tellI'
:, need scarcely say Mr.. harrington pro
posed for Flora. Her aunt revealed nothin,
until she had sent the girl To give her owl
happy answer.
, Then with great rustic of silk, and un
necessary rafting of door handle, Lady
Margaret intruded.
ave have n mystery to explain, Mr. Bar
rington."
, He bowed and stared confusediy at boil
| ladies.
81 am not Miss O'Moore, and that is no
my niece's name"
A bewildered expression gathered on the
lovers face, and he reached out his hand Il
make sure Flora still stood near
'ln truth, Mr. harrington, you are Floras
, tenant, she is Miss Benson of Terricl
Park, and l am her aunt, Lady Margare
O'Kely."
There was blank silence for some seconds
''Will you forgive meP' asked Flora, shyly
"My darling! if with all these crushing
advantages you still can take me, what hav'
to forgivef AT least, you know loved yol
/ for yourself"