The Delta independent., 1889-05-07
PHOEBE'S ELOPEMENT.

It was very foolish in Phoebe Oaks to
run away with Robin Dare. She left a
note behind her, begging her grand
mother to forgive her, but it never
reached its proper destination. Jane
Piggot, the housekeeper, who had long
had an eye on the old lady's money,
confiscated it and did all she could to
influence Mrs. Oaks against her grand
daughter When Phoebe became anx-
ious at not receiving an answer to her
letter and called at the house, the SER
want, who had been instructed by Jane
Piggot, turned away.
Mrs. Oaks often asks about young
Mrs. Dare, but Jane did not hesitate to
lie if she found it convenient.
"Do you ever see Phebep" asked the
old lady one day.
"Yes, ma'am, but she never speaks
to me-"
"Does she look sad; as if she would
like to ask my forgiveness and did not
dare?'
"Ob, she's gay as a lark" was the
reply. They know you will leave
them all your money. That's the worst
of being rich. People around you
don't care for nothing else. That
makes me thankful sometimes for be-
ing poor"
II could make my will again, Jane.
There arc plenty of deserving people
in this world. My granddaughter
need not feel SO certain of it.
If she had only written or come to
see me, Jane! Only once in all this
while"
IAN ungrateful critter, ma'am, y
Jane would sigh. '.Ah, If it wasn't
for me you'd be alone in the world,
ma'am."
"Jane," said Phoebe, stopping the
housekeeper in the street one day,
"Jane, you must not hurry SO. must
know how grandma is"
Her health is about the same, Mrs.
Dare, replied Jane.
''But how does she feel? Is she
lonelyP" asked Phoebe.
..She's got me, ma'am. ain,
eloped, nor sha'n't" replied Jane.
"She's resigned to your ingrati.
tude."
Il am going to see her, Jane," said
Phoebe. 81 shall force myself past you
and go to her."
"My orders are strict, Miss" replied
Jane. II should order the police il
any one forced themselves against her
orders onto Missus Oaks"
Il believe this is all your doing,
Janem cried Phoebe.
"Mine!" cried Jane, piously. "Oh, i,
Mrs Dare! l didn't elope and leave
my dear grammar in her old age. 1
didn's disobey her after years of good
ness. Taint my fault, mum. Them
as proved ungrateful had only them
selves to thank. I'm in haste, Mrs.
Dare, and must CO."
Jane hurried away.
Phoebe watched her, and saw her
enter the florists door. In a little
while she came out and walked away,
and Phoebe entered the florists in her
place.
The florists wife sat behind the
counter, making up some bridal bou-
quets.
"What can do for you, Mrs.
Dare?" she asked, and Phoebe ans
wered:
"a great deal, Mrs. Gault, If you
will, only must have long talk with
you. And, firstly, what order did
Jane Piggot leave here?"
''The usual spring order for Mrs.
Oaks garden" replied Mrs. Gault.
81 thought so," said Phoebe.
And then began confidential talk,
to which we will not listen.
"Miss Piggot, here's a note," said
Sally. THE person that brought it is
waiting for an answer"
"Miss Piggot took the envelope
from the hands OF the servant and read
the following words:
Miss PIGGor: l write to explain tho fact
that have sent woman to do the flower
BEDS We find German women very good
for garden work and employ them constant
iy. hope Mrs. Oaks will not object
MARTHA GAuLr.
"Do you object, ma'amr' asked
Jane.
"Why should l obiectP" said Mrs.
Oaks. II shall go out and see her at
work after awhile. It will amuse
me-"
"Show the woman into the garden
and keep the gate locked, Sally" said
Miss Piggot.
An hour after Mrs. Oaks went into
the garden. A funny little figure .all
huddled up in worsted and shawl, with
short petticoat and big boots, was bend
ing over one Of the beds. The old lady
approaching her saw that the woman
was hiding her face in her apron and
sobbing.
"What is the matter, friend? Have
you hurt yourself?" asked the old
lady.
But as she spoke the woman turned
and caught her hand and kissed it.
at is Ph9ber' cried Mrs Oaks.
"Oh. grandma!r she sobbed, don't
be frightened! This was the only way