The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-03-26

/ she heard John GARDENERS talk to his
Sunday-school about the divine attributes
of truth.
Like a keen-edged, poniard, it stung
her to the heart.
"And |, said she ITO herself, 'am a
liar What business have in this happy
home-this pure, peaceful atmosphere
! Oh, | wish-how l wish-I never had
listened to Ellen Gibbs! And yet, if ]
hadn't, must have starved or drowned
myself. oh, dear, how hard it is to
know whatis right"
She wentihome and packed her poor
little trunk.
"My second month is up tomorrow,
Mrs. Edgecumbe," said she, in falter-
ing voice, ''and am returning to New
York" "
"To New York; Oh, Dollym cried
the little woman, throwing up her hands
in despair. 'What is the matter?n
Nothing" said Dolly, valiantly swal-
lowing her tears; "only l must 60"
"Has any one offended you?"
"Oh, no, no"
"If you want higher wages"
"No, Mrs. Edgecombe; you pay me
all earn now" protested Dolly.
"Then what is it, Dolly! Dear, Dolly,
do stay. You are like one of ourselves, y
pleaded Mrs. d., ,Edgecumbe.
But Dolly only answered with her
tears.
81 can't think what ;has changed her
so, all of sudden, "lsaid Mrs. Edge
cumbe. "The children have coaxed her
dear little things and Mrs. Edge
cumbe has offered her ,better rate of
compensation. but it is of tno use. Per
haps, John, if you were' to speak to
her"
Mr.. Gardiner sat silently balancing his
pen, regardless of the big round blot that
had fallen on the "Thirdly" of his next
Sundays sermon. 1t was strange re-
velation to him, the chill feeling. that
came across his heart at the idea of Dolly
Damar's going away.
Eyes" " said he, II will speak to her.
Somehow, it. seems as if we couldn't
spare her"
But to his kind reasonings Dolly
only replied by fearful silence.
'I must go, :" said she-''I must. And
you, if you knew all, would say the same
thing"
II don't know what l shall do, Pm
sure, said Mrs. Edgecumbe, lapsing into
deep despair. 81 never shall have cour-
age to face an intelligence office again.
Cassie Merton has just been here, telling
me the strongest stories about those
places. 1t seems, she knows Of a woman
whose whole business it is to act as refer
ence' to girls who can't get any, or don't
deserve them. She has hired gaudily-
furnished fiat, and sits up there all day,
acting the part of the last lady with
whom the girls lived, at so much a head.
Just fancy what a deception! The po.
lice have broken up this place, at the
complaint of some lady who found her
self the victim of. dishonest maid whose
recommendation was obtained in this
manner, but who knows how manyioth-
ers there may be"'
Dolly sprang Ito her feet, verySpale
but firm.
"NIrs. Edgecunbe," said she, "that
is what l did! That is the reason l
am going away from you. l can't live
ON here and bear the burden of my gilt
any louger!"
And she confessed it all, beginning at
the story of the Dresden shepherdess,
and ending with Ellen Gibbs's sitting up
in the vacant boudoir of the lady who
had gone to spend the Easter holidays
at Tuxedo Park
"Now you know ALL" said she.
"Please let me 90 at once, for of course
you won't be willing to have me sit down
to the table with the dear little children
again"
And her words died away ain a great
burst of tears.
"Not willing indeedm cried Mrs.
Edgecumbe. "Of course won't be
willing to let you stir step from Lii
liesleaf farm. Is that all that troubles
you, Dolly9"
'.Isn't that enough?" walled poor
Dolly.
"Quite enough to satisfy!me that you
must stay, said Mrs. Edgecumbe.
"Why, Dolly, child, you're like my
own sister now. Do you think / will
let you 90 back into such temptation
aEainl Never Talk to her, John.
Make her understand that we like her
better than ever for having told us the
truth-dear, brave girlm
And Mrs. Edgecumbe ran out of the
room to tell her husband that all was
right.
Dolly looked tinidly at Mr.. Gar
diner.
'Wells" said he, kindly.
1T is for you TO decide" whispered
she. 81 will do exactly what you
say
you'll promise me that, Dollyf
eyes" " she avowed, artlessly.
"Dear l'ttle Dolly" said he. ''You
have done very wrong, but you have
atoned for all that by your free and frank
confession. My verdict is that you re-
main here"