The new era., 1890-08-28

When, in due time, the country cou-
sin arrived they all gazed in silent won
der and admiration.
| No dowdy, old maidish country lassit
met their vision, but tall and beauti
full girl, whose soft and mournful eyes
told of worlds Of thought and feeling,
and whose finely chiseled features might
be the delight Of any artist.
The mother and daughters congratl.
lated themselves that Annette was III
mourning, and could not enter society
for two years at least, for they feaeed
her many and self-evident charms. u
| For two years now Annette had been
member of the Winthrop household
Her uncle did his best, in a mans We
to make her feel at home and happy
The aunt and cousins lost no
chance of annoying her, and in every
way she was made to feel her depend
ence.
1t had grown to be quite custom now
for Annette to do the family sewing and
repairing. The seamstress was dis
charged, and Annette filed her place.
The cousins did not hesitate to call
upon Annette for the many services
which hired seamstress expects to
perform.
Do not think Annette devoid of cour-
age in submitting to such indignities.
She tried to possess her souIin patience.
She knew it would be folly for a young
girl to start out alone in New York
until she could establish her own in
dependence.
She insisted upon taking two morn
ings in each week TO pursue her paint
ing, and, although her aunt and cousins
sneered, she worked steadily on.
One might see the fair, young artist
hard at work at the Metropolitan Mu-
scum some days. copying from the
famous paintings, and utterly unmind-
full of the admirations she inspired in
many visitors.
She had found ready sale for some Of
her work, and lived in daily hope of
soon leaving home which was so un-
comfortable for her.
Mrs. Winthrop, for some weeks had
been suffering with typhoid fever. Dur
ing the dangerous period of the fever
trained nurse had been employed. But
as soon as all danger had passed, An
nette had been installed in her place.
The position of nurse to conva-
lescing patient-be he ever so sweet in
disposition, is not an enviable one-but
to be the daily companion of Mrs. Win
throp required nothing short of a
heroine.
II Annette remembered her mothers
patience and unseltishness in her last.
sickness, and was oftuanlage glh1
shocked at the treatmentl IN someslved
from Mrs. Winthrop. We Fly
Her own children would VEL remain
long in their mother's slck-room, SO
cross and irritable wis she at all times,
and as she was not willing to be alone
for minute, Annette remained with
her night and day.
Maud, having bade Grace "good-
bye' rushed like whirlwind into her
mothers room.
"Ohl ma, we must go to vespers this
evening There was the most elegant
man in church this morning, Mrs. Will
liams' brother; fresh from India Been
gone ten years Dark eyes Perfect
nose Such a kissable mouth Rich
Unmarried Unencumbered Truly
eligiblel"
" Pa can't go to service this evening
for he has bad headache"
Why can't we take Annette as
chaperone. I'm sure she looks old and
faded enough, any one would look so
cooped up in this hot room for so many
weeks"
I" Anything, anything, Maud, if you'll
only be quiet and leave me alone.
Where you ever got your loud, hoy
denish ways can't see. Do be quiet
and ladylike or you'll never get hus-
band"
Annette was only to glad to escape
from her labors, and willingly consented
to chaperone the young ladies, smiling
to herself as she remembered that the
Oldest cousin was two years her senior.
Despite her shabby mourning she
walked demurely and contentedly to
evening service, following the gay but
terfies, decked out in fashions latest
masterpieces.
Seated at last in church, all earthly
things were forgotten, as the soothing
and beautiful service began.
.' The Lord is in His Holy Temple.
Let all the earth keep silence before
Him."
Annette's trials were ended her
heart at rest, her soul on high. Her
face was Madonna like, rejecting heav-
emily peace.
Harold Williams had noticed the
wonderful face as soon as he entered
the church, and as he gazed upon her
eyes, which seemed looking into heaven,
and her perfect mouth uttering heart
.felt responses, she seemed Delng zoo
pure for earth.
When the Bishop pronounced the sol
emn blessing
The peace Of God which passeth all
understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of
God," it seemed as though her spirit
must flee to heaven. and he was hardly
surprised to see the lovely mortal fall to
the floor like one dead. In moment
he was bearing her from the. church in
his arms.
Annette's strength had been. over
taxed by her long watching with her
sick aunt, and she had tainted for the
first time in her life.
AS consciousness returned she opened
her wonderful eyes, and for a moment