The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-28
LOVE-LORN LIZZIE.

"Oh, it's you, is it, Lizzie?" was Mrs.
Priscilla Kane's ejaculation, as her pretty
daughter. a black-eyed, curly haired,
roguish-faced girl of II, who worked in one
of the big Kensington factories walked into
the kitchen, swinging her dinner-basket in
hand and hummiug merry tune.
Yes, dear mother, it is /, !" said the girl,
and she kissed the Nriukled face OF the hard
worked woman.
Pm glad you've come" said Mrs. Kane,
eIancing admringly down into her daugh-
ter's pretty face. Mr.. Mercer is in the
'front.' room. Hes been waiting fG- You for
out two hours, and, Lizzie" sinking her
ice, che had long talk with your father,
i- which he said that he loved you and
q anted to make you his wife. I'm sure it
almost took my breath away when your
father told me about it, for he's got good
business and owns lots of property besides.
re told your father that as soon as you were
bis wife he'd satisfy the mortgage on this
house and make us comfortable for the bal
Rnce of our lives. Lord knows, it will seem
strange enough to rest, for Eve seen moth
ing but work since | was a chit of girl. and
Pve grown old before ny time trying to
make ends meet. Now, put on your ging-
nam dress and go in to see him. He is in
tte front rUOm."
Mrs. Kane paused suddenly and stepped
back with a startled cry, for, happening to
glance at her daughters face, she saw su CHI
q marvellous change in its expression that
sle grew alarmed.
'Now, Lizzie" she continued, "dOn't fret
me and say you wont do 1t, for l got
raging headache, and little more excite
ment VIII drive me crazy. I'm sure its not
much that your pa and ask you to do. You
ought to be willing to make some sacrifice
for our sakes."
81 am" answered Lizzie, and the hard
lines IN her lace softened; I'm willing to
work early and late for you, but when you
ask me to marry man whom hate it is
toe much"
''There, there" began Mrs. Kane; -
knowed you'd only have one of your tan
trums as soon as | told you of your good
fortune, but your father would 20 to the
saloon and leave ME to face it ALL" and,
sinking into a chair, she threw her apron
over her head she began sobbing and crying,
and rocking herself back and forth in
manner suggesting hysteria.
so father has gone to the saloon again,
after promising me to remain away" said
Lizzie, and her eyes snapped.
IT'S because he's in trouble" apologized
the mother, wiping her eyes. IF you'd
only marry Mr.. Mercer and lift us out of
our poverty yoH pa would be a different
man."
Il doubt itp' muttered Lizzie, and then,
speaking aloud, she said: "Well, l wont
marry Mr. Mercer-that settles 1t. Marry
hin? I'll 60 out and beg frstp' and seizing
her shawl and hat, she quickly donned them
before her mother could interfere, rushed
out Of the door and had reached the end of
tine alley before that lady could get to the
gate.
That girl will be the death of me-" Mrs.
Kane lnoaned re-entering the kitchen, and
then rolling down the sleeves of her faded
calico dress she smoothed her hair and
walked into the front room, where Mr.
Isaac Mercer, fat. pudgy man of 90 years,
with a smooth and very red face and bald
head, sat vacantly staring at the big pattern
In the cheap ingram carpet.
Rather haltngly she apologiZed for her
would not be home until late, having to do
oyerWork at the mill, and Isaac Mercer left,
promising to call on the morrow.
Lizzie meanwhile proceeded toward the
saloon which her father frequented. She
was obliged to cross the railroad to reach
the place, and she stopped at the little
signal station, where she knew Charlie Ban
COCK, the telegraph operator, was at work
., charlie was the particular friend of Ned
doweil, brakeman on the railroad, who
children together, and whom she had
promised TO marry when he should have
saved enough to give her home.
Charlie" she said, tapping on the win
"a W. 70 attract his attention, will
At sound Of her voice Charlie raised his
head from his work, and, catching sight Of
the girfs pretty face, sprang to his feet.
Great scott; Lizziel Is it your" was his
ejaculation, and then, without meaning to
be harsh or cruel, he told her in excited.
dls1olnted sentences about a terrible acci,
dent that had taken place on the railroad at
the other end of the division.
As he proceeded she In fancy saw the ter
rible scene, but she uttered no sound and
continued staring into his face with dry,
wide open eyes.
Poor Nee was caught between two cars
ana INC doctors say one of his legs will have
20 come off. He's pretty badly mashed, and
may die. All the wounded were taken to
the Presbyterian Hospital and"
do stopped suddenly, aud, rushing from