Arizona republican., 1891-12-09
HOUSE TO LET.

poplar trees, the muslin curtains Tapped in the draft Old Dorcas, the colored servant. went on sprinkling the pillow cases on the pine table in the corner.
 T've seen it coming this long time, " said Selina. "The landlord has been as good and considerate as possible"-
 De lan'lord's an old harpyr said Dor cas-. "Lan'lords allays isl"
 No, he's not" persisted Selina. we owe him eight months rent already, and l do not know how he is ever to got his money. would offer him the piano and the carved rosewood parlor set, if thought they would possess any value in his eyes-in part payment mean.
 Dorcas rolled up the coffee colored whites of her eyes.
 Dat piano as was Miss Adelaide's when frs she come from Baltimo' board ing school." said she, "Dat lubly fun chure as was made to order in Annap'lisl No, Miss Lina-not wiv dis chiies com sentl"
 And she rolled thin old damask ta- ble cloth very tight and packed it into the basket with emphasis.
 Mamma must know nothing of this, Dorcas," said Selina sadly.
 "Dunno how youse gwine to keep it from her. Miss Lima"
 'It can be done, Dorcas. I've thought it all out, ." said the girl. "She must be made to suppose that she's going to spend few days with my employers at New port
 Has dey done asked her, Miss Lina?"
 No, you goosel l don't suppose that they even know that I've got a mother am only a typewriter and stenographer in their eyes, and render my services at 90 much day. Mrs. Plinlimmon is known all through New York as fe- male philanthropist, but while she's helping poor immigrants out of the slums and rectifying the slopshop ques- tion, she don't appreciate that well dressed southern lady may be in sore straits But she'll make as good fig urehead as any other"
 Miss Lima" said Dorcas, after brief silence, during which she rolled and sprinkled, patted and folded with un- ceasing vigilance.
 "Welly'
 '1 knows whar l could git four dol lars week for laundress, or five for cook. T'ink O dat, Miss Lima"
 Do you want to leave us, Dorcas'"
 The old woman uttered a subdued groan. Lord knows it ain't dat, Miss Lima! Lord knows it's honor enough to work for de ole Spencers! But it's money we uns wants-an ebery cent O de ole woman's wages, deyll come back to ole missus and Miss Lima"
 The long lashes dropped over Selina Spencer's lovely hazel eyes. 'It's of no use, Dorcas," said she. We've got to bend before the storm. Hush! Do you hear that tapping?"
 Somebody knocking at de do'r cried Dorcas. Why on arf don't dey ring de bellY'
 "No," Selina, detaining her as she was about to answer the supposed sum- mons. Its the agent putting up the 'To Let But whatever happens, Dor cas, don't let mamma knowp
 She rose, and getting up her hat and gloves, went up the wide, gloomy old staircase. Dorcas looked after her and shook her turbaned head.
 'Meks b'lieve she's pow'ful braver' muttered she Thinks ole Dorcas dunno she's cryin dis berry minute! Why didn't she marry Mars George Berkeley when he axed her an sabe herself all this trou. ble?"
 Up in the dimly lighted sitting room Mrs. Spencer sat, faded belle of the | olden days. The piano was open. the window was full of carefully tended | plants, pink shaded lamp burned on the table, and Mrs Spencer herself was engaged in crewel work with slow, Ian | guid fingers
 "You are later than usual tonight, Se- | lina," said she fretfully. Perhaps your | idea of dutiful daughter is different | from mine, but think any amount of | and Browning classes oughtn't to take so much of your time | away from your mother"
 "I stopped to give Dorcas orders in the kitchen, mamma" Selina cheerfully | answered. But I'm all ready now, | What shall l read to you until the tes comes upY
 "Well," said the poor lady feebly, "Pd like a few chapters of the Scottish | Chiefs It was the first novel my dear papa ever allowed me to read-and in my opinion your 'Ouidas' and 'Braddons' don't come near it."
 And while Selina read out the trials of . Helen Mar and Bruce the brave, she wondered how on earth she should man. age about showing the house to the eager | sightseers who would be sure to be at tracted by the legend ''ro Let" on the 
 Cant go in dat ar room" said Dor cas, interposing her stout figure between a hard featured house hunter and the door of Mrs. Spencer's boudoir. Oats private, dat ar isl"
 Anything wrong in the room?" sharp ly questioned the woman.
 "No'm," stolidly responded Dorcas.
 Ceilings cracked? Water pipes burst?"
 Nom"
 "Then why cant see ity" with a sudden push in that direction.
 She might as well have attempted to charge battery of artillery. Old Dorcas stood immovable
 Lady ain't well, num-" said she. Gan nobody go m dat room! Iole you 70 aforer'
 Anything contagious%
 "No'm."
 "Sure?"
 "Yes'm, sartin shuahp
 "Very we'll" said the house hunter, with A forward Jerk of her chin: 'I shall