The Colfax chronicle., 1891-10-31

"The fever was the result of you,
plunge into the icy water after LITTLE
Ruey. 1t would have been ungrateful
indeed, in Ida, not to have done all il
her power in return. Where do yo,
propose to go"
But the question was never finished
for, to Janets great relief, there was
sound of gay laughter in the hall. and
Ida and Rosa came in, the latter draw
ing on pair of long undressed kid
gloves of the latest shade of tan. She
was stylish looking girl, and John
Humphreys eyes rested on her admir-
ingly as she advanced to meet him and
threw over his arm, with easy familiari.
ty. her light shawl And Janet, who
also admired her. wondered how any
man could help falling in love with
such a gay, fearless young creature;
and, taking an opportunity when they
were all talking, slipped unnoticed
from the room.
The hall window commanded a good
view OF the broad carriage drive, and
Janet, safely hidden from observation
by the heavy curtains, watched John
Humphreys as he helped Rosa into his
light buggy and gathering the reins in
his hand sprang in beside her with
some merry remark which the pale
watcher at the window could not hear.
"She has everything, everythingt'
murmured the poor, lonely little
woman; ''and IL have nothing. Oh,
why should things be portioned out so
unequally in this world! And yet how
foolish to repine. At my age l ought
to have more sense and courage"
But as she thought of her utter lone
illness, aud that in a day or two she
must go forth among strangers, to be-
come an inmate of a charitable institu-
tion, she put her head down on the
broad window-seat, and cried until she
was exhausted. She did not dream for
q moment That the handsome couple in
the carriage were even then talking of
her.
Janet Reeves is the best, most un-
selfish woman / ever knew" said Rosa
Burthnot, as the buggy rolled out from
the gravel drive into the shaded coun-
try road. II have actually fallen in
owe with the poor, lonely, little thing.
md don't see how anyone could help
t. She is SO thoroughly sweet and
,oodv'
John Humphreys pulled his mustache |
houghtfully. his eyes on the sleek |
'acks of his chestnut horses, but said |
lothing.
"She is evidently troubled about the |
uture," continued Rosa, land it is a
hame that she is so utterly alone in
he world. She ought to have married
Dng ago; but of course she never got
chance, penned up in this little coun-
~ village. taking care of her old
ather. She was telling me yesterday
bout her home and what pretty, old
ashioned garden she had, and she
ried so pitifully that couldn't help
rying, too. And when her father
led his income stopped, and the sale
all the personal effects brought
My two hundred dollars! She seemed
think she ought to be very grateful
Ida for having given her a home
'r SO long, and made nothing of having
sked her life to save Ruey from
rowning. l wish could do some-
hing for her, but she is SO proud I /
ould be sure to hurt her feelings if l
fered her anything. Can't you sug-
EST something's"
Il don't know. I'll think the mat.
II over" answered John Humphreys:
Id then he turned the conversation to
else, and Janet's name was
,t mentioned again. Il
Two days after this, when Rosa came ,
'wn to lunch at the ringing of the
III at half past one, she found only
RS. Wayne and Ruey at the table.
"Where is Miss Janety' she asked
"She has gone" answered Mrs.
ayne. "She left at ten O'Clock. II
ggested to her that she ought to saw =
od-by to you, but she is such timid 1
eature she wouldn't disturb Won at =
ur letter writing. She said it would
matter OF no moment to you that /.
. was leaving, and could make her :
ieux for her. But think she was =
raid you would ask where she was !,
ing. Such absurd pride!''
Why. has she left the village?r In
Yes she has taken my advice and s,
ne to the Old Ladies' home"
Ida! you don't mean itr' y
Yes, l do. 1t was the best step she a,
nd take under all the circumstances.
has. neither the ability nor the q
ength to earn her own living and it A
uld be useless for her to attempt it. b,
the home she will have a good | 10
I'M, and plenty to eat, at least. 1t is h,
ovely place, and not at all like an
ashouse, for it is well endowed: and O]
must pay one hundred dollars to w
ure admittance." w
But oh! Ida! how friendless the oil
n little thing must feel: how en- si
'ly alone in the world! NV heart da
les for her." W.
But what else could she do, Rosa? ha
link it very fortunate there is an Old
lies home for her to go to-" dr.
1t is cutting her life short at forty. jo
a. She isn't an old lady, and she til
n't feel that she is in her true place. on