Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-08-22
LILLIAN'S TEST.
BYHELEN MARSHALL.


now showed decided need of paint and
repairing before it could again take its
former rank. The morning sun stream.
ing through the east window of large
room made the faded carpet look more
worn and faded still. At a secretary,
which might have stood in the self.
same corner for score of years, sat q
woman writing. She had reached per.
haps the age of As. Astern, unyielding
face was hers, as though her better ma.
ture had been warped and suppressed.
Her small gray eyes looked coldly out
from under heavy eyebrows that met.
With sigh of satisfaction she fin
ished her letter. then read it carefully.
CLIFTON. March 26. 1891.
DEAR LILLIAN:-We are truly grieved to
lean of your recent bereavement in losing
your dear mother. You must certainly feel
very lonely. Now do come and make this
your home henceforth. Your cousins are
as anxious as am L. Do not hesitate. but
send an early reply telling us when to meet
you. Affectionately,
AUNT ELIZABETH.
There! I think that will do, consider
ing I never had any love for her mother
and not much for her father. And
DOMINIC street attire, Mrs. Evans hur-
ried forth and deposited her letter in
the nearest mail box.
Ten years before our story opens,
Mrs. Evans only brother, Tom May
field, lived in the same town with his
widowed sister whom he offended by
marrying young girl who was penni-
oil Oh af n - \
highly cultured. Mrs. Evans seldom
noticed her sister-in-law, and rarely al
lowed her children to visit their little
cousin Lillian, delicate child with the
same rare grace and refinement of
her mother. The child was in every
way superior to Mrs. Evans two
sturdy girls. When Lillian was but 8
years old, Mr.. Mayfeld died of pneu-
monia The young widow grieved bit
terly for him, for he had been a noble
husband, very unlike his sister in dis
position. Indeed people wondered how
they could belong to the same family.
In short time Mrs. Mayfeld removed
to Glenmore, her old home, and within
year received fabulous sum of money
from an uncle who had spent much of
his life in South America, but who had
succumbed to fever while on board
ship. Upon hearing it, Mrs. Evans i'm
mediately began overtures of friendship
which were quietly ignored by Mrs.
Mayfeld. As the years rolled on it
became evident that Mrs. Mayfield was
slowly dying of consumption. From
place to place she travelled with her
daughter as. companion, hoping that
change of air would renew life and
vigor, but without avail. She grew
rapidly worse and quietly passed away,
leaving Lillian at Is an heiress to
vast amount, but as she pathetic
ally said, without father, mother,
brother or sister," What she
longed for was human affection, not
money. So it was that Ms. Evans
letter came to her crushed and heart
sore, like ray of sunshine after DAYS
of continual rain. A vision of home,
and devoted friends who would love her
for herself, not for her wealth. arose
before her. Those who have spent
years in travel oft times yearn for the
quiet joys of home. But, despite her
youth, Lillian was the possessor of good
sound sense. Having passed much of
her life among strangers, she had
learned that money begets many para
sitical friends. While she gladly re-
ceived her aunt's cordially worded
letter, she hesitated about replying too
hastily or making permanent arrange
ments.
Mother, haven't you heard from
cousin Lillian yet" asked Annie Evans
. few days later. NO." was the reply,
but think there will surely be one in
. day or two. hope she won't be long
about coming either, we might as we'll
have the benefit of part of her legacy as
not. May be she remembers you of old, "
suggested Jane. the elder daughter, "snd
does not care to come" Jane always
spoke her mind to every one.
Nonsense" was the angry response.
@she was but child, besides, 1 never
mistreated her."
At that moment the conversation was
by rap at the door. Annie
sprang to open it There stood slen-
der sweet-faced girl with eyes as blue
Is the violets ct her waist She was
plainly sttired in soft black robes, while
in her hand was . small satcheL Her
faee had Q worn, tired expression Is
slough she had been losing sleep for
several successive nights.
Il am in search of work, she said in
! clear, pleasant voice. addressing Mrs.
Evans. Il would like to get sewing in
private families"
Mrs. Evans looked at her from head
10 foot, but could see nothing amiss with
her appearance. In . cold voice she
asked, @Can you give good recommends
tions?"
@This is my first attempt at anything
Of the kind. Recent circumstances
make it necessary for me to apply for
the situation. I'm quite sure. however,
my work would suit you
@Do give her trial, said Annie In .
low tone, closely observing her mothers
Coolly and distinctly
came the reply: @We do not take
strangers into our family The girl
looked strangely disappointed e she
turned to 90. Won't you rest . little
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