The Forrest City times., 1891-01-09

& Pearl Playfair had S pinned up piece of blue e-paper muslin to serve -s n temporary curtain, and wrote it's glittering autograph on the carpet less floor that Pearl had staid up late the night before to scrub neatly. so that Katie should not feel the room neglected
 The two chairs were wiped free from dust, the tiny stove shone with a newly applied coat of blacking, and the chromo "Angelus," pinned against the wall over the wooden mantel, gave an air of refinement to the sloping-roofed apartment.
 Katherine and Pearl Playfair were all alone in the world. Their father had been hardworked bank clerk, who found it impossible to save d cent before death presented it's ac- count and bankrupted him at once Their few distant relatives had dis tinctly given them to understand that "blood was not thicker than water" and for more than year these two brave young girls had fought their own battle with the world.
 Katie was a trimmer and finisher" in fashionable dress making es- tablishment. Pearl was errand girl and generally useful hand at Miss Thorburn's famous millinery em- porium.
 "Next year." she said, brightly, "I can go into the show-rooms, and get S1 week more wages. And won't I be riche"
 But when katie's dreadful cold deepened into cough, and the doc tor said she must not leave her room, Pearl found her SIP month sadly insufficient to meet all exigencies. The good doctor spoke to the kind little druggist on the corner, who put the medicines down to cost price; the bakers wife slipped in many an extra spongecake and Vienna roll among the frugal orders; the butcher saved his choicest bit s of meat for beet tea--ior every one in the neighborhood knew and sympa- thized with the Playiair girls.
 But the things had to be paid for nevertheless. And the tooth Of pow erty bites sharply.
 Pearl stood looking at Katie with solemn, questioning eyes.
 That is what you always say Katie, said she. And know your cough was bad last night"
 Did disturb you, dear?"
 Tt isn't that. But oh. Katie, to see you growing paler and thinner every day-to know that you have to stay alone here so long,
 But l don't stay alone, Pearl. Mrs. Nippett comes in often and lit tiC <AhtC AstLiNu.
 Aud that isn't the worst oft. Katie. The coal is out. and can't pay for any more until my Saturday night wages come in"
 '.lts lucky that the sun shines in SO bright. said Katie, hopefully. Never mind the coal Pearl: I'll cuddle down in he'd. with the blanket shawl over me. and I'm sure Mrs. Nippett will make my ten on her store when noon comes. She's al. ways SO thoughtful"
 Pearl went to her work with n heavy heart. On the way she was joined by Joe NaA, the ioemnn oi the box factory that supplied the patent receptacles in which Mrs. Fitwell'sgowns were carried home to her customers, and in councils of war respecting splendid toilets he had become acquainted with Katie.
 He was u dark-haired. swarthy- complexioned young fellow, and hls dark eyes sparkled us he saw Pearl PIayiair.
 'How's your sister, Pearl?" said he. No better? Oh, I'm sorry to
 
 hear it. l sgy. my sisters come up from tho old homestead to keep house for me this winter. and.sh brought barrel of jolly Spitxenberg apples and some bottles of home made urrnnt wine. Wouil Katie try the wine, do you think? Wouldn't it do her goode I'll send my sister around if-'
 "Oh, thank you, Joel This eyen- ing, pleasev' said Pearl; and she se- cretly registered VOW that she would somewhere or somehow beg or borrow peck of coals, so that these kind people should not find them absolutely fireless. And Katie thought Joe Vail had entirely for gotten her." thought she. .As if any one could forget katie'
 Miss Thorburn was very cross when at laat Pearl reached the store.