The Press., 1891-07-02

SeamSLf6SS or Lle. Wi.S itS-litiuCu Io say why, but it is because looked rather stylish and was called pretty, and so many questions were asked me by guests. As seamstress could stay in my upper room and work. l was so thankful for the change. Now l could read little and be more to myself. l made the finery for the young ladies of the family, and no one troubled me.
 Once, indeed, rich old gentleman, having somehow got my story from good old cook, sought me out and made me proposition of marriage. saying 1t was a shame that such an elegant woman should live as did. But thanked him and declined his offer. 1 was not un- happy now, except that pined for news of Harold, for in all these years no word had come from him-none of those let ters he had promised.
 felt sure he was not dead, and it was very natural that he should forget to write; but my heart had no rest. He was twenty six years old by this time, and in all that time much might have happened.
 My pillow was often wet with tears from thoughts of him-fancies of what he had suffered, and longing to meet him, or only see him from afar but once again.
 At last news came Mrs. Halstead came running into my room wild with joy.
 s'News of my boy!'' she said. holding letter toward me.
 s.I thought you had forgotten all about him, madam" said.
 was sorry the next moment, for she burst into tears and faltered through her sobs:
 "You don't know what it is to be the wife of a man who dominates your will! never have forgotten or ceased to re- gret other things" Then she wiped her eyes and said: "But, as far as Harold goes, it is all over. He has written to me. He is rich-really rich. He has made fortune in California, and he is coming home to see me. He is in New York and will be here tomorrow. The squire is pleased; the girls are wild to see him; his little brother is delighted"
 She ran out of the room again, look ing young and happy, and l sat down to my machine, swallowing a great lump that had risen in my throat.
 He had not written to me. Well, l was only servant, and he was a rich man now. They were rejoicing in his coming for that reason-the squire and his children. He was 8 very different person from the poor Harold Rolling who went away.
 'T expect he will give us lots of pres ents," heard one of the girls say. "An older brother who is rich is great thing to have. We must pet him and make him good natured."
 ''Oh, yes." said the other. When girls have as stingy a father as we have generous elder brother is godsend.'
 And l-oh! if he returned in rags. begging his bread, l should have wei comed him. cared for him, not for his money. And if he had returned poor it was to whom he would have written, knew we'll. But tried to put the self ish thoughts away and rejoice for his sake that he had prospered, even if he had forgotten his little sister Dora.
 The morrow came. As sat at my told he had arrived. heard his mother cry out and the squire say heartily, "Welcome home, my boy!" and his sisters squeal and giggle after way they had. Then the great drawing room doors were closed, shutting me out.
 l, who loved him so dearly, went back to my room alone, uncared for, wretched! felt as though my heart would break. could no longer keep back my tears. Half an hour passed; then some one came to the doOr-a servant-whO told Tor.
 Trembling, quivering, feeling as had never felt before, obeyed the summons opened the drawing room door.
 The squire stood before the fire, i'm portant as usual, one hand in the breast of his coat, the other waving toward me as he uttered these words:
 ''Dora, have sent for you because Master Harold has returned, and wishes to meet faithful servant of the family"
 But before the words were out of his mouth, Harold, handsomer and larger, but the same for all that-the very Har- old that knew-rushed forward and took both my hands and bent down and kissed me.
 Il told you. sir," he said, 'that wanted to see Dora-the dearest being alive to me! Such words as you utter l cannot permit you to speak as though they were mine You have never re- ceived any of my letters. Dora, but l have guessed why"
 'I never have received a letter. Har- old," answered.
 "So l thought" said he. We will not ask who kept them from you. have no wish to quarrel with any one; but you were my only friend years ago when went out into the world home less and penniless, and have come now to ask you to share with me the home that can now offer to you"
 Share your home, HaroldY' cried the squire. 1.-The girl IS not your sister. It can't be done It would be improperr" "I am glad, sir, that the girl is not my sister," replied Harold, ''for she is the girl 1 want for my wife; and here, before you all, ask her for her heart and hand, and proud shall l be if she l will give them to me-" | could not answer, but he saw all felt in my face, and led me away with him.
 There was no quarreling. People like the squire and his family never offend rich people, and ! am the happiest wo- man living Kyle Dallas in Fire side Companion.