The Irish standard., 1891-03-14
THE IRISH STAND RI: a RDAY, MAR0H IL

- sss7T % NC
Nh. Lawson did not seem to appreci-;
ate the manner Ia which his announce
ment was received He expected fe1nii-
nine sympathy not congratula tions.
Eyes, indeed, James," Miss Brent:
wood gushed, lyon have now a chance
to cover yourself with glory and show
the folks what fine young fellow you'
ire, after all their mean talk aboutI
you"
''It isn't glory I'm AFTER the fine
young fellow frankly acknowledged
tits the bounty and the chance Of get:
ting living, let alone being away
from the eternal nagging of the folks
around here, who seem set on driving;
q fellow into trouble
Miss Rnth's face fell little at this
disclosure; but the fact remained that
he was going to the war, and she
solaced herself with this small crumb
of comfort.
''And l thought that may be" her
protege unblnshingly continued, you'd
be willing under the circumstances to
give me helping hand to start with. -
''Money?" Grace asked, sharply.
Eyes. money" was the surly re-
Spouse. 81 must have means to get to
headquarters, and I've a few debts
round here, which ought to be paid, Or
they'll say ran away to get rid of
them"
s.That they will, am certain" Miss
Ruth declared, with an air Of convic-
ton; land, besides, Grace, the poor
boy can not start with empty pockets. :"
Grace confessed that it would be very
disagreeable to do so, but offered no
suggestion out of the difficulty
'It would only cost a. matter of forty
dollars, and think, Grace, you would
say you were cheaply rid Of me at that
price. Why, the old gent himself would
Jump at the chance if you would only
ask him.
Grace shook her head despondently.
"Forty dollars!'' Miss Ruth calculated.
IT have not five available dollars in the
world What can the poor boy do,
Grace? You sit there like a wooden
doll, and say nothing '
''What can say?" the girl asked.
Now, Miss Ruth knew quite well that
her grand-niece possessed Il little store
that she had been accommodating tor
months, with the idea Of surprising the
minister with the present OF new
heavy overcoat for the winter, and she
was justly indignant at the young lady's
SO obtusely refusing to see the necessity
of devoting this sum to the exigencies
of James Lawson.
She was obliged to be more outspoken.
"Can't we borrow from that little
fund you have been boarding away ali
these weeks?" she asked, plumply.
Grace colored scarlet.
IF I was only sure he was really
going to enlist'-she said, with hest
tation.
won.
''Wish may die if I'm not, Grace"
he interrupted, greedily. lyon ask
Frank Besant if it amt all gospel
truth"
WELL she said, reluctantly, II sup
pose you must have it, and as she
opened a desk and handed him q silk
purse, she continued: There are only
thirty-two dollars; but it is all have. ;"
She gave it to him as ungraciously as
it was possible for her TO do any thing,
but he was not easily offended and took
it from her with many expressions OF
thankfulness.
She stayed his protestations with an
i1nperious wave Of her hand.
II suppose" she said, lit is just pos
sible that you may be sufficiently CRATE
full to desire to do something in return
for this?''
''Try me, Grace"
81 will If it ever Lies in your power
to serve Frank Besant, remem Der that
should consider this money well spent,
if you did your best for him. And, If
YOU will sometimes write me letter to
tell ME how he is prospecting, shall be
in your debt"
$50 help me Heaven" replied the
young nal1, solemnly, II will do all you
ask of ne.--and more, too, if the chance
occurs" and he said it SO heartily that
Grace forgot her prejudices sufficiently
to shake hands with him; for, having Sc
cured all he wanted, he was already
preparing to make lasty retreat.
Notone moment too soon, for, contrary
to all precedent, the minister came out
Of his room and peren1ptorily ordered his
women folk to bed in a tone that
brcoked no remonstrance.
ssThe idea of the tl1ing!" shifted Miss
>uth. but nevertheless preparing to
u oh.