Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-08-04
will talk this matter over again. "
CHAPTER XIV.
TWO QUIET YEAHs.

The three days following my entrance
into Mrs. Lawton's home were quiet,
restful ones, and but for the great dis
appointment that hung over my life
like a pail | would have been happy.
Mrs Lawton was kind and gentle in
the extreme, and from morning till
night she busted herself 10 add 10 my
comfort. Twenty times n day she
sought me out, In order 10 assure her
self that was well provided for in
whatever the house afforded that was
calculated 10 make my stay more pleas
ant.
| literally Toasted on the many good
books In the library, and the greater
part Of the three days ! spent there
I porting over tho volumes liked best
I felt that II I could only he privileged
TO enjoy that library for one long, I'M
interrupted month, I could ask for no
greater pleasure. The thought that the
three days would so soon pass, and that
then ! must give up my easy life and
the books. and take up n life OF work
again, made me sad, and almost count
ed the precious moments as they
slipped by.
1
Mrs. Lawton could have for me, and in
my anxiety 10 he informed on that
| point was several times very nearly
tempted TO ask. But I restrained my
curiosity, resolving 10 await her own
time and pleasure.
| The fourth day after my arrival, as we
arose from the breakfast table, Mrs
Lawton said TO me:
| "Comc TO my room, now, Agnes, and
we will come 10 final understanding,
| and decide what our relations arc TO be
for the future"
accompanied her, glad 10 know that
my future was 10 be explained, yet feel
ing little apprehension lest something
should transpire TO deprive me Of my
new home, 10 which was already
dearly attached. liked Mrs. Lawton
very much, and 10 part from her would
have been a source Of painful grief.
"Wcll, Agnes" she began, when she
was seated In her own room, with me at
her knees. "Are you ready TO decide
whether you wish TO remain with me or
not2"
~ decided that the first day was
here" replied.
"And you still wish to stay?" she
| queried.
Eyes, ma'am," answered, nothing
could please me better; and II you are
80 good AS TO keep me shall try my
very best TO please you and perform my
duties well and faithfully"
81 told you the other day." she said,
that ! am u queer woman; and ! sus-
poet you have found me so. Still, you
| do not know me now as you will when
you are here longer. Perhaps you had
| better take another week to decidc?"
mo, ma'am," | answered. ~ am
| ready TO answer now, and delay only
| makes me uneasy lest you should turn
me away. II you can give INC employ.
mcnt, AMI are disposed to do so, please
do not hesitate ON my account"
Every WELL" she replied. "If you
are satisfied, am, so you may consider
the matter settled"
| She rclapsed into silence, seemingly
having no more 10 say. waited some
time, then asked:
Mrs. Lawton, when am to begin
my duties?"
what duties?" she asked.
"Why, the duties you have employed
me to perform"
"Ah, now, suppose"
"Will you instruct me how to pro
ceed?" | questioned, rs she PAUSED
again.
"Why, you know that already" she
replied. IAN you have to do is to e
on as you have the past three days, ant
enjoy yourself as well as you can"
Am to have no worlS?' asked.
mo" she answered, 81 have moth
ing for you to do"
Then" said /, ~ have no right :,
stay. have no claim ON your charity
and, rather than be burden To anyone
| I'd prefer TO do any kind of work"
you're not going to he Il burden
Agnes" she replied; land there's M
charity In II. You want home and
friend, and want some one to keep IN,
company and make my life more cheer
full. We can each furnish that whicl
the other wants, and each Of us Is will
ing TO do so; and that Is all there Is o
II. A mutual exchange, with a balanc
in your favor. You give more than yol
receive"
NO" ! objected, you cannot decciv
mo that way. give nothing and re
ceive all"
you do not know what you give,
she said. "You do not know what you
presence is TO me. You remember
told you had taken a strange fancy I
you? will tell you now why;
81 once had daughter about you
age. My husband died when she wa
small, and from that time she was m
only companion and friend. My famil
disowned me when ! married, an
treated me with such GOODNESS that
never sought reconciliation. So fo