Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-01-09

Lily lalu down Stflp OF running her
deft fingers were hemming and drew her
low hassock nearer her uncles and lis
tened for what he should propose.
He looked down at her kindly, almos,
tenderly-this little niece who was sc
like the Wingates that it was difficult for
him to realize she was Dalzell, and who
-somehow-taken the hold on his
affections that Miriam had so desired for
herself-that Lily herself had no idea she
had accomplished.
well, little gray eyes, if you are no.
ashamed of earning your own living
can give you your choice of two stu
ations. One is that of assistant fore.
woman in the factory on Edgehill street,
and the other-well, l suppose your siste,
and your mother will regard it as dis.
gracefully menial-but, if you should
ask my opinion, l should say it was the
best offer of the three 1t is that of
sort of companion and-well-assistam
to an elderly lady"
Miriam gave little refined Cry of hor
ror, Mrs. Dalzell held up her hands 10
dismay, while both spoke simultaneously
Hiram, how can you?"
"Oh, uncle!"
Lily kept her bright eyes on his face.
go on, uncle, please | agree with
you that the latter is the best position,
and if you will tell me further about it,
and think l could fill it, will take it. "
Hirams face relaxed into beaming
smile.
Sensible girl see there's Wingate
stuff in you"
Mrs. DalzelI sent a Mortified glance
across the room to her.
Lilly! Is it possible?"
Miriam's voice rose in emphatic indig.
nation.
Lily Dalzell :"
Hiram nodded approvingly.
Let her alone; she's right. 1t will
be good place for her, where her duties
will not be too heavy and her wages
good. l know the old lady, and III
guarantee she'll be kind. Well, Lily.
what do you say to it? Shall it be hones'
independence or rubbing on as you've
been dOing?"
"Tll go gladly, uncle. 1 am moi
ashamed to work for my living, and be-
sides, only think how much help my
wages will be at home! I have enough
clothes to last me, mamma, for several
months, at least, and / will send you
nearly all l get. Only think, mamma.
how nice it will be for you"
Lily's cheeks were glowing, and hel
gray eyes deepened almost to black.
YOU'RE the sort, Lily! Now can you
he up and off early in the morning: Be-
cause, if you'll take the same train with
me, Til see you safe in your new place
and introduce you to Mrs. Marion-that's
her name. f."
Of course it was all settled that even.
ing that Lily should go-or rather Lily
settled it herself, for Mrs. Dalzell ano
Miriam did little else after Hiram had
gone to his hotel but bemoan Lily's want
of pride and berate Mr.. Wingates dis,
gusting stinginess.
ITO think he should dare TO offer to
put you in such positions, when he HIM
self rolls in riches, the stingy curmudgeon,
if l must say it! !"
And Miriam's beautiful eyes grew
moist with tears as she echoed her moth
er's bitter invective.
The idea of my standing behind Fergu.
sons counter
But Lily held her peace and packed her
little trunk, and the next morning, bright
and early, was off to her new, untried
position.
1t was late in the afternoon when the
carriage Hiram had taken for them at
the station stopped before an imposing
mansion on wide, aristocratic looking
avenue.
Lily looked up at the rows of plate
glass windows hung with rich lace drap-
. cries, at the elegant boxes of flowers
inside them, at the large square vestibule
paved with blocks of colored marble, at
the massive inner doors of walnut, with
glass panels draped with lace, with huge
silver knobs, and a feeling almost of awe
came over her.
"Oh, uncle, Mrs. Marion does not live
here? I'll never be able to suit her
never"
Hiram smiled encouragingly as he led
her up flight of stone steps,
You'll find Mrs. Marion very easy to
get along with, indeed. All, Titus, just
show us into the reception room, will
you, and tell your mistress we're here !"
for tall, liveried footman had opened
the door and bowed to Mr. Wingate re-
spectfully.
1t was perfect little bijou of room
into which Lily was ushered-an octago-
nal room, with windows draped in blue
satin and lace alienation, with blue
and white velvet carpet on the floor and
furniture so odd and magnificent that
Lily wondered if it was for actual use.
"Oh, uncle, it's just like fairy land,
isn't it?"
Her delighted, awe struck whisper
amused him and he was laughing to his
hearts content when stout, comfort
able, elderly lady came into the room,
with lovely gray puffs of hair and wear
ing beautiful steely pearl silk dress.
Hiram, my dear am SO glad you're
back again And this is one of poor
Mary's girls, is it?"
marion, my dear am SO glad to be
home. Yes, this is Lily Dalzell, our
niece Lily, kiss your auntie, my dear.
And. bewildered, Lily obeyed, while
Hiram laughed and explained it all
You see, l was determined I'd bring
one of YOU home, and Marion and | ar
ranged the little test before l went. We
earned our money by hard work and
economy, and we didn't want anybody
to enjoy it who was too fine to follow our
example. So, you see, Lily, my dear,