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

III earnest COnclaVe IN MIS-. DalZ"ll llttle
parlor they represented vastly ditferer' I
styles and characteristics Mrs. Dalzell
pale, faded. woful and wearied looking
and looking so perfectly the proud lady
she had always been--proud, despite the
painness of her little house and the
shabbiness Of her widows weeds.
Miriam Dalzell the eldest daughter as
beautiful as a dream, with her exquisite
Greek features and a complexion like un
summed snow, with her magnificent black
eyes that always were beautiful, whether
languid and dreamy or haughtily ques
tioning, with her wealth of blue black
hair that crowned her like coronet.
She had always been regarded as n
beauty, and had always been the reign
ing belle in the town where they lived i;
but now, when Mr.. DalzelFs death had
been the cause of their being obliged TO
leave their pleasant home and occupy o
suit Of apartments, when they suddenly
discovered that, instead of a large.
ample income, they would be obliged tt
use the closest economy to at all manage
on the pitiable little sum that was left
them-then Miriam's belleship fled from
her and she took her beauty, her grace,
her high toned, elegant tastes, and her
hauteur with her into an obscurity that
was agonizing to be endured
Then, sitting little apart from either
mother or sister, was Lily, Mrs. Dalzelrs
youngest child-Lily, as unlike her sister
as it was possible for her to be. unless was
excepted the vein of pride that ran in al.
the Dal2ells, but which in Liy's case was
of different quality from Miriam's, a
quality that. while in Miriam it made
her excessively haughty, exclusive, reti-
cent, and vain, in Lily was dignity, strict
womanly truthfulnesss, and elevation OF
character.
No one ever thought of calling Lily
pretty; she was too slight, too petite.
She was neither blonde nor brunette,
therefore was not noticeable for personal
characteristic.
Her complexion was fair and soft as
rose petals, her eyes were tenderly gray
intelligent. amiable, and frank in their
expression, and her hair was of chestnut
brown; but her mouth was exquisite-so
girlishly lovely wi i its proudly curved
lips, red as spray of moistened coral,
with even, milkwhite teeth showing be-
comingly when she laughed, and with
distracting dimple in her left cheek.
The fourth of this quartet was Mrs.
DalzeIl's brother Hiram, who had been
very averse to his sisters marriage with
Courtney Dalzell. and who had never
seen or communicated with his sister
during all the years of her married life
until when Mr.. Dalzell had died he had
sent word to know if he could be of any
service to his sister or her children.
Then knowing her brother was very
rich and perfectly able to do great things
for either of her girls-or both, for that
matter-Mrs Dalzell had written accept
ing his proffer, with large hopes based on
his coming
And he had come and had seen to the
settlement of his brother in laws affairs,
and, now that the widow and her two
daughters were settled down in their
comfortable, plain little suit of rooms and
Hiram Wingate was to return home on
the next day, the final family talk was at
hand, introduced by Mrs. Dalzell herself.
And now, Hiram, what about the
grls?"
"Yes-about the girls. I've been think.
ing it over considerably. and I've come
to three conclusions, any one of which
will agree to put into effect.
Miriam dropped her long lashed lids and
her beautiful eyes, for Hiram looked di-
rectly at her, and, in spite of herself, her
heart throbbed as she thought perhaps he
had decided to make her his heiressi
Why not, surely?
Hiram went on:
"Of course take it that you girls, be
tween you, intend to let your mother
have an easy life Of it. At any rate, be-
tween you, you ought to be well able tc
take care of her now when she is getting
along in years and further enfeebled by
trouble, Miriam, you indorse that"
And Miriam, with magnificent visions
of future elegance for herself, out Of
which she should supply her mother, as
sented, i'll her lovely, graceful way.
Good. Now, first of my suggestions
is that Miriam take position l can get
for her-right here at home, too-sales-
woman in one of your first class estab.
lishments.
Had a thunderbolt fallen at Miriam's
feet she could have been hardly less
startled.
II 20 behind counter and sell-goods!
Oh, uncle!"
Her delicate ivory cheeks flushed pain
fully.
And why not-you?"
Miriam looked at her mother, who
compressed her lips-perhaps partly from
a good intention to keep down her indig-
nation that such an offer should be made
to her queenly, beautiful daughter who
had never done a days work in her life
perhaps because of her offended pride
Il hardly think Miriam suited to such
occupation, Hiram. She has been brought
up like lady, you neust remember"
Hiram frowned.
Then am to understand that your
theory is that to earn ones living de-
Gently and honestly is to be-not lady!"
Mrs. Dalzell tluttered her pale, thin
hands as if torn by her conflicting desires
to maintain her.dignity and yet not affront
this rich brother of hers, who might do
such glorious things if he only would.
Il really think you should not blame
Miriam, Hiram. You must remember
she has been educated with a view Of
something better in life than the drudgery
of working for wages, her manner and
appearance protest against it"
Hiram gave almost growl, SO en-
phrticalIy he asDiratpd "humnh Z"