Evening journal., 1892-01-07
amy. ~of course, III put on one OF

Fanny. "Of course. III put on one OF
your aprons"
When George Henderson returned from
his errand he heard some one singing
cheerily ia the kitchen. He stepped in and
saw his niece ironing away as deity as If
she had spent the best part Of her life at
it. She made such a pretty picture that he
stood still and looked at her.
"How do you do, uncleY" twinkle of
merriment in her brown eyes; then she
went and kissed him, standing on tiptoe
to do so.
"pm glad you've come, Fanny" he said
with heartiness. Il suppose Matte ex-
planned why did not meet You at the sta
tion2 But why are you ironingi Where's
MATTER"
.she is lying down, uncle. She fell and
sprained her ankle"
Mr.. Henderson stepped into the sitting
room, look of concern on his face.
"Why, dear, how did this happen"
"Oh, how does anything happen, she re-
piled, little querulously. Through my
own awkwardness no doubt. | almost
tainted, the pain was 50 great"
docs it pain you now, dear'"
II am glad 10 say that It doesn't"
am battle II in sugar Of lead water" be
said. "There isn't anything better"
Fanny has already done that replied
the wife. 1T was her own suggestion"
ooh" calculated Mr.. Henderson, with
Increasing appreciation OF his niece.
"And she insists upon ironing. A pretty
mess she'll make Of IT,"
"Well. maybe not, Mr.. Henderson said
in quiet tone. II watched her little
while Matte, you are good ironer, but
she is your equal"
"Oh, nonsense, Goorgei'' exclaimed his
WIFE "Reared in the city, as she has
beenn--
Didn't necessarily make her a lazy,
silly, novel reading imbecile," interrupted
her husband perhaps we haven't been
just TO Fanny. ! think she is a solid, en-
ergetic, capable sort Of a girl, and it is
lucky that she came
"Well hope il may prove SOL doubt
ingly rejoined his wife George, there's
the butterlp
am churn that" he said "We'lI get
along. just you keep your mind at ease
You will get about much sooner il you
do"
Fanny Atwood prepared dinner, now
and then slipping into the sitting room to
wet the bandage and to chat in her CHEEKY
way with her patient.
On the third day Mrs. Henderson was
, able to hobble to the kitchen, where she
found everything in most excellent order.
Look at my currant jelly" Fanny
proudly said, as she held up one Of the
glass jars to the light. 1t was translucent
and bright as ruby tinted wine.
ut is very nice" Mrs. Henderson said
"How much sugar did you takeY"
Pound for pound" replied Fanny. II
wasn't extravagant, was II"
you were wise" her aunt said with a
smile.
She opened the door leading into the eel
lar
Fanny, did you whitewash the stair
wayp" she asked, in surprise.
eyes, auntie. It needed it. knew you
meant to do it.. for saw you had Stacked
the lime. Isn't it nicely donef"
I Every nicely" Mrs. Henderson said.
"But IL wasn't right for you to do It..
Surely your hands,
Look at them," Fanny said laughing.
"They are as white and soft as any lady's.
I put gloves on, and then have a sort OF
dainty way Of working l can do it we'll
without pitching into it all over. have a
knack, as mother calls il. II it was right
for you to whitewash the cellar way, II
was right for me TO whitewash it, ! came
here to help you and to spare you; to ride
the horses, to go TO the mill with Uncle
George, and TO make myself useful and
welcome. II you are not going to let me
work, or have any fun, III 60 right back
TO New York"
She spoke with voluable earnestness, her
gestures rapid, her dimples dancing.
Mrs. Matte Henderson sat down in a
chair and cried.
"Why, aunt, what is the matter?" asked
Fanny, her brown eyes widening. hope
didn't say anything to'-
mo, dear, you didn't" replied Mrs. Hen
derson in a broken voice. II am crying
because am ashamed of myself-because
l have been so unkind to you in my
thoughts / supposed that you would an
noy me and hinder me; that you would
be helpless. selfish, fault finding; that
you"-
"But you think more kindly Of me now
do you notW interrupted Fanny, her hands
moving caressingly over her aunt's hair.
"Most certainly do replied Mrs. Hen
derson explosively. 'That is why con
fess my injustice-why / want to make
amends why u
{ Don't mind Il, aunty," said the sweet
! forgving, sympathetic voice. Il dom
censure you, aud its all right now. Their,
{ may be-and, in fact, there are-listless
frivolous, helpless girls in citics-but an
not one Of them. If l was l am afraid
. would despise myself"
y am glad you have come, Fanny, and
D will be sorry when you 60" Mrs. Hender
I son said, and she meant It. my prelu
{ dices misled me, and have been taugh
9 lesson. Hereafter I'll not be so hasty il
I estimating people, especially before hav
u -. Il