Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-08-04

SSAI " oAoSA
~ eyed, curly
haired, rogueish faced girl OF seven
teen, who worked in one OF the big Ken
sington factories, walked into the
kitchen, swinging her dinner basket in
her hand and humming merry tune.
eyes, dear mother, it is l." said the
girl, as she kissed the wrinkled face OF
the hard worked woman.
"I'm glad you've come" said Mrs.
Kane, glancing admiringly down into
her daughters pretty face. "NIr. Mer-
GER is in the front room. He's been
waiting tor you for about two hours
and Lizzie sinking her voice, CHEFS
had long talk with your father, in
which lie said that he loved you
and wanted to make you his wife.
I'm sure it almost took my breath
away when your father told me a bout
it, for he's got a good business and
owns lots OF property besides. He
told your father that as soon as you
were his wife he'd satisfy the mort
gage on this house and make us COM
Portable for the balance OF our lives.
Lord knows, it will seem strange
enough to rest, for I've seen nothing
but work since was a chit OF girl,
and I've grown old before my time,
trying to make ends meet. Now put,
on your gingham dress and 60 in to
see him. He is in the front room.
Mrs. Kane paused suddenly and
stepped back with a startled cry, for,
happening to glance at her daughters
face she saw such a marvellous change
in its expression that she grew alarm.
ed
Now, Lizzie" she continued,
"don't fret me and say you won't doit,
for I've got a raging headache, and a
little more excitement will drive me
crazy. l am sure it's not much that
your pa and ask you to do. You
ought to be willing to make some
sacrifices for our sakes."
~ am" answered Lizzie, and the
hard lines in her face softened; "I'm
willing to work early and late for
you, but when you ask me to marry
q man whom l hate it is too
much"
There, there" began Mrs. Kane. 1
knowed you'd only have one OF your
tantrums as soon as told you Of
your good fortune, but you father
would go to the saloon and leave me
to face it ALL" and sinking into q
chair she threw her apron over her
head and began sobbing and crying
and rocking herself back and
forth in a manner suggesting hys-
terra.
$50 father has gone to the saloon
again, after promising me to remain
away. said Lizzie, and her eyes
snapped.
"lt's because he's in trouble" apol-
ogized the mother, wiping her eyes.
"Ii ou'd only marry Mr.. Mercer and
lift US out OF our poverty, your pa
would be a different man."
II doubt it," muttered Lizzie; and
then, speaking loud, said: "Well,
won't marry Mr.. Mercer-that settles
it. Marry him? III go out and beg
first" and, selling her shawl and hat
quickly donned them before her moth.
e. could interfere, rushed out OF the
door, and had reached the end OF the
alley before that lady could get to the
gate.
That girl will be the death OF me-
Mrs. Kane moaned, re-entering the
kitchen, and then rolling down the
sleeves OF her faded calico dress she
smoothed her hair and walked into
the front room, where Mr.. Isaac Mer-
Ger, lat pudgy man OF fifty, with a
smooth and very red face and bald
head, sat vacantly staring at the big
pattern in the cheap ingram carpet.
Rather haltingly she apologized for
her daughter a bsence, saying that the
latter would not be home until late,
having to do overwork at the mill,
and Isaac Mercer LETT, promising to
call on the morrow.
Lizzie meanwhile proceeded toward
the saloon which her therfrequented.
She was Obliged to cross the railroad
to reach the place, and she stopped
at the littlesignal station, where she
knew Charlie Hancock, the telegraph
operator, was at work.
Charlie was the particular friend Of
. Ned Howell, brakeman on the rail
road who thad been Lizzie's lover
since they were children together, and
whom she lhad promised to marry
when he should have saved enough to
give her home. a~s,.. -.
"Charley," she said, tapping on the
window to attract his att ention twill
fifty-three be down to night"
At the sound of her voice Charlie
raised his head from his work, and
catching sight OF the girls pretty face,
sprang to his feet.
sGreat Scott, Lizzie. Is it your
was his ejaculation, ana then, with
Z out meaning to be harsh r,cruel, hs