The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-05-22

"sTwo dollars. And there are just
fifteen yards in the piece.
"Can you not put it by for me? L
am going to work here only long
enough to earn that dress. shall be-
able to pay for it in six weeks"
He knew the girls mama and social
position and was willing to oblige her.
ST will. if possible. Miss Maturin.
must speak to the manager first"
Before she went home that evening
she had the satisfaction of seeing the
piece of blue brocade set aside for her.
Her aunt and Letha exclaimed at the
fact of her having sought and found
work.
81 know there is some reason back
of it," declared Mrs Risby; +'but you
are such a sensible little thing, Tessie,
1 can trust you"
The story of the girl who was work.
ing to earn handsome dress got out
in the store. It finally came to the
ears of Mr.. Willis Vifquaine.
''Miss Maturinl remember she used
to come to our house before I went to
college. The old fellow left the chill
dren penniless, I understand. Tho
girl promised to be rare beauty"
And he took the first opportunity Of
walking by the lace counter, with "a
view of renewing his youthful acs
quaintance.
There was quite autter along the
aisles at the unusual visit of tho
handsome young proprietor of the
great esta blishment.
''Miss Maturin?" he questioned,
pausing at the lace counter, and looks
ing vainly for a yellow-haired beauty.
81 am Tessic Maturin,'' replied the
little maiden addressed
He lifted his hat.
SIT must be your sister whom 4
reeollect- She was very fair. My
name is Willis Vifquaine."
Tessie turned rosy, and let him hold
her soft fingers moment.
ST remember you now, though I was
very young when you went away"
MAY call2" he questioned eagerly.
''My aunt and Letha would be very
happy to have you do So" she ans
wered.
He did call several times to the
satisfaction of Letha. Tessie noticed
how impressed he was by her extra
ordinary charms.
s'He is the only man ever-saw who,
was good enough for her." she assured
herself, trying to ignore persistent
little ache at her heart .t'And when
he sees her in the blue brocade-"
Her idea of his absolute subjugation
at sight of such vision could not be
expressed in words. At the close of
her sixth week of faithful work Tessie
rendered her resignation, paid for the
blue brocade, and went home in
triumph with the precious parcel
under her arm. She flew into the
house, and laid it in Letha's hands.
''Now, you shall go in style to the
inn Of he 1r1b
avowed Tessie.
Letha kissed her, and said she was the
dearest sister in the world, and that
she would remember and repay the
kindness when she was queening ID
at Rosemere. Whereat Tessie ran off
to her own room, and there shed a
few absurd tears. The eventfu1 night
came. q Letha was a superb picture
in the blush, si1very gown, water.
lilies at her bosom, and her mothers
diamonds in her hair. Tessie would
have thought herself fully repaid as
she sailed away, if it were not for a
fiercely-fought fancy that seemed to
her disloyal
About IL o'clock, when she was put
ting fresh bows on etha's slippers.
and her aunt dozed in the corner, a
ring came at the bell Tessie opened
it. Mr.. Vifquaine, his unbuttoned
macintosh displaying elaborate
evening attire. walked in.
f'Oh!'' gasped Tessie, ''I thought
you were at the dancel''
81 was. And saw your sister in
the gown you worked to get for her.
I supposed you were earning that for
yourself, Tessie. She looked mag
nificent. But 1 found the affair a
bore, because the girl I loved WASN'T
there"
Not one word could Tessie utten
She was conscious that her house
gown must look shabby to him after
the grand dresses at the club; and
that her hair, which had looseneds
was tumbling around her shoulders
'sShe is here,'' he went on, looking
down upon her, quizzically, tenderlys
''Wwonder,' taking her In his arms
elf she will give me a kiss, and sayV
Il love you'll"
And Tessie-happy little TessiOi-
did both.