People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-12-27


looks so proud. like queen, more than
like bread-winner.
Rosa, try to look unconcerned,
chow is the sick girl?"
Shall | inquired" says the good old
soul, with glad ring in her voice.
And without waiting for an answer,
she hurries from the room. and | hear
her speak in a subdued voice to some
one outside. She returns to tell me it
is the doctor, who has just gone in to
prescribe for The invalid.
Tell him to come and see me. Rosa.
when he comes out"
Something has lighted up her dear
old face, and her eyes look kindly into
mine, but she talks little. | am less
lonesome when look at her, for she
loves her cranky master. | know.
Presently the doctor is ushered into
my library. ! find that he is an ac-
quaintance of mine.
How is the INVALID"
she has pneumonia. but | am glad
to see slight change for the better
tonight
Thank God" | say with a profound
ly sincere accent.
Il did not know you were acquainted
with them
Poor girls. / do not know them. but
am sorry for the poor sufferer"
The sufferer, as You call her, is the
least to be pitied. The older one is a
heroine. | knew her in Florence.
when she was still the mucu-sought
daughter of the rich banker Casanova.
He had second wife and a little girl
by this second marriage. Do You re-
member her complete ruin? 1t was
followed by his death. His wife be-
came an invalid from sorrow. and Miss
Casanova. left with two helpless peo-
pie on her hands. sought in vain for
paying work. Florence attracted her.
and she decided to try a place where
no one knew of her former life. She
began at the very beginning. living a
life of sacrifice, but soon reaching a
better position by her industry and in
telligence. The mother died. blessing
the faithful heart. sure that the deli
cate child left in her sisters care would
be safe. Yes. she has been safe. and
shall spare no trouble to cure her"
And these are the women | wanted
to send away"
| thanked the doctor. and begged
him to let me know if could do any
thing for my dodgers. Then. under a
sudden impulse, confessed to the doe
tor my heartlessness. and the story of
the ambulance, and how had deeply
regretted my behavior. Would Miss
Casanova ever forgive me?
The doctor looked almost severe. and
rising he said: Try and make amends
by leaving the two ladies from this
time unmolested. "
He said good-by without much cor
diality.
The next day bouquet was brought,
of beautifully fresh cut-roses. 1t was
intended for my friends down stairs.
but sent it to Miss Casanova. 1t
came back with regrets. The per-
fume might hurt the sick sister"
A proud girl, Miss Casanova. l
never asked after them, but | allowed
Rosa to give me news, which she did
so discreetly that it seemed quite her
own wish to inform me, while | was
really thinking of nothing else all day.
A summons came to me from down.
stairs, but pleaded bad cold and ate
my lonely dinner with gusto, to the
high delight of Rosa, who could hardly
believe it to be true.
The invalid became better daily. New
Years eve arrived, and | heard that all
danger was past, as if it were of a near
and dear relative. Rosa was the bearer
of the good news. Then she confesses
that she has carried the sick young
lady every day some broth, chicken, or
mutton, also beef tea. To-day she has
broiled little leg of chicken. listen,
then | jump up.
And she has not refused?" | break
out. Not refused? She has accepted,
ROSa?"
Yes, sir, and to-day. as she has gone
to take some work to the shop. sat
with the dear, sweet, young lady, in
order that she might not be left alone. ="
"0h, you dear good Rosa Then
you, you have softened the cruelty of
your maSter?"
Somehow | do not care now to be
alone. OF course send an excuse for
my absence from the New Year dinner
of my old friend. | enjoy better eat
ing by myself.
A year has gone! Where is the poor,
lonely, tolerated bachelor? Alas. he
is no more.
He sits gravely, happy husband
and mods joyfully at Rosa as she an
nOunces dinner.
Doctor, your arm to Miss Casanova.
and take her in to dinner"
Miss Casanova is a dainty. delicate
little damsel. for the other Miss Casa
nova is my own sweet wife. She has
forgiven me!
Rosa, all smiles. stands in the door.
really believe she is as happy as we
are.