Omaha daily bee., 1896-10-25

than / can. III take the eggs to cook. and
you come in"
Victoria End the girls were great friends
so she sat on the edge OF chair. looking
eXpectantly at the door. her cheeks dimpline
and her eyes shining.
Presently in rushed two little maids who
dashed al her with big hug.
20, here's our dear Victoria" they cried
Just In time for our tea party"
What do you think Victoria ." said
Evelyn, 'PBpa has all Of the old part Of
the house upstairs made into the biggest
/ loVeliest play room YOU ever saw while We
were gone. so We wouldn't miss mother
quit so much" she added. with a little
sob, hiding her face on Victoria's neck
Victoria knew-she had an ache in her
heart' too, for the dear father, that even
hard work, and her never falling cheerful
ness could not entirely deaden But in 4
minute she remembered her errand
Can ] see your father do you think"
she asked It's SO needful ! should, you
see, She continued.
Evelyn pRtted the cheek nearest her
/ Yes, III ask him. and then ! tell you
what. you come up afterwards, and we will
give you some truly tea"
out OF a truly brass teakettle, with
really steam coming OUT OF its cunning
nose" finished Harriet
Victoria laughed
I'D love 10 come better than anything,
she said, IF the storm won't come soon
anu llEuten Molly.
So they all went along the beautiful hall
TO the library door, which Evelyn softly
entered, leaving Victoria on the threshold
A FRIEND INDEED.
II was dark with the coming storm. but
Mr. Marcus, sitting al his writing table
touched button that flooded the room
with electHc light.
What iE 1t, Evelyn" he asked; what
DO you want. dehr2"
20 papa" said Evelyn, going up 10 his
side do you remember Victoria our veg
etahle girl. that We told you about? She
used to bring US such good vegetables and
lei us drive behind Molly, her horse. Some
times Albert, her brother. came, and some
times she, Rnd-and-mother liked them
same as we did. and always bought their
thanss she wants TO see you, papa dear"
10 see me- said MIR Marcus surprised.
Yes. dear, and then she's coming up
stairs to have tea with US" So EVELYN
ana harriet raced up stairs 10 get ready
Tor their guest, while Victoria stood for
ward much scared and a little blinded
win the light My father was Hener-,
Hobbs, sir. she said, with a funny little
courtesy. and he said you were his friend"
she BEGAN.
Hobbs" said MIR. Marcus after a min
ute. Yes, yes. of course: he was our por-
ter at the Office and bought his little place
OF us. Yes indeed ! remember him well.
ne uiu mt Il great service once. Is he
ill@ he asked.
Dead. sir" said Victoria, her round
chin quivering fast. And we are be'ind
with the money and the firm ave said
we must pay or go. We will pay in time.
sir, every cent but now we cannot AT once,
but VIII do II as soon as we can"
Mr.. Marcus face was troubled you
know. Victoria, ] have had trouble, too.
he began. and she nodded her head with
quick sympathy. III ! had been at the
once this would never have happened !
had great respect for your father: he was
honest az the sun. and he probably saved
my life once"
Victoria looked up with a start.
Illd ne never tell you about il? Well
thAt was like him, poor young fellow.
whom we had been obliged TO discharge
came into the Ofhee one night when / was
az supposed alone there, and demanded
money al the point OF the pistol Bur your
father hearing his voice. came softly in and
seizing the fellow from behind bore him 10
the hour. ] tried 10 get Hobbs 10 accent A
deed OF gift of his place after that. bur he
would not, he asked me TO be q friend 10
hif family II they needed one, though ana !
am afraid have, in my own trouble forgot
ten this, but am glad you came 10 me INV
Gear. Now. 30 upstairs with the children