The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1897-03-19
A HOPELESS CASE.
BY CLARA MULHOLLAND.

We must make sacrifices sometimes
for the sake of our children, James, - re
piled his wife, severely. Il wonder You
could hesitate for a moment"
do you? Well, don't, and / can't see
the necessity for such a move. Why
shouldn't the girls be happy at home?
Why should they require season in
London? What good will il do them ~
Had | not spent those two months in
town with Aunt Susan long ago. James,
I'd never have met YOU"
"Humph," he grunted, "how do you
know? You were my fate I'd have
met you somehow"
Mrs. Waddilove shrugged her shoul-
ders and smiled; then, folding her
arms upon her lap, sighed heavily.
I'm not a believer in fate. l pin
my faith on opportunity"
We'll, who knows, an opportunity
may arise"
Here? In this quiet country place,
where no man comes from year end to
year end? Impossible. Miriam and
Selma are % and % They are pretty,
fair, attractive girls, but their youth
is passing, and if they go on as they are
doing, they must live and die unknow
and unsought. We shall have three old
maids to provide for
Poor little Mahge, too. Well, You
do look far ahead. The child is barely
IS"
90" with a quick decision, "she Is a
hopeless case. \ plain girl like Madge
is as we'll in the country as in town.
Fate or opportunity would do little for
her. But the others are different"
Very" he said, grimly. so you
would not take Madge to London?'
"Of course not. She will keep house
and look after YOU
Yet she would enjoy the theaters
and the various sights. At IS"
1T would be "a waste of money to
take Madge, and she is quite happy at
home"
He smiled, and the expression of his
face changed; his eyes grew soft and
tender.
Thank God, yes. And Madge and
will be very happy together
She was always your favorite; 50
it's good thing you are not likely tn
lose her.
Yes" thoughtfully, land Vet, if any
one came to know her and her sweet,
bright nature, he"
Don't be afraid Sweet natures
don't count for much nowadays. Beau
" or money is necessity. As Madge
has neither"
Poor little girl. Then the hove of
her old father must suffice When do
you think of going?"
AT once" Mrs. Waddilove cried. re
joiced TO find him give in so easily.
81 4lx h.. l.
Mrs. Townley one on the following
Monday, and more are sure to turn up.
As soon as Miriam and Salina are seen
invitations will pour in. They will
both be engaged before the end of the
season, of that | am certain"
H.
The Manor house was flooded with
sunshine Every window was wide
open, and every room full of the scent
Of roses, the perfume of new mown hay
Mrs. Naddilove and her two handsome
daughters, Miriam and Selma. had been
gone some six weeks, and as Yet showed
no signs of returning Madge and her
father had grown accustomed TO their
absence, and felt no very strong desire
10 see them come back. They were the
best of friends. these two, and perfectly
happy in each others society.
In the presence of her mother and her
good-looking sisters, Madge had been
shy, quiet and reserved. But alone with
her dear old father. whom she adored
the gayety of her heart asserted Itself,
her whole nature expanded, and she be
came what she had never been before
a merry, laughing, bewitching little
maiden.
with such pair of dancing dark
eyes, and such a bright, happy face,
who could call my Madge plain?"
thought her father one day as he
watched her fit backwards and for
wards among the roses. But I'm glad
she did not go to London. Somehow,
the world might rub OFF the bloom
bring sorrow to her loving little heart
and L want her to be happy always
Across the lawn came one of the gar
deners in hot haste.
IF you please, sir he said, pausing
in front of his master, there's been an
accident, just at the gate-a gentleman
thrown from his bicycle by "a
Dear me, dear me, IL he huTt?" cried
the old man, starting up.
I'm afraid, sir, he's sprained his
ankle. He seemed IN pam.
He must come in, Madge," he called
"Madge, get the vinegar, bandages;
there has been an accident. I'm going
10 bring the man in. Get everything
ready"
Yes" answered Madge, and laying
aside her roses, she ran into the house
Ill.
Three weeks later Madge strolled be
meath the lime trees, a tall, fair man by
ber side.
You are walking better to-day" she
said. Il think your ankle Is almost
we'll"
He sighed and dug his stick into the
sward.
Il fear So"
Madge laughed merriIy- How un-
grateful! And surely sprained ankle
is not pleasant thing?"
1T has been a piece of real good for
tune to me-" he replied, earnestly. for
through il / made the best friends ]
ever had--you and your father"
I'm glad you think SO, and | assure
you looking up with a bright. sweet
glance, father and feel ii was lucky
accident for Us, Gilbert. We have had
a pleasant time since you came To us
And l? o. Madge, if you could only
realize what il has been for me- Since
nv father and mother died. when was
nine Is years ago, 1 have known little
but loneliness; and L came down to the
Warren for the first time since 1 came
of age, never guessing the delightful
neighbors L should find there. That
evening l went out on my bicycle to
while away an hour, when luck, in the
shape of a clumsy van boNlesl me over