The DeLamar nugget. [volume] (DeLamar, Idaho) 1891-1900, 1897-04-02
A HOPELESS CASE.
BY CLARA NIULHOLLAND.

lad way with me just now, and it will
be great expense"
eve must make sacrifices sometimes
for the sake of our children, James," re-
piled his wife, severely. 81 wonder you
could hesitate for moment"
"Do you? Well, don't, and can't sec
the necessity for such a move. Why
shouldn't the girls be happy at home?
Why should they require a season in
London? What good vii, it 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, chow 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. pin
my faith on opportunity"
well, 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 20 and 90. 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 Madge, too. Well, you
do look far ahead. The child is barely
49,"
60" with 3 quick decision. "she is
hopeless case. A plain girl like Madge
is as well in the country as in town.
Fate or opportunity would do little for
her. But the others are different"
Every" he said, grimly. $50 you
would not take Mahge 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"
at would be q, 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 l
will be very happy together"
"She was always your favorite; so
it's good thing you are not likely to
lose her"
Yes" thoughtfully, land yet. if any
one came to know her and her sweet,
bright nature, he"
Don't be afraid. Sweet natures
dom t count for much nowadays. Beau
~ or money is n necessity. AS Madge
has neither"
Poor little girl. Then the love of
her old father must suffice. When do
you think OF going?"
AT once" Mrs. Waddilove cried, re-
jo:ced to find him give in 20 ensily.
Lady Grantley has ball on Thursday,
Mrs. Townley one on the following
Monday, and more arc sure to turn up.
As soon us Miriam ard Salira are seen
invitations will pour in. They will
both be engaged before the end of the
season, OF that am certain"
II.
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. Waddiloye ard her two handsom
Miriam and Selma, had bee
gone some six weeks, and as yet SHOWED
10 signs of returning. Madcc and hc'
father had grown accustomed to thel.
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-lcok sisters, Madge had been
shy, quiet ard reserved. But alone with
her dear old father, whom she adored.
the gayety OF her heart asserted ltsei'
her whole nature expanded, and she be-
came what she had never been before
a merry, laughing, bewitehing little
with such a pair of dancing dark
eyes, and such n bright, happy iaee.
who could call my Madge PLAIN?
thought her father one day as he
watched her fit backwards ard 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 | 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 peeh al.
accident. just at The gate-a gentleman
thrown from his bicycle by a"
Dear me, dear me, is he hurt? cried
the old man, starting up. 80.
I'm afraid, sir, he's sprained MS
ankle. He seemed in pain"
HE must come in, Madge," he called.
'AIadge, get the vinegar, bandages;
there has been an accident. I'm gong
10 bring the man in. Get everything
ready."
yes" answered Madge, and laying
lside her roses, she ran into the mousse