The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-26
The Family Gold Piece.
PART III.

belief IN his high qualities. infinitely su-
perior to those of the men who distanced
him in the race. How they lived was one
Of those secrets which such poverty keeps
| 10 itself; they stiIl at least bore the out
ward marks of respec,abil.ty. but there
was eorroding care in the husbands
heart that was almost physically sickening
| at times. and made him harsh and un-
just TO the children To Lenore he was al
of her name seemed comfort and rest
The quick tears came TO her eyes many a
time at the note in MS voice.
She sympathized with him IN all the in
tuition of her divining love, and yet 0
irony of fate, she could not touch the
deepest hurt Of his soul. No woman guard
ed and shielded in the struggle can cam
prehend the burden a man carries who Is
the visible providence of his famly-the
merest chance acquaintance in like case
could give him more comprehending SYM
pathy than she.
They had searched the house over when
they moved 20 find the bright lucky-penny.
but without avail. Every week Alice ap-
peared with a fresh theory OF its loss.
which was always proved mistaken. IT was
astonishing what a difference its absence
made in the daily economies. and Nora
suiked for a whole week, because there
was no double eagle TO add 10 the slender
store of gifts on her birthday. Even Le-
more wept little to think that she could
not drop il into Johns stocking at Christ
mas. II had been associated hitherto with
every festal anniversary of their joint
lives.
1--WE shall find it some day" said Alice,
dauntlessly, on Christmas Eve. You
m rtS nv 0-1S rosn find
it yet, and when we do, the luck VIII
turn
1T is time" said Lenore, in allow voice.
John said his last chance went yester-
day"
Nora looked at Alice with scorn. You
don't know what you're talking Of said
she. IT'S going to be horrid Christmas,
and We never have new clothes any more,
and there isn't any money to buy coal, for
l heard papa say So"
Yes chmed in little Jack. ''and Nora
says we'll freeze, and freeze, and first my
toes will drop off, and then
Alice swooped down upon the child and
shook him.
Il am going to take your mother for a
walk TO get rid of you,'' she said. Mrs
Ferguson, / haven't had you all 10 myself
for months; hope you don't mind my be-
ing reduced to this old green gown again"
1T is a rather poverty-stricken garment"
said Lenore, smiling. 1T seems to be
changing its spots"
Alice regarded it critically. Il think l
shall be obliged to paint it over" sne said.
But do hurry and come out before the
sunlight goes away"
1t was a bright winter afternoon. Le-
more was very glad to be out; she did not
the air felt deliciously good to her. 1t was
crisp and clear, sle,gh-bells went jingling
by. fresh snow crunched under their feet,
and the two women laughed and chatted
merrly, although the shops flied with all
the festive parapherralia of Christmas Eve
brought a pang to IGNORES heart. Alice
had been to a dance the night before
And L never will go again." she said,
decidedly. 1T was all as nice as could
be, and L was glad to be asked, but dear
est, 1 am too tall for strangers to like me,
and it's no use your denying IL
You dance beautifully said Lenore
warmly, ''and you grow prettier every
day."
Alice shook her head with a whimsical
smile. You are my only admirer. 1 sat
in the corner all the evening. and (you need
not look so pityingly), l really did not care
at all. l had other things to think Of, my
picture, for instance. I've worked so hard
on it, and / begin to dream that it will be
a success. And then l thought OF you, DO
you mind riding a little way in this car
with me?'
1t was a cross-town car, and crowded |
The women took seats where they could
find them, separated by tall young fellow
in an ulster, who was occupied in getting
out his fare. They glanced across him at !
each other. but the look stopped midway, |
riveted on a coin which lay in his open
pocket-book. 1t was, twenty dollar gold !
piece with the initials L. F. on it. little |
cross below, and small dents in marking !
the surface irregularly. The eyes of Le- |
more and Alice met IN speechless inquiry |
and assent, and then Alice changed her |
place to her friends side and whispered.
1t could only be, it must only be. the |
coin they sought. Had 1t been lost or sto-
len on that fateful day when they had |
gone out together before? If he would on
ly show it again, Lenore tremi led in her |
seat; she felt it almost absurd t be so ag-
itated. They murmured all sotts of con-
lectures 10 each other, excitedly. you |
must speak to him." said Alice.
At that moment the young man rose, and |
pulled the strap: the car stopped, and he [
got otu, but Alice had rushed after him
He ran up the steps of a dwelling-house,
opened the door. and disappeared. with
Alice close behind: another second, and she
had disappeared also.
Half an hour later she entered the little
fat with glowing cheeks, and mien tri-
Imphant.
'Oh. tell mer' cried Lenore.
81 rushed after him-you saw me- When !
[ was inside the door I said. VIII you
kindly allow me TO look al a twenty-dollar
gold-piece? II is like one that a friend Of |
mine lost lately He looked at me so pc
,uarly that 1 felt in a moment that he
had stolen it, but for all answere he open
"a the purse and held the money out be-
.ween his thumb and finger. and 1 did not
say a word. but snatched it and slammed
ne door behind me. and ran. and I've run
nearly every inch of the way here. o. Mrs.
Ferguson. I've been just praying that /
night do something for you. and am so
zlad. Here IL is at last She threw the
yold-piece into LenoTe's lap.
The children raised a shout of rejoicing.
on. mamma, WHAT will you buy for u.s.
Ind she forbore 10 quiet them. The tears
,ame n her eyes: she could hardly see the
,oin, but Z; felt heavy IN her hand. il rang
rue. it was like money out % the sky;
ne passed 1t TO her lips and kissed it.
You are brave girl she said 70 Alice.
a brave girl. and love you, Perhaps this
s the beginning OF good fortune. who
,nows? See Herbert. it was yours last.
lear" She smiled divineiy with a tren-
,ling lip. Here IS where Nora Dit u first.
uch cunning little teeth as she had. |
md
She stopped short. and he. eyes diIated |
Alice"