Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1897-09-10

That is what Mrs. Marchmunt said
one bright summer morning, lingering
in the doorway of Mrs. Hammond
thrifty dwelling aud laying her hanC
among the fair curls of Helen, Mrs
Hanmond's little girl. That was my
! self.
liked Mrs. Marchmont. She wa,
beautiful woman, intellectual, cult
waited, refined. And l was pleased
that she noticed me and liked me.
My father was not rich man, MOI
at all "well-to-do," as the phras,
goes, My mother hal to do her owl
heusework aud latterly had kept me
at home from school to help her, need
ing that help very much with three
children younger than myself. Tho
circumstances,troubled me- / wanted
to possess advantages like other girl.
whose parents were better off thar
mine. Then Mrs. Marchmont came
on some errand-to getreferences con
cerning housekeeper believe ant
noticed me in the way have recorded.
docs she attend school?"
''No," mymother said aud explained
the reason, expressing her regret, a
the same time, because | was so fond
of study. And she would have LIKED
TO give me good education.
Let her come to my house som,
day and look Mt the books in the IL
brary," said Mrs. Marchmont Ssh,
may bring home any of them that sh,
likes
Ny mother thanked her cordially
And how happy l was!
She came again after that and ttol
me to spend the day with her. | can
not tell how much enjoyed my visit
saw such number of beautiful
things pictures, statues hundred
lovely and curious objects from far-of
countries. And | brought home
book.
went there quite frequently aftel
that Not often to stay, but alway,
welcomed kindly aud always bringing
home Il book.
In three years Ada, the sister mex
in age II myself, was Is. Now Mrs
Marchmont persuaded my mother tC
send me to tirst-class academy for
year or two She herself would beal
the expense, and Ada would take M,
place.
After some demur my parents con
sented, thanking her earnestly for hei
kindness, as | did And | went.
| suppose there were few girls hap
] / n, = I
at school | studied to my heart.
content and made excellent progress.
| At the end of two years | came home
finished, as the SAYING is. | went tC
Mrs. Marchmont's. was IS now
rather pretty and with my ideas lit
tie elevated beyond my position il
life. | took note of the black servan
at the door; the height and grandeur
OF Mrs. Marchmont's rooms, the ele
gauce aud richness of the appoint
ments that everywhere met my gaze
My kind friend was delighted to Sc,
me, made thousand inquiries con
cerning my attainments and showed
altogether an interest in me tha
pleased and hattered me.
''Now you must come often and Sc,
me, she said "I shall be glad t,
see you.
went home pleased, yet discon
tented. had seen just enough o
the ease aud the enjoyment of life ant
the desirableness of riches to make mt
dissatisfied with my own humble for
tune and surroundings. l looked Al
the plain, small house [ lived ina
the small, low rooms and their plair
and well-worn furniture-with secre
feeling of heart-sickness.
What is the matter, Heleu?" asked
my mother.
Nothing, mamma. was my answer
She did not press her inquiries then
She was wise as we'll as gooC
woman. But | know she watched mt
aud guessed the cause of my serious
looks.
But the next day she said. II an
glad your father is ge ting along in
business better than he used to, Helen
so that We need not send You out tC
earn vour own living i'll the world.
was afraid year or two ago that
should have to- You do not know
what relief it is to me that / can keel
you at home.
Her words conveyed to me, as
think she meant they should, an idea
of how much harder my life might
have been than l now found it.
thought about the matter and honest
ly tried to feel how comparativel,
well off | was But it was hard, aftei
all. Our little dwelling did not grow
any larger, the rooms were quite al
low aud small as ever, the furniture II,
less plain and old-fashioned Yes,
was glad that | was not forced to ge
my own living in the world; but fo
all that ! was discontented.
Mother, | overheard Ada saying
one day, "Helen isn't happy. / think
because we are not rich, like Mrs
Marchmont. -
Are you happy with your humble
circumstances, my dear?' asked m.
mother
''Why, | would like to be rich, o
course, said Ada; ''but we cant b'
rich, you know; and then we are $,
comfortable-we have each other an,
a really pleasant home; and yes
mamma, | am happy, Tn sure. OnE
| feel sorry for Helen.
l could not help feeling rebukel
And Mt night, when my father cam,
home, more tired than usual. he pm
on his slippers and stretched his wear,
limbs, saying:
II have had such busy ,lay, Mary
and 1t seems good to get home to yol
and the children"
He kisses her tenderly -