Stikeen River journal., 1899-10-14
LOttie's Blue Eyes.
IT E h ArrOWinC


 -- at the mature age of A., had actually fallen in love. This fact was in itself an otfense to Miss Sophia, but it was not all, for the min- ister had committed the supreme folly of losing his heart to Il chit of q girl, and d most objectionable young per son altogether in Miss Sophia's eyes. "Now if he had only fallen in love with Nary" unused Miss Sophia. "She is most estimable young woman. But that doll-faced, vain. frivolous Lotte--'' and Miss So- phia groaned. "A man of his age and minister of the gospel to lose his wits over a pink and white complexion and yellow hair! Oh. it is too bad. If l only knew of some way to disenchant him."
 Just then two girls and young man passed along the street. One of the girls was tall. dark haired and stately; the other was pink checked and yell low haired Her hands were full of roses and her laughing blue eyes were uplifted to the face of the young man by her side.
 Miss Sophia snorted with disgust. "Flirting. as usual, the shameless pece.' she ejaculated. "A nice min ister's wife she would make! liar mons an idiot"
 Then Miss Saphia suddenly awoke to the fact that the hired girl had been left much too long to her own devices. and rose hastily to her feet. In so do- ing she tripped over q stool and gave her ankle a severe wrench
 A little later Rev. Harmon Pendle- ton returned home and found Miss So- phia with her foot on a stool and her ankle swathed in bandageS.
 "Why. Sophia, what has happened?' asked the minister.
 i've spraincd my ankle" replied Miss Sophia. with grim disgust. II can't so much as put my foot on the floor
 "Why, this is indeed bad" mur- mured Rev. Harmon.
 And that is not all" said Miss So- phia. Martha has just had word that her mother is very i'll and to come home immediately. What to do can't imagine"
 "Why, get another girl.'
 "Since when has it become so easy to get help in Westonville at a mo ments notice?" ejaculated Miss So- phia, with extreme scorn.
 II met Miss Armiger down the street." said the minister with sudden lnspira ton. "She intends stopping on her way home. Perhaps she can think of a way out of the difficulty"
 II don't doubt It; Mary Armlger is a most superior young woman," said Miss Sophia, with emphasis.
 Yes, she is indeed," readily assent ed the minister.
 'So utterly unlike her sister Lottie, " supplemented Miss Sophia.
 "Yes, they are very unlike, certain Iy," said the minister quietly.
 "Did you meet Lottie also?' asked Miss Sophia, furtively watching her brothers face. "She passed with Charlie Saunders, making eyes at him as usual. What an audacious flirt that girl is."
 "Oh. have not seen Lottie," replied the minister, and then he added: Here comes Miss Armiger now"
 He passed into the hall, returning in few minutes with Mary Armlger. "Why, Miss Sophia, l am sorry to hear of your accident" she said.
 She had soft dark eyes and a low, sweet voice.
 II was just telling Sophia that per haps you may be able to help her in her present awkward predcament. said the minister. "Marthas mother is ill. and she Is going home this aft ernoon."
 Why, that is too bad" said Mary Armiger. How long will Martha be gone?"
 "A week at least" replied Miss So- phia.
 How would 1t do for me to come and keep house for you," asked Mary, after a few moments thought. "Fa- ther and mother are going away to- morrow for about two weeks. There's s the Widow Mason's daughter, Sarah,