The suburban citizen., 1900-04-07

gRE street In one Ofthe
w Atlantic cities.
Once she ascended the doorsteps Of
splendid mansion aud was about to
pull the bell, when o sudden burst of
merriment within seemedto deter her,
and she again resumed hor course
with an air more hasty and timid than
before. Having passed a dozen or
moro houses she paused in front of
one that, compared with the others,
wore o quiet, secluded air. After
some hesitation she yentured to ring
the bell. The door was opened by Il
servant OF whom she inquired if she
could see the mistress of the house.
II will 500" he replied
In few minutes he rcappearod,
and conducted her into n paror, ele-
gantly though not showily furnished.
The inmates wepa middle-aged lady
of pale though notsickly countenance,
somewhat precise in dress and man
ners, end young man, who sat by
the table, reading
II am very anxious, said the wom-
au. approaching the lady, "to obtain
employment in somo family for a few
months are you willing to furnish
me with someY
What kind OF employment would
you like?n inquired the lady.
-. should prefer needlework, either
plain or ornamental, but am willing
to undertake any labor whatever that
can perform TO your satisfaction, J."
well, sit down and we viii talk
more about it; bus Grat tell me your
name and ii you have a recommendo-
tion from your last employer"
my name" she replied, hesitnting
a little, "is Mary Mary Lewiston "
'And the name CT the family whore
you laet resided?"
pardon me, madam, but 7 cannot
tell"
She was evidently much agitated as
she replied, and, forgetful of the faded
cloak that concealed her form, i.
slipped from one shoulder and re-
vealed @ rich white satin dress,
trimmed with lace, ana on elegant
pearl necklace. The lady now OBJ
served fog the first time that she was
very beautiful, discovery the young
man had made already, although at
the time Of her entrance he was in the
midst of deeply interesting article
on political economy The lady put
on a look Of severity, aud fixing her
eyes on the necklace, told her She
could give no employment to person
who found means TO obtain expensive
ornaments.
"Oh, don't turn me away, said the
girl, bursting into tears, and vringing
her hands in the greatest distress and
agitation. eff you do [ don't know
what will become Of me.
The young man now hastily threw
aside his book, and approaching the
lady said in low voice:
"Auut Leonard, / beg TO speak n
few words with you in private"
Mrs. Leonard rose, and passing
through the folding doors to a distance
that conversation carried on in an I'M.
dertone could not be heard by her Wis.
itor, althoughlfeeling somo anxiety re-
lative to a gold watch that hung over
the mantel, she could keep her eye on
her.
wen, Percy" said she to her
nephew, who had followed her closely,
what have you to say that is of a ma
ture so priyate?"
Simply that do wish you would
take this young girl on trial. know
what your impression is, but if ! ever
saw innocence depicted in a human
countenance see it in hers. ArtGce
may have lured her into the haunts of
vice, and il she has made her escape,
turn her not away from your door and
compel her to return"
Percy" said his aunt, ''if her face
were not so beautiful, were its express
sion ever so innocent, do you think
she could find in you 80 powerful
pleader?"
She ought to, he replied, slight
~ coloring, "and think she would.
Promise me, aunt, that you will re-
oeive her"
"No, for your sake must turn her
away"
"That you shall never do. lpromiscd
my friend Northcote that 1 would
spend few weeks with him, and al
though it is not exactly the season to
make visit in the country, will start
tomorrow morning, Now, aunt, you
have no excuse, or none that you are
not capable Of despising, if it will pre-
vent you from performing good ac-
tion. have sewing enough myself
that l wish to get done to employ her
for three months"
"Well, Percy, since you are so earn
est for her to remain, If you will
promise to make your visit to your
friend Northcote, I will take her for q
week or two upon trial, though should
not be surprised if che should know
no more about hemmine and stitching
than you do"
Mrs. Leonard returned and resumed
the seat she had left.
81 think you told me your name is
Mary Lewiston" said she to the girl,
who sat weeping and trembling.
II did,"
GAS my nephew thinks Of leaving