The Jennings daily record., 1902-07-21

"A anu puA ~ ~" ~ ue>iN III u''a
hOme-the guests are already arriving
music nd laughter fill the air-bril-
liant-but bark! wild cry rings
through the building. and great confu-
sion is in the lower hall.
What is it?" all asked wildly.
mfr. Villiars has fallen to the floor
in Il fit," is the answer
All hurry downstairs. and five. ten
minutes pass before Mr. Villiars re-
covers, then he speaks few words
and expires in the middle OF his sen
t"nce.
His last words We're these. spoken
in faltering voice. while his eyes
rested on Louis's face, who bent kind
ly over him:
Louis. you know what l would like
Il can trust yOu--take my place to
Vesta-be kind to her-give-" death
claimed him and the rest was unspo-
ken.
Two weeks after the funeral Louis
asked Vest. for her hand, which she
declined to give him.
Then he told her if she would not
marry HIM she should leave the house
and earn her own living; that 1t was
his mothers money that enabled her
father to become so wealthy and now
it all belonged lawfully 20 him.
The fair young Vesta listened to
him. but said nothing. but the next
morning she was missing. This didn't
k,A rnt taI,,,
quired after her tina; she had gone
away on a visit
Vesta had been in Boston rwo days
and had not yet succeeded in getting
anything to do.
She is tired and weary yet she can
not give up the search: she must find
something to do TO keep herself from
starving.
. Turning from the window with Il
heavy sigh she says. II will answer
that advertisement: perhaps | shall he
more fortunate this time
Tying on her black Grape hat over
her soft, golden brown curis she left
the house
Soon she was on Washington street,
and after Il wearisomc long walk IN
der the hor sun she stood before Nine.
G.-;I grand millinery establishment.
With IL palpitaring heart she entered
and in her soft, silvery voice told her
erraud.
But, alas the same heart -SickeninS
soft words me, her here as they had
done evYy place else.
My dear, we are just full I'm so
but just think of it, fifty girls have
been employed this morning. Rather
warm day. my dear"
EestA answered not her heart was
too full: neither did she notice the
kindfaced old lady who looked So
pityingly upon her as she turned TO the
door.
AS she stood upon the side walk Il
little white hand was laid upon her
shoulder. and u kind voice asked
Are you really i'll need of work
dear child"
''lu need repeated VeStu, looking
iuto the old lady's face; "My life de
I'"nuS on my SeLtIlls IT.
Are you really 50 poor AS that.
DEAR"
Il have neither home nor money"
returned Nestu. sadly.
Your parents. DEAR" reminded the
old lady.
Are dead" sobbed Vesta, the tears
flowing from her eyes
Come hOme with me, and | will
see what can be done for you. Here.
dear, this is my carriage, step iu; we
shall drive for home, Edwardt''
Halt an hour after Vesta sat in ::
furnished room in the
midst of silks and laces
Old Mrs. Erwin had engaged her for
a mouth to do sewing for her two
daughters
One afternoon. two weeks, after,
Festa sal in the garden talking to lit
tie Agnes Erwin. and so interested
We're they with each other that they
did not hear the approaching footsteps
and started to their feet wher j low,
musical voice said:
where you are hidden?"
Yes, replied Agnes, gayly, when
M with Miss Nilliars 1 like to go to
some place when | shall have her all
To nyself-but forgive me. I'd for
gotten you were noi acquainted, This
is MI. Lawson. Miss Niilinrs."
Nesta blushed under his admiring
gaze. but in Il few mOmeutS she recoy-
cred herself. and the two spent u very
pleasant evening.
The month passed. but Mrs. Erwin
and her daughter would not hear of
Nesta leaving, and she was only too
glad TO stay.
The summer passed away and golden
autumn came, still Vesta was with
Mrs. Erwin, and now she was more