Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-05-22
"Haye YOU bought that thing?' Rar

Eyes maam, we have" said Sophie
pertly, land what's more we nave
made one payment on it. u,
Rachel made a gesture OF despair. !
can't do anything with you,' she crled.
"here it is less than three weeks since
YOU LETT the store, and you have mad
new dresses, have bought a piano on
installments, and | have had to pay out
SO much for running expenses that tne
next time | have to go to the city for
Mr.. Tillman shall have barely money
enough to pay my car fare and get
lunch
Rachel was the one who looked pale
these days. Her pay had been IN
creased and she had been given extra
work. She had shown such good ]udg-
ment and taste that Mr.. Tillman mad
intrusted her with some Of his buying,
and it was on this errand that she went
to the city few days after the pur-
chasing of the piano.
On this occasion, when she returned,
instead Of going home she went 70 the
store and had an interview with the
proprietor in his private office. Wnen
she came away she walked briskly ana
looked so cheerful that people turned
to look after her. All during tea she
was gay and laxative, and the others
thought that Rachel was growing more
and more good natured.
When they left the table she said:
"Girls, and mother, l want to say some
thing to you before any OF you go out
this evening" They went into the
parlor and Rachel made herself COM
Portable in wicker rocker beside an
open window. The others settled down
and looked toward her expectantly.
"In the first place, Dora" Rachel be-
gan cheerfully, 81 had talk with Mr..
Tillman and he says he can find some
thing for you to do in the store. Miss
Rurgin is to be married before long
and you can have her place when she
goes. In the meantime there are things
you can do, so you will go to work on
Monday"
Dora looked amazed. II won't go to
work Monday" she exploded, finally.
"The idea of your debating to me-"
Rachel smiled "Oh, yes, you will"
she said, imperturbably. $50 that is
settled. As for you, Sophie, l tried to
get your old place back, but Mr.. Till
man told me quite frankly that the new
girl does better than you did so he
can't afford to make change. So you
will stay at home and help mother with
the homework. She will need your
help, for we are going to have two girls
to board. They are friends Of mine and
are anxious to make change, and
know can get them, though | have not
spoken to them yet =.
And you needn't bother to-"
snapped Sophie, 81 don't propose to do
homework for boarders"
THAT does not make any difference"
said Rachel calmly. Il have also seen
the man about the piano. He is COM
ing for it tomorrow and he will make
it right about that first payment. You
see we cannot possibly pay for 1t, and
besides you won't have time to prac-
tice."
"Are you crazy?' demanded Dora,
aud the others looked at her blankly'
mot a bit. Not as near 1t as have
been the last three weeks or SO. | will
tell you something that happened to-
day and then you can see that there Is
nothing else to do but what l have
planred."
Hurry up then" said Sophie. !"
was going down town this evening
Rachel clasped her hands behind her
head. II met a friend of mine in the
city today" she said slowly. Il tad
not seen him for some time he took
me to lunch and we had a pood talk.
He had been Oh a sea voyage and 1t
had entirely restored his broken health
Not only this, but in mid-ocean ne be-
came acquainted with the lady who Is
to be his wife. She is very charming,
of course, and am to go with him to
call on her next time | am in the city"
Sophie interrupted impatiently. Il
don't see what all this has to do with
u.s.
"You don't?' said Rachel in sur
prise. "Then | will tell you. This man
who took me to lunch and whose
health is restored and who is to be
married soon, is-Uncle Randolph
Cummings. Portland Transcript.