Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-01-17
laying Her Cards
Elders.
e Courtenay was not expect

AshDy feit panS OF disappointment.
He had hoped TO meet Dot, for he had
heard of the death of her mother and
of the sisters having gone to live with
their step-father. His brief love story
had been played out one autumn in a
country house where Dot had been
visiting alone. Ashhy had fallen VIC
lently in love with Dot. but although
She had returned his affection. their
engagement was never announced. for
they had quarreled almost ut once.
and Ashby had gone abroad in fit
of temper.
As soon as the Major had fallen
asleep over his dinner. Ashby made his
way TO the drawinS-room. where he
found Miss Reade at the piano, and
Ella prettily reposed in window re.
cess. He quickly joined the latter.
and began to make conversation.
You have sisters, haven't you?" he
asked. after time.
''Step-ssters. and three darling little
brothers"
Your sisters are from home just
now:"
''0a. yes" with an arch smile, "or
shouldn't he here"
shouldn't you? Why rot?"
"Oh. well''-a pause. You see.
am rather young. and my sisters keep
ne in the scilool-room. whoy are very
good and kind. but quite old; they
think me child"
Quite old" lie exclaimed. "Why.
they cannot be. At least the one |
knew cannot be much over twenty"
Ella bit he9 lin in annoyance 1T her
blundeT. She had forgotten that Ash
by had known Dor.
Ella hesitat2d moment. then riskcG
daring step.
Darling Dot" she murmured. ".Ah,
Colonel Ashby. did You not know:
Dot died two years ago"
Dot dcad.' he cried. in voice of
anguish. 1t was over. then: his dream
of reconciliation. He could never ask
forgiveness now: never explain away
his harsh words; never hear her dear
voice whisper pardon. Il am sorry 10
have distressed you" he said. YEARLY,
after n pause. Il had not heard Of
of your sisters DEATH"
Ella smiled through her tears like an
April morn.
Il can't quite talk OF darling Dot
yet she said. unsteadily. I'VE were
so much to each other, and l am so
lonely now she's gone
You must be-" he answered. almost
tenderly. You must mss her ter
ribly"
"oh. do cried Ella. pressing Eor
handkerchief 10 her eyes. and there
Was long sileacc. At last Ella loo..ed
~. 4 must say goodnight now.
Colonel Ashby." she said. with little
smile.
Already" he demonstrated. "Why.
It's very early. Don't go yet"
oh. but / have such LOT TO 10 TO-
night" she answered. simply.
do you still do lessons. them"
''Oh. no. cried Ella. earnestly. 81
am going to the nursery Baby Bertic
won't LEI anybody else pu: him to bed
And then. my sisters have left NE
things 10 do
Tasks" asked Ashhy.
Intending. and things like that. They
have taken their maid with them, you
see.'
Rather hard lines on you. Don't
they ever take you out with them
.'oh. they are very kind" said Ella.
''and they have promised to take me
somewhere some day. when the boys
are old enough 10 he ut school and !
am nos so much needed at home
Rather n distant prospect" TO-
marked Ashby. I'm afraid lis Il
ease c, Cinderella and the cruel step
sisters
Ella rather forgot her part next day.
Her father was laid I'D with sudden
fit of goIt. and Miss Reade was KEEP;
busy looking after household affairs
and sabduin@ Il mrtiny in the nursery.
Ella saunte:ed round the grounds with
the Colonel. chatting gayly. and then
INSISTED OH rowing about on the pond.
rs unlike household drudge as pos
sible. This occurring to her very
forciDly. she made an effort 10 resume
her role.
What a nice holiday I'm havingw
she remarked. accordingly. resting on
her oars. and fixing gleeful eyes on
him. THAT dear Miss Reade has I'M
dertaken all my duties this week that
| may have a complete rest. Isn't il
sweet of herr"
Poor little woman" he rejoincd-
they Were on quite familiar terms
now-''it's shame you should be so
overworked. ana l shall tell your IA
Their So
"oh. no. you mustn't" cried Ella. in
quick alarm. Il can't have dear IA
Their worried. especially now he is ill.,
You mustn't think I'm complaining.
My sisters are very good To me. Prom
Use me YOU won't say anything; please
promise me-"
Il promise. promise" he soothed
her. Il won't say word, yen loyal
little soul. It's hard lines just now.
Cinderella. but remember how the
fairy tale ends. and this may end
sooner than you think"
How: What do you mean?" asked
the child. with wide. innocent eyes.
ard Ashby hastily changed the sub
iect. resolving to say nothing more
to disturb her heavenly innocence"
As soon as Sir George Courtenay
arrived. Ella turned her attention to
him. He. at least. could not bore her
about the defunct Dot. Ella really
WAS n clever girl and Sha know thot