Middletown transcript., 1904-01-02

to an extent that seemed like a beautiful
dream to Custance when she looked back
and remembered what she had dreaded.
The secretary, whose name she found
to be John Richards, had come to Brooke's
Court the day after she had called at the
office, and had verified her statements,
even taking the evidence OF the doctor
who had seen her mother. A day later
he had sent her the reminder OF the fifty
pounds for which she had asked. It had
gone far in Custance's hands and had
paid for the funeral as well as for such
invalid's comforts as her mother could
take.
Polly was alone in the kitchen, free
for the moment Of Mrs. Crumpet's nag
ging tongue, when Custance came in to
say Goodbye"
You were my only friend here, Polly,
Custance said, with the grave smile that
made the little maid-of-all-work always
think that the angels in Heaven must
look so. I am very sorry to say Good
bye" to you, dear. II ever can, | will
take you away from here, and we will
have little cottage together somewhere
in the country.
Lor, miss, wouldn't it be beautiful! the
girl replied, in tones Of awed admiration.
But you'll forget all about me when you
are with your own grand friends, miss!
I always knew as you was sight 'igher
than Brooke's Court and 'ud 60 away at
last; but-but-I wish as cud come too
as yer maid-I does indeed, miss!
The thought of little Polly, with hei
dirty face and clumsy hands, as a lady's-
maid, almost made Custance smile. But
the girls tears were SO genuine that hel
own eyes filled in sympathy.
Oh. Polly, I'm not going to grand
friendsI she told her. I'm going to pay
debt owe. But shan't forget you, deal
and, if can ever take you away, | will
/ want to give you these to remember me
by.
She hurriedly slipped half-sovereign
and little silver brooch into the coarse
little hand, for Mrs. Crumpet's loud scold
ing voice was heard.
Goody-bye, Polly goodbye, dear
Custance calculated earnestly, and then
turned calmly to meet the lodging-house
keeper. There is the rent for this week,
Mrs. Crumpet, she said briefly. ! do moi
want the room any more. Good morn
ingi
When Custance was out Of the dirty
house she paused q minute and drew hel
breath. One section of her life lay be.
hind her, closed for ever with the shut.
ting of the dingy door; but what lay in
the future?
My duty and a debt to pay, anyhow,
she determined bravely as she walked
away.
Half an hour later Mr.. Richards was
astonished by having lady ushered in to
him unannounced. She was tall girl, in
perfectly plain black gown which was
quietly respectable, however cheap its
material might be. Her face was familiar
to him, but for the moment he could not
remember her; for the beautiful fearless
ewes had no shadows under them now,
and the face was neither haggard moi
lined.
Miss Madison! lie exclaimed, after q
brief silence.
I have come about the money which
Mr.. Standard lent me, explained Gus
tance, in a quiet business-like tone.
have no way Of paying it back except by
| working. Can you give me employment
Mr.. Richards looked at her in astonish'
ment.
Really-I do not know at this moment,
he faltered. What kind of work do you
require?
Any kind, replied Custance simply.
| Set me to sweep out the offices, or scrub
the floors, if you like-I am quite ready
| owe Mr. Standard fifty pounds, and
have no other way Of repaying it.
But, my dear young lady, this is very
unprecedented! Of course can lay your
suggestion before Mr.. Standard
hope it will not take long! Custance
interpolated, knitting her brows. | was
obliged to use most OF the money for food
while my mother was alive, and for-foI
the funeral, she added, in lower tone.
There is some left, and I did think Of re-
turning it. I shall have to pay for my