The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-06-11

ing. 1t was open at the top, ana from the
high road, long stones throw off, came
the rattle of buses and the tramp of horses'
feet on the metaled road.
The outer door opened, then that of the
shabby little sitting ROOM Agnes Lester,
tall, handsome, dressed in deep black,
with white face and large circles under her
eyes, stood in the doorway. She'was re-
moving her gloves neryously as she came
in. Mrs. Lester half rose to receive he1
daughter, but her knees were weak and
shaky with anxiety. She sank back again
into her armchair
The girl said nothing. She removed
her black straw hat with its cheap feather,
then mechanically smoothed the rebellious
strands Of her auburn hair Mrs. Lester
watched her daughter furtively, apprehen-
sively.
Agnes walked up to the glass Of the
oyermantel, which was fanked by over
mantel vases filed With everlasting flowers,
which the dust Of years had discolored
She said, A. if taking to herself, and with
nut GiansIng At her mother.
1T is funny to find how absolutely use
less one Is. | cannot dig, to beg am
ashamed. Goyernes.es are overstocked at
the rate of about 100 applicants to one
vacancy.
- What, no experience Really, am
afraid. | viii enter your name. The fee
Is FIVE shilings, but with no references :
etc. Agnes turned to her motIer, half
laughing, but with tears gathering in her
eyes: II did not pay that fve shillings.
The office seemed too aristocratic for me,
| tried the shops. thought perhaps |
could walk up aud down behind a counter
and measure out yards Of stuff.
The Hon Lavina Lester held up her
hands as if to deprecate the picture pre-
seuted
Do not be alarmed, dearest mother
Friend. thou art not wanted here was
again the order of the day. Here and
there | could be taken on As learner,
with a prospect Of pay in six months time
il showed aptitude; but what are we to
DO during those six mouthst
Who would have believed that such a
question could have faced the wife aud
daughter of the once apparently prosper
Gus and emiuently successful Monta ne
Lester Yet On his death, which occurred
suddenly. some unkindly said opportunely,
it was found that his estate was utterly
bankrupt. aud that only the credit of his
name had prevented a smash and exposure
before This was only about three months
after Paul Dashwood had started for
Egypt. Mrs Lester had surrendered every
thing to the creditors, aud she aud her
daughter had buried themselves ineognito
in London, the latter full Of courage and
determination to earn living for both OF
them. But a week Of continuous failure
had etFectually destroyed the confidence
with which the unequal battle had com
snenced
just A. they were preparing, With sad
enough hearts, TO 70 to bed, MrS. Lester
was taken alarminyly i'll, the heart weak
ness. from which she had suffered for
years. asserting itself in ! new and dis
tressing fashion. 4 doctor had to be sum
moned. who was fortunately able to find a
remedy, OF, any rate, palliative for the
worst symptoms. For the next few days
Agnes, who was deyoutly attached to her
mother. was in constant attendance upon
the invalid. Then Mrs Lester was able
to creep downstairs, obviously in need OF
strengthening food as well a medicine,
During that time Agnes had been seek
iug a solution Of the problems of ways aud
means. She looked her pride in the face,
and like brave girl overcame 1t.
There are some sacrifices which do not
sound heroic, yet are born Of the true
spirit Of heruism.
Nothing but the thought Of what her
mother needed, and could only have
through her own self-sacri6ee, nerved
Agnes 70 % through the ordeal she hated
TO be photographed at Messrs Mailing L
Mailing establishment TO advertise their
wares.
.One consolation she said TO herself,
1T will soon be over, and no one Is in the
least likely 20 have an idea of my identity
in those horrible staring advertisements.
Oh how do hate it, she added illogical
ly as her face flushed.