The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1904-09-29

the open fireplaces remain in parlor
and sitting room, and tall clock of
solemn tick stands in the hall where it
stood when Paul Revere took his ia
nous ride.
The last owner, Simeon Page, or, as
he/ was called, Squire Page, joined
the great majority two years after an
enterprising railroad crept up the
Sandgate valley. He had bitterly op-
posed it's entrance into the town, and
it was asserted that chagrin at his de-
feat fastened his death. His widow,
with their two children, Albert and
Alice, and a widowed sister, remained
and with the aid Of hired men man
aged the farm. But bushes began to
choke the pastures and meadows, the
outbuildings grew shabby, the house
received no paint, and as the children
grew up and needs increased one by
one the broad fields were sold. 1t had
been the sQuire's ambition that his on
ly son should become professional
man, and, carrying out his wishes, AL
bert's mother had pinched and saved,
denying herself all luxuries, and given
him a collegiate education. He had
graduated with honOrs, read law, been
admitted to the bar and then returned
to SYNDICATE and opened an Office.
Alice, three years his junior, had been
sent to a boarding school for two
years, where she devoted most Of her
time to music, then came home again
as mothers helpmate.
But the years of self denial were at
an end, for one June day that mother
laid down her burden and was placed
beside her husband in the village GEM
etery. Then the two orphans found
themselves joint heirs to an old time
worn house, few acres Of meadow, a
couple hundred dollars Of debts and
nothing else. No, that is not right, for
they both had youth, good health and
habits and good educations.
Albert, who had rather taken charge
Of matters since his return to Sand
gate, kept the debt situation from
Alice after his mothers death, feeling
she had grief enough to bear without
it, but for all that it troubled him Sc
riously. The income from his practice
was scarcely enough to clothe him and
not likely to increase, for Sandgate
had scant use for a lawyer, and what
to do or which way to turn he knew
not. If it were not for Alice and
Aunt Susan he thought it would be
easier, but they must be provided for.
Alice, who had been his companion,
playmate and confidant since the days
Of short dresses, he especially cared
for, and that feeling was mutual.
So devoted brother and sister were
they that it had kept them from form
ing other associations, and when AL
bert had been asked why he did not es-
cort some other young lady to the husk-
ing bees, barn dances or church socia-
bles his usual reply was, "Alice is good
enough for me, and when she prefers
another beau may, but not till then"
With Alice, though many Of the vii
lage SWANS wooed, she wouldn't. Even
Jim Mears, stalwart and with hand
like foot, Jared no better, and when
Albert rallied her once about young
Mears she answered, ooh, Jim's all
right; he isn't handsome, but, then,
he is strong" which delicate sarcasm
may be considered sufficient reflex of
her feelings toward others of the would
be attentive young farmers.
But for all that Alice was counted in
on every festive gathering. If it was a
barn dance, she was always there and
never lacked partners, and when the
jolly party rode home in a big wagon
or HOW
always started '"The Quilting Party"
or other old time ballad usually inspir-
ed by moonlight. When a strawberry
festival was in order at the church, she
was given post Of honor, and when
Christmas decorations were necessary
every young man felt it a privilege to
obey her orders. At home she was the
same winsome little queen and had no
more devoted subject than her brother.
For a month after the funeral he
worried good deal. He knew that
bills had been left unpaid through his
mothers illness and that the family
were in straitened circumstances. His
own law practice so far had yielded
scant returns, and what to do and
where to turn was puzzle. He wrote
to former classmate whose father
was prominent merchant in Boston
stating his situation and asking advice.
1t was two weeks ere he received re-
ply, and then, though cordial letter
Of sympathy, it did not go far toward
solving the problem. A week later,
however, came a letter from a lawyer
in that city OF the name of Frye offer
ing him position as assistant in his
office at small salary. 1t was so small
that Albert thought it hopeless task
to pay home expenses out Of it and
leave anything toward their debts. It
was more than his present income, how
ever, and yet to accept the offer and
leave Aunt Susan and Alice alone
seemed hard. On the other hand, to
borrow money on what little of the
farm was left did not help matters, for
when that was gone what then?
Matters came to a climax one day
and ended his indecision. He had been
away from his Office all that afternoon