The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1904-12-08
Her One Accomplishment

| ~ LID MIR. BROWN stood In his
w private office. with his back 10
the fire and his coat-tails bal
anced on either hand. He was bald
headed old gentleman with u ruddy
complexion, keen. black eyes. and leg
of-mutton whiske.s which were white
as snow.
And Miss Nelly Torrance sat look.
Ing at him tlmldly from the depths OF
her big armchair In which he had
beekoned her to seat herself.
so you are my Cousin Adrian's
daushter!" said he. after a long
pause.
Yes" said Nelly. wondering what
was in all those mysterious tin boxes.
and whether the monster iron safe
was full OF gold and silver pieces.
And you want something to DOR
Yes. please"
'HumphT' said Mr.. Brown.
Nelly glanced shyly up into his face.
But" she added with some spirit,
Il am not asking for charity. / am
willing to work"
You mean you would like TO daub
canvas. or sew yellow sunnowers on
green plush screens" satlrically OBJ
served the old gentleman. Il don,t
call that work"
Nor I. either" retorted Nelly.
Then what do you meanl" said Mr..
Brown.
Il mean that shall be glad 70 do |
any sort OF honest work by means OF /
which can earn my own living"
"HumphT' again interJected slr. |
Brown. Can ycu cook3'
Yes" Nelly answered.
Il don't believe It."
But I can"
VERY well" said Mr. Brown. releas-
Ing his coat-tnils and sitting down at
his desk. as II the question were def
initeiy disposed Of. MY cook went
away this morning. I haven't Engaged
any one In her place. You may come
this afternoon. and see what you can
do for me-"
Mr. Brown fully expected that his
young cousin would recoii Indignantly
from his proposal. but she did nothing
Of the sort. She simply said. Eyes.
Cousin John" and asked for his pri.
rate address.
Mind you're punctual." said he. as
be handed her the penciled card.
Il am always punetual." calmly re-
orted Nelly.
Nr. Brown watched her out Of the
,fiice with n quizzical twinkle In the
,orner OF his eye.
''She won't come" he said to him
elf. I've seen the last Of my fine
elative."
Nelly Torrance went home to a little
econd-Hoor room. the cheapest the I
widow and her daughters could find.
Mrs. Adrian Torrance was dressed q
q black. She was a fair, delicate
iece Of human china. who had been
Ike the lilies Of the field In that she .
toiled not, neither did she spin" Luz '
eta. the elder daughter. was trying. c
enough. to trim a black c
repe bonnet, by the window.
They had come up from the country n
{ Lucetta's suggestion. to appeal. In @
heir poverty. to this rich cousin Of the Il
cad father and husband. but none Of I,
hem anticipated any very satisfactory v
ssults from the experiment.
'1hese rich people are always mlser-
=" said Miss Lucetta.
And I've understood" sighed the
emile little widow. that he was not n
leased when Adrian married me-" A
"WellT cried Mrs. Torrance, eager Il
=, as Nelly entered. c,
what does he sayT questioned Luz
,tta, dropping the folds OF crepe "
hich she was vaInly eDdeavoring to ri
shIon into what the fashion.plate a
lied an "oblong bow" "
II have seen him." said Nelly, I'M
ing her bonnetstrings, "and I'm go n
g to his house in Grandover Park
is afternoon"
You don't mean" cried Mrs. Tor n,
nee. with spasmodic catching of
IT breath, that he IL going to adopt vi
uT Al
mot In the least" said Nelly. Now, 81
ANNA. don't jump at conclusions. E,
ut hear my plain. unvarnished tale. di