Lewiston inter-state news. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1905-1906, 1905-08-15
Story Of a
Lady'S Maid
tOriginal.1

Our parents were very poor, and my
brother and l would both have grown
up without any education had 1t not
been that Paul, who was d page in the
house of representatives, found favor
with one of the members, who gave
him an appointment to West Point.
This made Paul an officer in the Unit
ed States engineers. while well.
what could | do after mothers death
but go out to service?
Paul came to see ME during his fur
Tough summer AS a cadet. but 1t was
not pleasant for him to let his class
mates know that his sister was
housemaid, and il was very embarrass-
ing for him. He couldn't do anything
to lift me out Of such mental position,
for a cadet has only enough from thu
government to pay his way at the acad
envy Consequently on graduating he
didn't come again, though he wrote me
that now he was an officer on officers
pay. he would do something to elevate
my condition. But II second lieuteh-
ants pay is very small In proportion to
his expenses. and SO ii was that Paul
and drifted away from one another.
Ten years passed. l was lady's maid |
for Miss Kosalind Phillips, wealthy |
young lady in Washington. She was |
engaged when entered her service to
one who lived at distance. Miss Phil
lips never mentioned her lover to me.
She was "a high bred girl, naturally reti-
| cent, and would scOrn to talk cOnfiden
| tally with servant. 1t was not
known in society that she was en-
gagged. Indeed would not have known
it myself had l not seen bulky letters
constantly coming in.
One day a letter arrived that put my
mistress in flutter, and l heard her
say to her father. Hell Ike here in q
| few days" He came in the afternoon
about 3 O'Clock. My mistress was with
him in the library till 5. when she rang
for me ia bring la tea. OF course l
booked at her lover. The face was
Familiar to me from the first. becom-
ing more and NOR. till l recognized
my brother Paul lie scarcely glanced
4, at me.
kept my eyes fixed on the tea
cups. but just before going out looked
at him again. Ais eyes We're Fixed on
me with glance l shall never forget
There was recognition. but with 1t pain
and fear. / locked away without any
evidence of recognition and acft the
rooIn.
raul was great Deal mt the house,
and Of course we mes often. Whether
he uhought didn't recognize him or
enaoarrass hun by making our relation
shin known Il did not know. At any
rake. he ignored me, though ] detected
Il gained expression Oh his face every
tinle | entered "A room where he was
Nn one occasion l was alone with him
] saw that he was thinking OF speak.
ms, 10 me. but. realizing that fhis might
make ii harder for him. l maintained q
servants aRmeanw' and nS soon as
possible lcfs the room.
Chen cans, the announcement OF the
engagemcm and immediate prepare
tions for tive wedding. Paula regiment
was stationed in the Philippines. and
he had received II leave Of absence ts
come home 40 he married Just before
the wedding MY mistress told me tina,
| she was $50 back with him, count mr.
on me to remain in her sery ice anG
I make the journey with her ! declined
She coaXed sad offered higher wages
! hut ! remained firm in my resolution
One day she rang for me when she wa,
with Paul and said 10 him before me.
!. Helena says size viii not 20 will
us. and | tear I shall have to chang,
! my a'ians and let YOU go back withou
? me-. Perhaps you CAN persuade her,
.Jl<iena, be- said. either you mus
d go with us or we will not 60 together "
lie spoke with sincerity aud resolu
lion. J was astonished. 4 glance "A
him assured mc than he had mad,
4 known his wish.
Very we'll" ] said Rather than b.
the cause of your parting ! will go"
That night after Paul left Miss Phil
lips came upstairs very quickly and
passing me without looking or speak
: ing TO me. went into her room ans
locked the door. The next mornin,
when ] went to attend her she drew
me down beside her OH the bed
Helena she said. Il have not slep
q wink MI might. ] have had IL terribl
decision to make. aud l have made II
l have decided for Paul and for you
Last night he told me all. Clrcum
stances have forced you apart an.
placed him in an embarrassing posi-
ton. You have both acted with grea
tact and judgment. just a. ! woui,
have had you act.
Paul and ] wish you to acc0mpan.
~ till we have sailed M my maid (
avoid talk, after that AS our sister
She put her arms around my nec
and kissed me.
''Oh, no; / can't do that" / said
tears streaming from my eyes Nv
always worked for my living. and
must keep on working for 1t. II Pau
| were rich instead If ynil Ii, .zA,t L,