The San Angelo press. (San Angelo, Tex.) 1897-1907, 1905-05-25
Story of a
Lady'S Maid


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 n cadet, but 1t was
not pleasant for him to let his class
mates know that his sister was
houscmald, and It was very embarrass-
ing for him. He couldn't do anything
to lift me out Of such mental position,
for cadet has only enough from the
government to pay his way at the acad-
envy. Consequently OH 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 second lleuten-
ants pay Is very small In proportion to
his expenses, and so 1t was that Paul
and driftcd away from one another.
Ten years passed. | was lady's maid
for Miss Rosalnd Phillips, n 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 high bred girl, naturally reti-
cent, and would sCOrn to talk contiden-
tally with servant. 1t was not
known in society that she was en-
In1pAI \ tt-n,tl1 nnt hnvn known
1t myself had l not seen bulky letters
constantly coming In.
One day letter arrived that put my
mistress in flutter, and l heard her
say to her father, Hell be here in a
few days" He came in the afternoon
about 3 o'clock. My mistress was with
him in the library till 8, when she rang
for me to bring in tea. OF course l
looked at her lover. The face was
familiar to me from the first, becom-
ing more and more so till recognized
my brother Paul. lie scarcely glanced
at me.
kept my eyes fixed on the tea
cups, but Just before going out looked
at him again. Ills eyes were fixed on
me with Il glance | shall never forget.
There was recognition, but With it pain
and fear | looked away without any
evidence Of recognition and left the
room.
Paul was Il great deal at the house,
and of course we met often. Whether
he thought | didn't recognize him or
whether he assumed that | would not
embarrass him by making our relation
ship known | did not know. At any
rate, lie ignored me, though | detected
panied expression on his face every
time | entered room where he was,
On one occasion l was alone with him.
l saw that he was thinking of speak.
ing to me; but, realizing that this might
make 1t harder for him, | maintained a
servants demeanor and as soon as
possible left the room.
Then came the announcement OF the
engagement and immediate prepare.
lions for the wedding. Paul's regiment
was stationed In the Philippines, and
he had received leave of absence to
come home to be married. Just before
the wedding my mistress told me that
she was to go back with him, counting
on me to remain in her service and
make the journey with her. | declined
She coaXed and offered higher wages
but l remained firm in my resolution
One day she rang for me when she was
with Paul and said to him before me:
Helena says she will not go with
us, and fear l shall have to change
my plans and let you go back without
me. Perhaps you can persuade her"
Helena" he said, "ether you must
go with us or we will not go together"
lie spoke with sincerity and resolu
ton. l was astonished. A glance al
him assured me that he had made
known his wish.
VERY WELL" l said. Rather than bC
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 ant
| locked the door. The next morning
when l went to attend her she drew
me down beside her on the bed.
| ilclclui SUE SuluI 1 nave not sep
a wink all night. l have had terrlbl,
decision to make, and l have made 1t
1 have decided for Paul and for you
Last night he told me ALL Clrcum
stances have forced you apart anC
| placed him in an embarrassing posi-
ton. You have both acted with grea
tact and judgment, just as | would
have had you act.
Paul and l wish you to accompan!
us till we have sailed as my maid t.
avoid talk, after that as our sister"
She put her arms around my necl
! and kissed me.
"Oh, no; | can't do that" l said
tears streaming from my eyes. "Pv
always worked for my living, and
| must keep on working for It, If Pau
were rich instead Of you 1t might b.
different, but even then he could no
lift me from the station in which fat
has placed me-"
Paul has made some investment
that have returned him something. II
came back expecting to find you an,
help you. You shall go with us an,
stay with u.s."
Paul and ROsalind and met later 1
the drawing room, and both Paul an
Rosalind put their arms about me an
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