The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1906-08-03
Mari9'S Beautiful Lady
~ LGCr8tia Macy Gardner,

.S~-~~~-~-~-~~~~~~~-~-~
Ever since the eyentful day in
Maris Niccolis life when purse lay
at her feet, as if in answer tc her
crippled sisters cry, ITO bring her
home a pair Of red slippers Mar
saret Norton, the owner of the lost
property was always called by Marie
THE Beautiful Lady"
1t is not strange the little sister
looked upon her as her good fairy;
for at the command of their bene-
factress the child was waited to
sunny room in the hospital where
a canary bird in his gilded cage made
the hours glad with his song, and
caused her to forget, at times, aching
limbs and spine. For, in spite OF the
best medical Skill the road to recoY-
cry promised to be long and tedious;
and, when Miss Norton reported to
Marie the result of the consultation
with the surgeons, she said, How
should you like to live with me for
a while-do my errands, dust
little, and
BE your maid?" gasped Marie, as
if such bliss were too great to men
ton lightly.
why, yes, perhaps; but think
/ should rather call you my conpan-
ion And now let us talk about school.
1t does not seem quite the thing for
you not to go to school any more, do
you think 500"
GIVE been to night school since
Anita went to the hospital, but Mi.
Morse asked the other evening Il |
couldn't go daytimes; l guess l look
ed stupid and sleepy"
ooh, don't say that! Of course you
must be tired after your long day
at the dress makers. BY the way l
want to tell you Of the talk had
with Miss LaMonde yesterday She
has agreed to lend you to me for
little rest and change. She tells me
how willing you always are to 40
whatever she wishes"
Marie's long lashes hid her eyes; but
Miss Norton saw her choke back a
sob, and she FASTENED to say: Il want
you right away, for you know there
is to be a vacation for ten days at
the school. l will ask Mrs. Fallon to
take care of any furniture you may
like to save from your room, and III
pay your rent. Then We'll begin all
over as the children say.
Truly new page was turned
E-4rO ct,S1 nf q
tenement; and while it might be easy
to imagine something more hilarious
than spending Christmas in a hosplt-
al. the change from a dreary room
where even the sunlight dreaded to
enter to the Broad Street SanatOrium,
with sun parlors on every floor SEEM
ed to Anita like transporting to heay-
en-.
Meanwhile the older girl responded
like new flower to her new almost
phere of loving care, and one day
while busting the reception room, her
voice broke forth into such a burst
of melody that Marie's beautiful lady
stole to the stairs, and listened to the
strains. suggestive of sunny Italy
even in their lack of training.
It was a simple street song; but
the voice limited of great possibilities,
and Miss Norton called Marie to her,
and said: IF you will do your best
at school, and the. teachers are sat
isfied with your work, I'll teach you to
play on the piano, and my friend Miss
Bartholdi will give you singing les
sons. How does that sound.
"But Anita-you know | want to
take care of her, and l mustn't use
SO much time! l can't take every
thing from you! y
The last words sounded like wall
as Marie slipped to the floor, buried
her head in her hands, and sobbed as
her beautiful lady had never before
heard her. perhaps you'll be sorry
some day-that you've been SO good
to mel" she stammered.
why. who on earth has put that
idea into your head? Has some one
been saying disagreeable things to
your"
All questioning was useless, but
Margaret Norton was very good at
guessing. "Ah," she exclaimed, 81
rather think that silly Janey has been
disturbing you, she is 50 jealous! But