The Jasper news., 1908-01-09

move in three years, a very unusual
record for a family of any pretentions
to responsibility in the staid little
town. And the Dnnforth name had
been one of the most aristocratic
there for many years.
First we lived in our own dear old
home, where was born" Frances had /,
enumerated the evening before, Sit
ting on the porch in the soft April
moonlight, with her lover on the steps
below her. Then when Cousin Zebe.
I. dee and the mortgage took that, In
spite of all our.pinching and planning
all the years i was growing up, we
had that nice house on River street.
The next year. we had to give that up
as too expensive and move to this
place, that l might say something
against, but won't. because-weli, be-
cause l won't, Dick" she lucidly ex-
planned with a.downward smile at the
young man, who knew very well that
she forgave the house its many faults
for the sake Of having found her ro-
nance within its walls. But there's
nothing but the lowness Of rent In.
favor of the house we're going to- she
ended. TITS cramped and shabby and
inconvenient in every way. When
think how far below the old home
we've got in only three years. IL
really fear we shall find ourselves
moving to the poor farm one of these
springs"
She tried to laugh, but she finished
IL ,trxIk
voice. She was more than discour.
aged with the family prospects, and
tired out with all the preparatory
packing and tearing up she had done
that day. Only strong determination
kept her from tears.
IF you would only move to my
house one Of these springs-or soon.
err" began Dick Stedman, reaching up.
to take one of his sweetheart's small
brown hands, that were pretty in spite
of all the work they had had to do.
But Frances pulled it impatiently
away.
you couldn't afford to marry my
whole family Dick, even If we'd let
you, and they can't possibly spare me
ger as long as the money comes in so
slowly and the children grow out of
their clothes so fast There! don't let
us waste any more time tonight talk
ing of disagreeables or of what can't
be-"
IF your great-aunt only hadn't made
such a cruelty unjust will" Dick be.
gan again; and again Miss Danforth
cut him short
IF wishes were horses, then beg.
gars would ride" she noted, absurdly.
"My grand-aunt did make her own will
to suit herself, as probably shall II
ever l am wealthy old spinster and
able to afford dislikes; and what is
the use of ifs? Once more suggest
that you start some pleasanter topic
this last of our evenings on this pleas
ant old porch"
Apparently he obeyed; for their
talk grew lower-toned, and her pretty
dark head and his comedy, fair one
drew quite unnecessarily close to each
other as 1t went on. When he left,
which was early, in consideration of
her busy tomorrow, there was the
brightest of smiles on Miss Danforth's
face as she went into the parlor.
But the smile faded as she looked
round the familiar room. The trail
of the mover was already upon It.
The lacks were out of the carpet, and
the bookcase was emptied and its con.
tents piled in corner
Tho handsome fnrniture-much too
handsome and aristocratic in its state,
ly old-fashion for the cramped little
room with its cheap, glazing, gilt pa,
per and worn carpet-bore traces oil
rough usage.
The furniture had been the sole leg
acy left Mr.. Danforth by the will OF
his Aunt Deborah, an eccentric old
lady who had practically adopted him
az boy, brought him up in idlcness
to expect her money. and turned HIN
out without penny when he declined
to marry to please her and did MARI,
to please himself.
When at length Miss Deborah died
1t was found that she had left al
her valuable antique furniture to he
nephew, as the last of the Danforths
coupled with the provision that h,
should forfeit 1t II he ever attempte,
to sell single piece. and had be
q,ieathed her very considerable for
tune 10 distant and already wellto
do cousin, Zebedee Smith by name
Mr.. Danforth had philosophical.
accepted the situation and the furni