The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1908-02-13

move in three years, a very unusual
record for family of any pretentions
to responsibility in the staid little
town. And the Danforth 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-
dee and the mortgage took that, in
spite of all our pinching and planning
all the years | 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 | might say something
against, but won't, because-well, be-
cause | won't, Dick" she lucidly ex-
planned with downward smile at the
young man, who knew very we'll 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. IT'S cramped and shabby and
1nconyenient In every way. When |
think how far below the old home
we've got in only three years, II
really fear we shall find ourselves
moving to the poor farm one of these
springs"
She tried to laugh, but she finished
with a sudden catch in her bright
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
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
as maid-of-all-w and general mana
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 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 il
ever | 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
ether as it 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 tacks were out of the carpet, and
the bookcase was emptied and it's con
tents piled in corner.
The handsome furniture-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 OF
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
as a boy, brought him up in idleness
to expect her money. and turned him
out without penny when he declined
to marry to please her and did marry
to please himself.
When at length Miss Deborah died
1t was found that she had left all
her valuable antique furniture to her
nephew, as the last of the Danforths
coupled with the provision that he
should forfeit it if he ever attempted
to sell single piece, and had be
queathed her very considerable for
tune to a distant and already well-to
do cousin, Zebedee Smith by name
Mr.. Danforth had philosophically
accepted the situation and the furni
ture, selling off the commoner things
he already had to settle some bills
of long-standing with the proceeds
and crowding his small rooms with
the richest of carved oak and mahog
any, most of which was presently still
further decorated by the jack-knives
and boot-heels of his irrepressible
boys.
The next day was one of storm and
stress to Frances, on whom the
uoigbt of the household burdens al