Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1909-06-22

duntS ola fQSnfoned FURNITURE INTO tht
house. The old couple who had lived
in the ell still stayed. and the woman
was Priscilla's housekeeper.
I Then Priscilla found that her legacy
was greatly reduced and that she must
so TO work So she went to nursing
again with light heart.
And now it was cid home week. and
as one feature OF the occasion she had
thrown open her house aud was to
read a paper to the guests telling some
of the most Interesting stories about
the place She had furnished the
rooms as nearly rs possible like what
they had been when the family lived
there. There was not modern piece
of furniture in the whole house. and
she had even been able to procure
some Of the very articles that had
once furnished II.
At last she saw her guests coming
She colored as she recognized one fig
ure among the others He was the
only one of the old family name who
had taken the least interest in the old
place. To be sure. he was merely the
greatgrandson of the last Of the fam
lily to live there. and he had never seen
it till this week. But he had taken an
intense interest in what Priscilla had
done, and somehow she had seen a
good deal of him during the week.
Priscilla's heart beat high as she
went slowly down the old staircase to
meet her guests.
Richard looked uncertainty about the
dim old room IN a moment his eyes
became accustomed to the darkness,
and he went quickly over to where
Priscilla crouched sobbing on the
floor. Her old brocaded gown lay in
folds about her. and the arm on which
her head was bowed rested on the old
chair by the fireplace.
"What has happened?" cried Rich
ard In alarm. He lifted her gently to
her feet, and for a moment she rested
heavily against his shoulder. Then
she drew away and sank into her
chair
81 am very sorry you found me this
way" she said TREMENDOUSLY. IL
thought you were gone and that !
was all alone"
"Wait a minute" said the young
man, with practical thoughtfulness,
"till we have some light, and then you
must tell me what troubles YOU"
Priscilla sat silent. She could hear
the low murmur of voices In the next
room. where the housekeeper and her
husband were. Richard lighted the
candles on the high mantel and one
on the table; then he drew his chair
nearer and sat down facing Priscilla.
They were two striking figures in
the dim setting of the old room. Both
were very good TO look upon. she In
her gown Of century ago. he In mod
ern dress.
Il suppose It is foolish she said,
eand hysterical and all that. but |
couldn't help It, | was so happy this
afternoon. and this is the reason"
"But what is it?' be asked, looking
perplexed.
at all seems so fuller she cried.
"You know how / have worked and
planned TO restore this house to what
| 1t was, but it is no use. 1t was a
| home. but it is not now. and I cannot
| make II home Besides that. 1t seems,
now that I have done all | could, that
l was presumptuous to undertake it.
| Every one seems to think have done
great things. but what right had II
| OH she cried passionately, why
couldn't you have done it? You are
one Of the familyr'
Priscilla" he said, and she gave a
| little start and looked at him with
/ dilated eyes.
81 understand how you feel, and
wish had done it, but there is bet
ter way-a way in which you can make
1t a home and even bear the old fam
lily name" His face was very serious
and he looked at her with searching
earnestness.
He rose to his feet and held out bis
arms "Don't you understand, Pris
| cilla?' he said in thrilling voice.
And Priscilla understood and smiled
at him through happy tears.