The Washington herald., 1913-11-29
HER BIG CHANCE.
By LAURA ADELIA kIRKMAN,
LCoPright l9lll

Copyright. IsI3l
Aunt Jen was not altogether surprised
to ind Tillle standing before her with
an offer Of employment in her hand; deep
In her heart she knew that she had never
tried particularly to make home attrac-
tive to the girl
That she was suddenly plunged deep in
regret. counted for little. 1t was now
too late to mend matters.
'one day amt time enough to make
her change her mind in.' she told her
self sadly when the girl had left the
kitchen well, the Lord is just He's
given me no more'n I deserve"
Yet. as she went about her work. her
thoughts insisted upon forming them
selves into hopeful plans which might
make her want to stay.
'T could put the best china on the sup
per table tonight" she thought eagerly,
"and tell her I'm sorry now / haven't
used II right along like she wanted me
to and / could make her favorite cake
even IL It does call for expensive in
gradients. After all, 1t amt wicked to
back rich cake when you could bake
plain"
Wicked All at once she knew that
there was no sin she would not commit
TO keep Tillie beside her. What were
kDOuntsS anu IL AlOhSS Wei .
songless, Iaughterless? OF what value
was an inviolated New England con-
science when she should not even know
when spring had come without Tillie to
point out each new bud and feathered
thing to her?
Won't you / sorry when spring
comesy' she asked tentatively. as they
sat at the supper table. Don't you re-
member how you used to feed the phoebes
that rested under your window last
year?'
The girl put down the tea cup which
was half way to her lips. Into her eyes
came a distant. reminiscent look.
Dear little things!" she exclaimed.
softly. why. / believe II heard one
now / couldn't go, Aunt Jen. Just the
thought of them brings back the flowers
and the new woods and the reckless
freshets"'
Aunt Jen leaned across the table.
Then why don't you stay" she urged
quickly. Tt will all be just the same
this year. TillieI II will be better this
year: for I'm goin' TO try and get rid
OF some OF my oldfashioned ideas about
economy. and use the best chicks al
ways like you wanted me to-and not
keep the lace pillow shams just for COM
use the parior every day like
city folks
Her words were having no effect upon
TiIlie. Although her eyes were once
more far away. a strange, bright glitter
In their depths gave evidence Of an emo
tion, not called up by the mere thought
OF spring in the country. Her next words
made clear her excitement:
But. my chance! Think OF my chance,
Aunt Jen! oh, / shall be rich! I shall
succeed in the world! Surely can af-
ford to give up little things for that big
thing"'
Yes" said Aunt Jen. sadly. Yes,
Tillie."
She got up and went into the kitchen
and began to wash up the pots and pans.
Probably never before in her life had
she put these things in the dishpan be-
fore the glasses, cups, silver. and dishes.
You needn't help clear the table to-
night" she called wearily to the girl.
She was glad when the child had gone
up TO her room.
TN stack these dishes tonight" she
said. absently. not even conscious that
stack was a new verb in her house
keeping parlance.
Then suddenly she lost her listlessness
She sprang erect. She bent to a listen
ng posture, her eyes swapping excitedly.
Phoebe! Phoebe"' was coming softly,
She fed to the back door. There she
uttered a disappointed OH
For, at closer range, the sound had a
harp, metallic tone, which branded IL
,ut an imitation of a bird call-doubt-
ess the whistle of some child's tin toy.
Ies, there. disappearing into the dusk
long the road, was the black figure
Il a boy.
But why not get the toy-why not
,uy it-and blow II beneath Titles
came a shocking voice
within her.
Laws said Aunt 'Jen. trembling. |
Laws, I amt such a fool"'
But hope has made more fools than |
ne. Throwing discretion to the ever |
eceptive winds, she darted for her |
ocketbook, and within five minutes |
ad the whistle in her hands. Trem- |
lingly she slipped round the corner |
{ the house and concealed herself in !
he shrubbery beneath Titles window. |
'overing the toy with her handker- |
hief. she blew into it softly.
"Phoebei PhoebeT' it called plain !
lively, for all the world like too |
arly feathered thing, calling in vain
or it's mate
The ruse was successful Almost in
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