The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-04-06
The Best That Could
BeDone Under the
Circumstances
By r. A. Mitchell

Margaret Brierley was brought up
by a couple OF maiden aunts, sisters,
who were well OF and intended that
after their death Margaret should
have their belongings. These were In
part a comfortable house and grounds
In the village. In which they lived
Margaret proved an apt scholar and
was graduated with honor. Since life
with her aunts was very duh she
yearned for something liveller. After
a year of sitting around holding her
hands" as she expressed 1t, she de-
termined to go to the city to teach
Her aunts combated her resolution.
They reminded her that they had cared
for her since she was an infant. edu-
Gated her and given her everything
she wanted. All in vain. One morn
Ing when Aunt Sarah went into her
room to awaken her the bird had flown.
Three years passed. during which
there was no communication between
the aunts and the niece. Margaret
was getting on well as teacher when
she fell I'll. Having no means to pro
vide substitute for her school duties,
she was dropped from the salary roll
Then the poor girl began to regret that
she had yielded to the impulse to be
independent Nothing remained for
her but to 60 back to her aunts and
ask their forgiveness and help.
Taking advantage Of slight rally,
she spent her last funds for a railway
ticket to her former home. She ar
rived at the house as darkness was
falling. How comfortable everything
lookedl There were the dainty white
house. the porch and lattice covered
with vines. the flower garden to one
side. the kitchen garden In the rear,
the whole inclosed by the low picket
fence. She went as fast as her condi-
ton would permit up the walk. opened
the door and entered. All was still
Aunt Elizabeth she called. with
no reply.
AUNT Sarahr' Still no answer.
She went through the house. but
found no one. Thinking that her aunts
had gone out. she took OF her wraps
and sat down In the living room be-
fore the open fireplace. In which were
live Goals. ~ .,-a.. -
Presently she heard the front door
open and shut. She arose. intending
to greet her aunts. Instead a. young
man entered. Seeing her, he paused.
where are my aunts, Misses Eliza
beth and Sarah Staceyr "
"Are you Margaret Brierleyr'
II am" '
Miss Elizabeth died few months
ago, and Miss Sarah followed her in
two weeks"
Margaret sank back in her chair
and covered her face with her hands
II was some time before she spoke
again; then she said:
"Who lives here now"
81 do. I am Roger Blackmore, a
distant connection Of the two ladies'.
They made me their heir"
what ,shall l dor" moaned Marga-
ret, forgetful Of the presence Of an
other
"Have you not been successfulr
II am I'll and without a cent in the
world"
"You are welcome to remain here as
long as you like. ! will leave you and
send some one to take care Of you"
what claim have on your"
II will show you"
Going to a desk, he took out a pa.
per and handed 1t to her. 1t was the
will Of her aunts. leaving all they
possessed to him. There was a clause
stating that If their beloved niece, Mar.
garet Duncan. ever returned In need Il
was their desire that the said Roger
Blackmore should relieve her wants
She looked up at the heir.
How can you relieve the wants of
woman near your own age without
Il think your aunts were mindful
OF that
Then why this requestT
perhaps they fancied"-
"What?"
THAT We might pool our issuesY'
Pool our issues! What do You
meanT"
Marriage"
Margaret made no reply to this. She
felt that she would be willing to mar
ry Polyphemus for a home and rest
Presently she arose slowly and with
difficulty.
where are you goingf" asked Black
more.
II don't know. can't stay here"
He went to her and gently forced
her back I'm her chair. THE good Ia
dies" he said, told me that IL you
failed in your work they would be
glad II you and l could occupy their
old home and enjoy their income to-
gether"
Margaret sat silent for awhile, then
looking up at him, said:
"As for me, | can do nothing else.
II remains for you to decide whether
or no you care 10 accord with the wish