VOL- xxxvi MILLER'S | SPRING FOOTWEAR Strongest. Brightest and Most Stylish Line Ever Shown in Butler.^^g2l^ This to Be Our Banner Year This will surely J* our banner year. All our efforts have been with success. We started a sale in Febrnary of our Winter Tans ami Box Calf Shoes. ] The result is they are all gone. We have the money for them and the much-need- j cd room for spring goods, and 110 back numbers 'in our hands for next fall Pushing Spring Goods. m - '.Ve are pushing spring goo Is har- We feel safe in sayiaii that we haye the most complete line of Lvlie?' Shoes in Butter. The Deisarte Shoes have no equal for styie **i 1 comfort, an t hive the largest sale of any advertised shoe in the world. Our cheaper lines are B real lUs year. We are very strong on lines running from 9S cents to {2.03, tan or black. For Men to Wear. n^~— The expressions we have heard from the young men of t'ae town since we dis played a few of our spring styles in our window gives us the assurance that our judgment has s.iited the tastes of our many customers who like to wear nice sh <2uite a millibar of our spring shoes can be se*n 01. the streets an 1 we fee! }»r >u I o them, as does the wearers, for they are certainly is the biys say. 'very swell Our spring goxls are in all grades of Tan Shoes, Kid and Calf, and Black go MIS in l'attnt Leather, Vici Kid. Calf, etc. Prices range from to #5 00. For Boys and Girls to Wear. We have not forgotten the boys and girls. We have sime very smsrt things for you, and it is lime you was looking around to se„* where you will boy >'°" r Kaster shoes. We like to have you look around and compare, for it always results in our favor. For the Baby to Wear. Through the baby we reach the *hole family. S >tne dealers look on the baby department as a very small matter. We do not. We know that the bady must and will have nice shoes, and with that uppermost in our minds we bought t lis line for spring. How well we succeeded can be told by the sa'isfied buyers We Want to Met You. Couie in and I'iok over our new goods. If you don't need any footwear, now, you may later. We have not mentioned anything about our large line of Slipper.', Walking Shoes, Tennis Shoes etc., but we will at some other time. See us for Your Spring Shoes C. E. TWiller j HAN # —WHO SECURES HIS CLOTHING FROM— £ S J. S. YOUNG, | a THE .MERCHANT TAILOR, 4 2 The goods, style, tit and general iniike 4 . up of IIIH suits 6 J TELL their own j ■ - J - —MEN^- • I Won't buy clothing for the purpose of spend • - j ing money. They desire to get the best ' j / X Ur&S possible results for the money expended, it '; ( f \ JJC 11/ \ Not cheap goods but goods as cheap as can j 1 1 a lAI 1 V ,)e and made up properly. Call and j 1 * /I examine iny large stock of 'j r t/R SPRING SUITINGS. 1 1 it. Come in and see the samples. 4 a We Have Two Stores and % A We buy real cheap now. % « DOUTHETT & GRAHAM, i € BUTLKR, PA, HIE CLOTH IKRS. J k i>i A dk A A I PAPE'S, JEWELERS. Diamonds, Watches, Clocks, Jewelery, Silverware, Spectacles, etc. We have a large and well selected stock. We Repair all Kinds of Watches. If you have broken jewelery that you think beyond repairs bring it to us and we will make it as good as new. We take old gold and silver the same as cash allowing the highest market price. 122 S. Main St., Huller, Pa. THE BUTLIiR CITIZEN. Rtv House. Hti Furniture j Central Hotel. \ f bes, and yon feel bilious, cons J P-sited, and out of tuni, with your J MRS. JENNIE NIXON, Proo'r no appetite - J Opposite Court Honse. { Hood's """ Tw ™ { : ■ - :1 1 I £ 5 Yon win be aorpru J * t i. r i 1/ # they will do their work, . ure your £ I ( VV i headache and biliousne-s. rouse tl.. # 2 liver and make yon fee ! happy us:ain. 0 DKAI.KR IN 425 cents. Sold by all medicine dealers 0 Rough i Worked Lumber Doors, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings. . Shingles and Lath S Butler Steam Laundry. in Stock. S 22 0 West Cunningham Street, \ : LIME. lUIK AND PLASTER ( J. E ZICKRICK, Manager. Office uppoKte P. & AV. IHpot. ( People's 'Phone, 236. S SUTLER. PA. 1 I House Keeperss | Give Ear » S Now is the time you will tie buying WALL l'A i'Kr # 1 Huve vou consi.lere.l wlure vou ::r - t<. t.uy it- , , , I V If you have 11 t >et seen our LARGK STOCK ; all the latest f S Designs, Colorings, Tapestries, Uerlaps. I'resse.l an.t Metal effect.., et. OT I* wiil pay vou to do so al once. Our stock was never so com pie e S as it is today. Don't take our word for itobut call and ;ee tor your- .t f? and he convinced, tt'e have the goods and it is to show th. in 5| We also carry »large line of ROOM MOULDINGS to match colors ol paper. Uk Stationery. Window Shades, *> Paints Oils and Varnishes, etc T- Picture and Mirror Framing a Specialty. W A large line of unframed pictures. Call and si'* them. Contract painting and paper hanging « M R We lead and others follow. | Patterson Bros., S 236 North Main Street. Butler. Pa. S S Wick Building. Peoples" Phone 400. 1 Spring Goods. Our Entire Spring Stock • (3?) CompK slock of tht* SOROSIS Shoes t tlie new shoe for women. Made of the finest \ M W Dongola, Tan and I'atePt Leather; also corn plete stock of liak'-r iS: Bowman's fine han M jMvfl r5-, turn's and hand welts in Djugola and fin- K wBJ v? Russett Kid, made on the laUst up-to-date Sjßr q MEN'S SHOES. asslr.rt'iiK ill of'' cJu,' 1 Vie:.' K?d.' "! " UM '- a at "' K a "g arot> I'al'nt Calf M> • a ''" '' aS ' S ' C ' U I ' ,l M complete line Children's pilots in the late ' laige. Being made on the same style lasts the Men's Fhoes in all the different leathers. ig See Our Window Display. JOHN BICKEL. 128 SOUTH MAIN STRKET -:- BUTLER, l'A MRS. J. E. ZIMMEUM A N \ Ladies' Spring Suits end Separate Skills Lfdies'ready-to-wear tailor-made Jacket suits in Covert cloths, plain cloth. Venetian cloth and serges, ranging in price from $5.00, ♦''i.y.s, JS s", #12.50 to These suits 111 Mack an»l all the new spring shades strictly tailored. New Flared Skirts, fly front attd tight-fitting Jackets. A full line of Separate Skirts to sell at st.oo up to Jio.txi. SILKS AND DRESS GOODS! Just opened a complete iine of new Spring S'lks in plain and fancy. The handsomest line of Silks we have ever shown at attractive prices—50c to #1.50 New Spring Dress Goods in coverts, Venetian cloth, poplin, serges, hrijliantee'is and lienriettas. Vou will have to see these goods to fully appreciate their lieauty and value. Our prices are attractive, too. BLACK DRESS GOODS AND CP.EPONS! The dyes are deep and unchangeable and the prices are unmatchable. Annual Opening Sale of Imported and Domestic Wash Goods After many weeks of careful preparation, having been in touch with many of the representative lines cf Wash Pabrices made in Europe and America, we are now ready to submit to your inspection Till'. INITIAL DISI'LAY Ol' 1111'. SEASON or 189 Q. WASH FABRICS. Fine Cinghams, Zephyrs, Madraj Cloth, Chint/. and Percales. All elegant line of Welts and I'iijues. Organdies both in plain, white and fancy colors. Swisses, Lawns and Dimities. Laces and Embroideries. Fine Embroidery from x cent to 75 cents per yard. This is the handsomest and most complete line ever shown in llutler, consisting of Swiss, N'ains.,.>k and Ilain burgs lace edge embroidery—all overs and all the newest effects in Embroideries and Laces for Spring of 1899, See window display. MRS. J. E. ZIMMERMAN. That Dizzy Feeling f Imll.'al. s Hint tli.'rc |,s sotni-tliini: wrong with till -.ystem. It Is a warnhiK slnu ami should l>. S. ,"i'i* "ou'i" SA USAI'AKMj'.A COMI'OIMI we .F-K&R-YJIISITT IPL. DII'. I- Hi. IK-SI toiil.' and 1,1. N«l iiurlli.T In HI. e'hOr/, 'i. iTflKcTx " ' TfvSti wii..ie iki „r . 11.-s. it is .1. f«i 11> i>:. p..■. -i /.] Or < P-Zf 'L Tr r, ' »*< "f I'lif'.lniKf- and will «l\. ton. and \ 1«..r 1.. >' f "hoi"' system. Il Is the Ideal spring ReaiCK ma- Hlea.l, "The lv:. s," aL".ul which there i Cousiiletable BJltcnr. 1> !".hy the heroine, applies for the position of com panion to Mrs. Klilr.'.lee, the tnib-ri- of the house. At the station she niak. s the acquaintance of l)r. Spencer, one 01 the prominent characters of the story. CIIAI'TI'.R II -Dorothy is cusasrd by .Mr.,. Kldridge, who f.he is ill 1, ami euteis at once upon her duties us companion. She must have 1... 1 at that tinio ilwitit sixty y. ars rf agi-. althoush she | had the appearance of a creater sijr*'- | j his was due to the absolute whiteness .f her still luxuriant lmlr. which wits somewhat hidden from sight by a coif lure of finest I duel; laee, that looked i like an enamelled arab.'Sijue tr.'Ved up ,on silver. Her flgi.re was tall, eom niandiug. and very erect; lier face gentle, and filled with the pathos of supreme suffering and self-renuncla tion: her manner that of a higli-bred gentlewoman, into ivliose mind the re flection that she is a being superior to the meanest of those about her has never obtruded. Her eyes— brown, kindly and wistful were very beauti ful. and touched one's deepest sym pathies by the strange look of appeal that lay in their depths. As the servant pronounced iny,iiann> she rose from her chair, and extended a cordial band to me, saying in a slow, gentle voice: "You are the lady who has volun teered to consider the thought of shar ing my solitude? Will you not come close to the tire? You must be chilled from your long ride." She motioned to n chair directly fae lng her own. and resumed her s. at. I had touehed the IOIIK fragile lingers with devout reverence, and. still stand ing before her, made the amende for my presumptuous appearance in her house. ".Madam," I said, "I bad the temerity to think 1 could fulfill your require ments. I'arilon me for the audacious thought. I bad not at that time seen you. and was unaware how little worthy of you my companionship would lie. My discovery has .eoiae 111 good season. ho\v« vcr. and I beg you to allow me to withdraw." / M | n=n /!<&*& i l II /w* |yj UMfp M urns l l ' i (3vP h''/ ; :i IP Upji! I ■ m thi I ' Ji r J SHE WAS SITTING IN A HIUn-BACKED EBONY CHAIK. There wns great regret as well as firm conviction in my voice. My dis appointment was a.-, intense as my as surance of disqualification. I longed to be of service to this woman; all my romantic Impulses were stirred by sight of her beauty and tragic iso lation; and yet I WRS convinced of my own inadequacy as regarded her needs. I sighed Involuntarily and was about to turn away, but she stretched out a detaining hand, while a little smile of amusement flitted across the gravity of her expression. "Nay, my child, be not so hasty in your decisions," she returned. "After all, It Is I who should be the Judge of your capabilities unless. Indeed, you are already discouraged by the lonell ness of this place, and use your modes ty to conceal the real reason of your flight?" The words were In the form of an In terrogatory, and 1 hastened to deny their false accusation. I spoke with considerable warmth, and tln- smile deepened 011 Madam's face. "You are quite young," she remarked. "Not more than eighteen or twenty, I should say. That is in itself a strong recommendation to me. 1 should like something youthful about me in my old age. Hut my longing Is a selfish one. Youth needs youth, and gaiety and bright surroundings. My home Is no place for it to shelter in." Slie gave a little sigh, as If her thoughts were introspective, and I took advantage of 11. pause to tell her how little I prized the pleasures which were so dear to most girls of my age, and how devoid of terrors I held dittide. I think the eagerness In my voice touched and won her, for a slight flush crept into her face as she listened. "You have probably never dreamt of a household so qui"t and monotonous as this," she said. "We are all old people who inhabit ll Franklin, poor May berry, and I. And I I am, in ad dition blind." I cried aloud at this, so shocked and startled was I. Blind! those beautiful eyes with their profound depths! "You are surprised," she exclaimed, while I could have bitten out my tongue In annoyance at my own in advertence. "All! my old eyes are sad hypocrites, my dear, and 'assume a virtue when they have it not.' Now shall I iR-gin my catechism? There Is no need to go Into the de tail of question and answer by incaus of which Madam became convinced that my endowments were sufficient for the position I coveted. I had re ceived, at the expe e of a well-to-do uncle, an excellent education, an ?. be ing naturally of a studious habit of mind, had ranged even beyond the lead of my preceptors into the fields of general knowledge. I could speak with confidence of my Ungual familiar ity with French, German and Italian, besides being able to claim a tolerably Intimate acquaintance with the most celebrated literary productions of each of these nations. Nor had my En glish acquirements suffered neglect through absenteeism. Well stocked had I been by native harvesting be fore being allowed to stray afield in search of foreign gleaning. I had an excellent ear for music, anil a fair contralto voice, which had been carefully cultivated, so that my singing really afforded pleasure to even criti cal listeners; I had « knowledge of bookeeplng sufficient to make an ex ceedingly accurate domestic account ant; 1 could rend aloud for hours with out fatigue of my well-trained vocal muscles, and thoughts and Ideas wen. bred rapidly enough in my brain, even If these were al times too odd and original for easy assimilation by Ihosi to whom I might chaucc t•« utter them, to ensure my being a fairly entertain ing and easy conversationalist. 1 did not offer Madam (his frank In veutory of my accomplishments as I rflAWh^i/iEsTj If. ' by L+ -*dC > -P ' f r. ;v . Oll. 1 am not egotistical in thus ac .nowledglng uiy gifts and attainments; they wire simply the stock-in-trade by means of whi h T hoju'd to secure a 'ivlng. and s* •em-, necessary to the "ing . f my .al • 'hat I should make .ention without ni-iclt modesty of the extent f.> which I was equipped for my career. I'll.' manner of Madam's interroga tory reveal, d to 111.' her possession of great tact and cleverness. So adroitly she led me 011 to disclose my abilities that I am sure 1 revealed my whole scope and character within fifteen min utes of entering her Iwmdoir, while at the time I had almost 110 suspicion of the probe she was skilfully inserting. It was not until afterwards, when I was alone in my chamber, that I real ized how much ]>. rsonal information she had extracted from me. "My dear," she said finally, "you are very tired. Your voice betrays a cer tain strain and w viriness that w ill be followed by an exhausting reaction if you do not get Immediate rest. If you are satisfied with my terms"—tli y were very lil»eral ones iei Franklin dismiss your carrl-ige. and let 11s try for a week, by practical experience, tlie question of our mutual suitability. Will you do so?" My vanity whisnered that lieueath ! the outward calmness of her manner I it could detect a strain of suppressed ' eageri!) ss as to my decision, which i flattered me beyond words. I gladly ! ass :: 'tl to her proposal, and 111 ol»edl ( ei.e to her ■ -I rang Hi" bell and 1 ga-.e the old bi il. r tlie order to send ' off the waiting carriage. Madam ftir , tlier d. sired him to tell the lions-keeper jte ; ire my roi m. and as slie de ij, . she extend.-1 to me her right ; iiaiid with the g. sture of one iiskiiu a charity. I "Will you allov ;ne a inore personal j Inquisition my child?" she asked v/ilh some hesita!ion. ' Will you mind it very much if 1 touch your face and read your expression by the only ie >ii '1 thai 1 mains to PI -? Perhaps you v.-ll! . - be -i -nough to color "for me the crude Hkntdi which is all my rude lint, .v are aide to form?" I knelt at It. r side, and she passed her slender 'iiig.r'- deftly, shrevv.lt>, over my features. I thrilled IKS' . th her gentle touch almost as a maiden beneath the caress of her lover. "A goodly growth." she remarked, as her hnn.l dwelt upon the thick masses of my hair. "Its color?" "Chestnut, my mother calls it. Mad am." I replied. "With golden lights threading it?" she asked a little eagerly. "It is indeed of changeable shades," I returned modestly, for I well knev, that my only patent <>f l.eauty was composed of the sun-fleck..i hair that was my mother's pride, together with the white and perfect teeth that were my own delight. Madam drew a tiny chain from its seclusion beneath the bosom of lxr gown, anil opened a massive locket, as large as a man's watch, that de pended from it. I could tell by Its con struction that it was divided into four compartments, but only one of these was revealed to my curious gaze. That held the miniature of a radiant, blooming girl, upon whose . xquislte brow rested the suggestion <0 a dawn ing inatronhood which, when it as sumes natural and graceful possession of 11 woman's face, enhances n thous andfold the beauty of immaturity. It was Madam. No one could for an Instant doubt that. But oh! Madam with hope and Joy and anticipation ir radiating the features whereon havoc had since marked its course. "Is it such as this was?" she asked, holding the ease towards me. "Much the same, I think," I replied. "Only yours was doubtless more beau tiful, Madam." She sighed and closed the case. I'robably for the sake of one who had admired and loved its beauty, she mourned the fading of her locks. And so together we painted for her enlightenment a sufficient likeness of my outward aspect. "Hazel eyes, chestnut hair, perfect health, which Implies a fair CM, ~!. N lon. good features, and a noiily -baped nml well-set head you should lie some thing of a heauty, my dear," my ap praiser concluded with a humorous little smile. "And yet. Madam. 1 am not," I an swered truthfully. "My mouth is far too large, my face is too thin, my skin too colorless, and with all I am too tall and lanky to he attractive to lovers of beauty." CHAPTT.It 111. It was her pleasure to accompany me to my room, whither I led her .ie cord'ng to her direction, her hand rest Ing on my arm. We were nearly of equal height, which made it specially easy for me to become her guide. Slie left me after a while, having as sured herself that things had 1 comfortable for my reception. And.in deed, far more captious person than I, and one used to far greater luxury, could scarcely have found anything to complain of in the small suite of rooms —chamber, sitting-room and bath that had been recently appointed. In view of the fact that Madam was about to receive into her house a new- Inmate. I made a cursory Inspection of my apartments, disposed my belongings for the nlglif. after refreshing my self with the dainty supper which Mad am insisted I should take In my own room, being firmly of the opinion that I was too fatigued to dine below stairs, went to the window and stood for some time gazing in dreamy abstrac tion out into the night. A small crescent of light hung low lu the heavens, and shed the tend or est of possible illuminations over the world. The night was so still that an almost unearthly hush seemed to have fallen from its wings. On the left, winding away Into unfathomable dis tance, was the avenue which had been my way hither, and far below on the right, dimly and partially discernible through the sombre branches of the grim and forbidding poplars, gleamed forth that cold and spectral mass of masonry that formed the house wliicli had attracted my notice as I approach ed The Ivies. Almost beneath me It lay. for I was in a wing of the house In close prox inilty to the cliff that overhung it. Its utter gloom (there were no lights about 1 it) and air of ghostly mystery struck eold anil chill upon my fancy. I fell • It to be 11 bouse with a history, and fell n- wondering what that history might be; whether I should ever l. arii It; whether it had connection with the tragedy which seemed to stalk nakedly and yet closely masked about the house I in which I had elected to take tip my 1 abffde. Would the time come when the , secrets of Madam's life would be mat ! ters of familiar dwtall to me? Would my courago and the support of that lu ner monitor on which 1 so largely de pended be sufficient to counteract the loneliness anil depression of my sur round ings? , Urave and possessed of cnthusiasn for my mistress tboi". I w:t- hide pendent of tlie divers- of : . as i hail professed uiys -if. 1 • -i. 1.. 1 cl.ise my eyes 10 the > 1 that bad never Itefore been tented by - ■ \ treme conditions as th. sc. .i::«l i dered if. after tlie novelty of t: • .1- tioii had worn off, 1 shot:! ■. > find enough matter of IPI. iv*l I: 'he place to bold at :iv a l!ri":i .1 and 110 means exaggeiaii .l yoar.:ii - tor oc cupation ai d diversion. I fell asp ep Still revdvit "1 my mind the possibilities in tie • The next morning was as . 1 ut from the aftert: > :i that pi •- -ed i' as it is possible f.ir two ila>s al tl -a season of the year to 1. ■ Wii •" as lh«* evening had Iteen cold, bleak and dreary, sng- 'stive of th LIES IT ON and alionii: atioti cf winter, the dawn wns balmy, mil 1 ami pleasant, indica tive of spring and nil things vernal and joyous. I made a hasty toilet with my wind ow thrown wid" open 1 the pure coun try air. which was deliclously invigor ating to my city-bred lungs. Thin I went out iqto the long corridor <>u : which my ro.uos opened, and wh led to the large lipp* r hall which I j have already described. Having gain ed this. 1 p.. ,-.s il al the balds: rade. ad miring its ciirveu leauti.s and .....ing down int.• the liall beneath, fen ng my ey. s upon the harmonious p . lure of still life the splejilid apartment pre sent! d. My occupation of it th previous afternoon had been too brief and the light too iiisutticieut for IUC t>. Jis. over half its beauties; but now they stood in the brilliant morning sunshine, 1 .lly revealed to my admiring eyes. Es pecially did the sunlight bring into i prominence a stain, d-glass window of enormous proportions, which made a i glow ing bit of mural decoration 01 ihe , fun I.er end of *he hall. It bad for su • J.. 1 the r.-p main Mag dal. n. and a masterpiece of design | and effective coloring. Alwut the walls ran low book cases of dark mahogany, ; filled to overflowing with books in ' costly bindings, suggesting tlie, thought i that formerly one of the,.uses of the i place had ween that of a library. The shelves which topped 111. s. cases were ; covered with beautiful vases, curios, | ornaments of modern ami antique de sign; and above these pictures lined the j spaces, extending way up tin vast ■ stretches of the walls until they mingl ed with the gallery a bow. While I stood thus, enjoying to the : full its rare l ast of delight. I heard I a weak uncertain footstep behind me. ' D never cross- ! my mind that it could Ibe Madam. Despite her blindness, ! there was 110 faltering or indecision it, 1 any of her movements. 1 turned, therefore, expecting to confront some servant, and such, ind •. .1. proved to lie the case. I!til tlie servant was of a type far differ, nt from any I had ever i been acquainted with. 1 The woman who had approached me so silently that until she stood within arm's length I had been unaware of her presence was of so stran-.e and singular an appearance that Involun tarily I shrank from neater association. | with a recoil of my person of which 1 was at once ashamed. She was a creature so inharmonious of aspect, of such woeful incongruity of design and fulfilment, so evidently an .-aibodi meut of a living grief, that one instinc tively shunned contact with so un niistaken an abstraction of despair. Have you ever seen a garden so fair and gracious of appearance that to gaze upon il satisfies every aesthetic craving of your nature; a garden w hose form and mine, while she cried, in a very agony of entreaty: "Ah! do not, do not! I have seen. Ibis morning upon my mistress's face the first ray of brightness that lias crossed It since- O God! since when since when?" She let go her clutch upon uiy skirt, and covering her face with ber bauds, liui'Ht Into a fit of uncontrollable weep Ing. cowering like a whipped dog at my feet. It was evident lhat she was stirred by some powerful memory, and I felt miserably embarrassed In the prcsem e j j of this passionate outburst, which I | | knew not how to comfort or soothe. 1 However. 1 could reassure her upon tin point which had seemed to provoke the attack, Ihe probability of iny remain ! 'I": Ivi s. at.il this I proCi'ftlill I 1 - <-i .ig '1 ill tills nttciupt when r -k and mjrrfnlljr tnlnMl ears ' i i. il ;i s»n :..l that escaped my own. MI if '»• r mistress's ilrui and ly tr< ail approaching from h«»r l« 1 ir she rose rt ont*, and catch j • y hand to ||. r Hps. piv>- .1 a i ! nis kis- upon it, while she i I' d quickly: "Mr denv. you will >■ d< * mis-ionnry work if you re " and ti.iii. jrli«Uiijr noiselessly ■ <•! l -ft me to meet Madam eondnet le-r down the wide >tair to the dainty morning-room in w!. Ii it was la-r custom to breakfast. As tar :'.s eoinfort and luxury were nl. life at The Ivies wits ideal l'ii- staff of domestics was limited in numlx-r. I'Ut fully adequate in service. It consisted ot the liousek -cper and butler whom I lmve named, an old general out-of door servant, who slept iii a room in the stable, and attended to tin' grounds and to The pair of coach-liorsi s that alone composi J! dam's stud, and a cook and lions, !:t;i'• t.iiddle aged women, nieo s of Franklin. who had occupied the same positions since they w. ;v girls. May berry also served -is Madam's aid.and 1 si i>:t discovered that she was exceed ingly j-'alo«K of any attempts to rob In i HI th ■ petforuianee of In r duties in this capacity. Mj duties proved to IK' tfiorougbl> in.'.nial and in no degree • u-rous. Madam fnllllled uiy most extravagant anticipations, and charmed and fas , inated me 1»y her many gifts and rare i intellectuality. The most cultured minds might have found her a eon genial companion: to a young, ardent. Ituprt "Klonable girl, such then was, she appeared almost divinely cndi-We 1 and accomplished. She never, afti r that iirst mention of it. made allusion to her blindness, but I felt sun it musi have I teen of recent date, for she had nlade no attempt to train her other set"- s to the assistance of this defect, is would naturally have Iteen the ease if the alllictlou had been of very long | standing. At the end of the lirst week she quest lolled me as to my willingness lo remain, and the fervor of my r -spouse set that matter for ever at rest between us. From day to day 1 could see that I Bile grew dependent upon me. and this i flattered me and increased my enthu ' siasm for my work. Work! It was scarcely that, the service which was ri quired of uie. It was employment, it i is true, but the sort of employment j that was dearest to my soul, and which i was amusement as well as occupation i to out* ot my tasit'*. Old Franklin and Mavberry. grate ful to me for the biMietlt which they In ' sisted 1 was doing tlieir beloved mls : tress (1 think 1 was the only being who 1 came in contact with Madam of whom the housekeeper was never Jealous), studied my comfort to a degree that led me to remonstrate with them, i'lider their united i»Torts my rooms, always attractive and amply supplied, attained such luxurious equipment that 1 felt constrained to speak of it lo Madam, fearing that should she ever discover the numerous additions my apart tn»ut was continually receiving She might think trie guilty of soliciting theni. However, 1 had scarcely opened the subject than the laid her hand lightly oi; my lips. "My littli Dorothy," she said, "on one matter Mnyberry, Franklin and 1 are In perfect accord. We all agree !n thinking that nr.tbing in this great house can be put to better use than in helping to detain and attract the sunbeam that has it rayed through the losed shutters of our lives. Let them have their way, my child. It is a great pleasure to these old people. I>o not deprive them of it." The retirement o* our existence was well-nigh coniplftt. Madam received absolutely no one. 1 ven the clergyman "THIS IS MISS IX>TIIIN»*? SIII-: ASKKO " of Kldon parish having abandoned all utteinpts to penetrate within the walls of the secluded dwelling. Yet, al though priestly counsel was not ac ceptable to her, Madam was not un mindful of the necessities and priva tions of the poor, and every month a generous check was despatched by me In her name to Mr. Booth, the rector, to be disbursed as he saw lit. lb-fore long I suggested an amend ment to this custom, which, as she was constantly urging upon me the neces sity of exercise iu the open air, Madam gladly adopted, it was to tin- effect (liat. instead of continuing this method of general relief, sly should allow me to become her almoner among the poor. It would give aim and object to my walks, sind I felt that by its means 1 could bring outside interest Into Mad am's life. I had been with Madam about three months when one day, in the middle of May, I rose in the morning with a tight Iron baud about my In-ad. The weather for a week had been,an al most incessant downpour, so wet that only an amphibious creature could have found it inviting. Madam and I had been deeply Interested in a new German work which I had been read ing aloud, and either application to its dtizzllng text, or too close confinement to the house, or perhaps a combination of both causes, had resulted In this acute physical depression. Feeling ti longing for fresh air, and believing that a brisk walk would be my best medicine, I obtained Madam's consent to pospouc my usual morning duties until later in the day. and started out ou an errand that would carry me well Into the village, a distance of per haps four miles. Although I was a stranger to Its people, for I had only recently begun lo administer Madam's liounty among the poor. 1 was by this time fairly fam iliar with the little hamlet. I had call ed upon Mr. 1 tooth to acquaint him personally with the change Madam proposed making, ami had found him more than pleased to welcome nil ussistaut iu his parish work, lie was an agreeable man, earnest, sincere, but extremely modest and retiring; -i bachelor, living alone, with a maid of -111 work to minister to his needs. Save the few poor people whom I visited. In- was the sole acquaintance I had made Iu the place. I had done my errand, not without some physical discomfort, for the liv ing room of tile cottage in which 1 had IH-CII received was close from the fumes of tobacco and strong vt gctables and over heated by a tire burning iu the range, and was returning through the village street, when I felt myself overcome by a distressing dizziness. It came upon me suddenly, but not be fore I had found strength enough to I push open a little gate close by iue, ' and stagger up the narrow path whlcn 'led to the doorstep of a quaint little | i house which I had frequently noted | In my walks. i I ieineml'iT seeing a lady sewing In I tin- window, but that was my last | U'i< -am ol consciousness, until I found 1 N0.13 ' !c . • fa in a cosy sit i.: _i my brow bathed by i la iv« looking woman, w. s, Ilea*i -.as t rued aside to ad* □ i | It# f 'A : H I THINK Slit-: J." MKS. KI.nRKDUE'S COMPANION, lress someone out of my range of vis ion. She did not observe the unclos ing of my eyes, anil 1 hastily shut them again, being so weak and languid of spirit that I had no inclination to meet ir respond to interrogatories. "I think indeed. 1 an; sure she Is Mr?. I'.kirlge'.- compan'on, !>avid," she was saying. "Poor child, she Is young to be doomed to live within such shadows!" "Where are worse fates than that, mother. A girl who is forced to earn her own living may consider herself fortunate If shadows are the only evil she has to combat." I recognized tin- voice nt once, its cheery tones hail comforted me once before. "She seems a fragile creature to light tier way through life: and. too. she has more lieauly than it is altogether safe for a working woiuau to bo adorned with. Look. David, what richness and abundance!" She laid her hand upon my hair, from which she had drawn the pins that the strain upon my head might Is- re lieved. Its masses overflowed the coueli and fell upon the floor. 1 felt that 1 had no right to lie there an 1 listen to further flattery, and, suddcnlv npening my eyes, .net her solicitous gaze. "Ah. that is right, my dear," she said kindly. "Yon are better? Daviu, she has come to herself. Dr. Spencer came forward. "Do m try to exert yourself quite yet," he said, as I made a motion as if to arise. "I'ieaoe rest as you are until my mother shall have prepared a cup of tea for you. Von will bo all right then. 1 think." 1 was more tnan willing to follow his advice, and with a little nod of ac quiescence again closed my eyes. My hostess bustled away, and silence took possession of the room. Presently curiosity got the better of my lassi tude, and I opened my eyes again to discover what my companion might be about. lie was standing at the wind ow with his hands in his pocke'H looking out into the street with an expression upon his face which as sured me t.iat he had forgotten there was such a person in existence as Dorothy Lothrop, and that his thoughts were far distant from the present scene. He was a tall mac. broad-shouldered and vigorous of frame, with a strong. Intelligent face, blue eyes anil fair hair. I could not tell his age very exactly, for there was a look of mature gravity and wide experience about the eyes and mouth at variance with the rest of his appearance, lie might have been anywhere between thirty-five and forty. 1 had been prepossessed In his favor from the moment lie addressed me on my arrival at the Kldon station, and this second good turn lie had done me quite won my heart. It occurred to me that 1 owed him tin acknowledg ment of his former kindness and act of self-sacrifice, and I seized the present occasion to make it. Perhaps 1 was al it "DR. SPENCER" —I HHiAN. so urged lo lircii* the silence by a less commendable motive, for I do not be lieve that any woman likes to have her presence in a room ignored by a man, even if she be Iu a dying condition. "Dr. Spencer " 1 began. He turned at once with a start. It was proof that he had forgotten me. "I am much better. I want to thank you now, while I have the opportunity, for your great consideration in giving up your carriage to me the night 1 arrived at Kldon." His expression of surprise, as he scrutinised me closely, was most dis concerting to my vanity. It was more than apparent that he hail not recog nized me. And yet his mother had re marked upon my beauty! "Oh!" he returned, coming forward, "were you the lady who was stranded that night on our inhospitable shore? Pardon me; I had thought it an older woman." [CONTINUED IN OUH NEXT.] Nmallrat Republic. The smallest republic in the world is the little community of Gaust, compris ing 110 souls, who sxist on the flat top of a mountain in the Pyreueea. This miniature republic Is only one mile In area, has existed since lti-18, and is recognized by both France and Spain. It has a council of 12, who elect their president. A Nen lnilu«tr». A Georgian woman, thrown upon her own resources, has hit on a novel plan for earning her dally bread. She lakes care of graves, assuming the responsi bility of keeping cemetery lots in order with well-trimmed grass and walks. A Powerful lleelle. The rhinoceros beetle has as tena cious and as powerful a grasp as the most ferocious bulldog. Itß head may be two-thirds torn from its body, and it will not loosen its hold. It has real horns and not mandibles, like many of its family. Good If True. Frederick llachman, of Milwaukee, rlaims to have invented a telegraph instrument that will print messages In typewritten letters without the aid of an operator at the receiving .office, which may be hundreds of miles away. A Itrmnrkablr Sun IMnl. A huge sundial made entirely of plants and flowers adorns the South park, Chicago. The standard which j i-asts the shadow it also decked with I (lowers and is made to resemble u gl -1 tjiuitk: ear of corn.