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SELLING OLD MASTER
Bv Doromv Hartur
IT was a pathetic little group which stood at the gate, before the old Southern homestead, and ancient, ivy-green manor, with white pillars and green vines, surrounded by old-fashioned gardens with a rioting wealth of rhododendrons, roses and lilies.
A sunny-haired child, resting her head against one of the tall gate posts, sobbed bitterly. Altho she was only ten years old, Euth Mapleton seemed to realize the full extent of her desolation. Last week her father, Old Master Mapleton, who was loved by scores of friends, adored by his servants, and idolized by Euth, was carried silently down the rose-covered path, thru the great gates, to rest in the quiet little churchyard where, for ten years, Euth's fair-haired young mother had waited for him.
The few days since her father's death had seemed like a frightful dream to the child. The loved home had been sold at auction, and the stately rooms dismantled of their rare old furniture and tapestries. Family heirlooms, books, silver, even the beautiful, lifelike portrait of "Old Master,'' which Euth longed so passionately to retain, were gone.
"It was the foreclosure notice that killed Dad," sobbed Euth, "I'm almost glad he can't see the dear old home now."
Two faithful servants, loyal old retainers of slavery days, stood by the child. Tears streamed down Old Zeke's face, but Black Lucy stood as if carved in ebony, her grief too deep for weeping. Euth's mother, "Miss Lucretia," had played among the roses years ago, calling for "Mammy Lucy" to smooth every childish trouble, and it was in
Mammy Lucy's arms that the tiny Euth was placed, with a trusting smile, before the young bride turned wearily upon her pillow and sank into her long sleep. Devotedly had Zeke and Lucy served Old Master and the child. Now, after troubled and anxious consultation, their savings had been paid to a modest boarding school where Euth was to be cared for, and the two faithful souls were going out into the world to seek a new home.
A carriage appeared, rumbling down the hot, dusty road, like a dull yellow ribbon, lying in the afternoon sun.
"Goodbye, Lucy and Zeke; when I am old enough to teach, I shall find you, and we'll all live together," said the child, trying to speak bravely thru her tears.
Stepping into the old carriage, Euth waved a heartbroken farewell to the dear old manor and the dusky servitors, who stood motionless until the vehicle disappeared over a hill. Then, picking up two shabby carpet bags, they trudged slowly down the road.
It was ten years later that the Southern Eailroad bore as a passenger Euth Mapleton, grown into charming young womanhood. Euth's eyes, like blue jewels, gleamed beneath a tangle of amber curls, and the small, black toque accentuated the purity of her delicate complexion. Small, but well-rounded, she looked very lovable as she dreamily contemplated the passing trees and strange sights.
"I'm really going to New York," she sighed. "I wonder what Mrs. Travers is like! Mighty sweet, I reckon, by her letter. I'm lucky to get this chance to live there and teach the little
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