The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-06-13

abroad come to see US.
While trundle.beds and hunks gave up an
incredible number Of white-headed, barefoot
occupants, cousin Otis was at the sleigh wei.
coming Mr.. Cobb. Walk right in walk
right in ! don't stop to knock of the snow
l am powerful glad to sec you, and 80 is
Hepsy.'
so be, and proud to know you took the
pains to come and sec poor folks like us,
said Hcpsy, coming forward with a coarse
shabby dress hanging in disorder about her
gaunt form, and not bit Of polish in her
manner; yet with such cordialitya yand warmth
Of heart lighting up her hard, care-worn face
that she seemed almost comely to the weary
travellers.
The poor room, too, with its uneven floor
and scanty furniture, looked cheerful and at
tractive, as the biggest boy raked open the
Goals in the great stone fireplace, and
heaped on wood, which sprang into flames,
and sparkled and roared up the blackcned
chimney.
Cousin Otis put the horse in the cow-shed,
turning the COW in for a nisht'slodgins with
the pig; tipped up the sleigh to protect 1t
from the snow, and brought in the buaaloes
to dry by tho fire.
He is cousin too. isn't hep said Hepsy.
looking at Mr.. Cobb. as she proceeded tostir
up q johnny-cake for their supper.
Not cousin exactly, buta nigh ncighhor
Of mine, and most excellent one, can Us.
sure you = replied Mr.. Wiggin.
Il thought We were all cousins together.
but he's just as welcome, I'm sure; and It is
all the kinder in him to come out of the
way to see poor folks like us, that amt no
blood relation to him. replied Hepsy. put.
ting the cake before the fire to bake, in q
spider.
When done, 1t was served with milk, and
eaten with relish while cousin Otis and his
admiring family looked on, considering every
mouthiul eaten as an especial favor and com.
pliment to themselves.
When the meal was over. with ready
thoughtiulness. Hepsy reckoned they must
be tired, and wouldn't feel like visiting any
more that night. Il am going to have you
turn into our bed, said she Hospitality. we
can get along we'll enough to camp down
among the children. 1t would be kinder
handy to have another room, but hope you
will put up with it, seeing as we are all cous.
ins together. as it wcrc.'
Weariness Of body and clear conscience
brought untroubled sleep to guests and hosts,
although wild storm of wind and snow
howlcd in at the broken windows, and down
the wide chimney. until, at the proper time,
morning came, bringing with it fair weather,
and breakfast Of potatoes roasted in the
ashes, and garnished with salt.
In honor Of the visitors, the rickety table
was covered with sheet, taken from the
bed and Hepsy ato her breakfast with a
large butchers knife and unalloyed satisiac-
ton.
Il want you to grant me the favor and
privilege of giving my name to this ere little
chap of yourn, If he isn't already provided
with one,' said Mr.. Wigsin, who had been
ponderng on some delicate method Of recon-
pensing his entertainers.
ITS her, replied IIcpsy. looking at the
scrawny monthlng with alectionate pride,
'and we laid out to call her Hepsy alter me,
but it don't make no odds, we had just US
liefs save it for the next one.'
Call her Polly. then, after my wife; and
you couldn't name her after better woman,
though l say it, and here's little present
for her from me and my Polly
Mr.. Wiggin threw golden half.eagle in
the lap Of the mother, as ho spoke, which
brought the children swarming about her,
like flies around cup Of molasscs.
Now what is it, murmr
Let me sec it,
You get away and let me look!'
.Oh 'tan't notbin,, only n weller cent !,
.It's the weller gold and IL, worth mora
than. forty cents. I reckon, ,aid IN. mother
in her superior wisdom, putting il carefully
away in broken cup on the top.shelf of the
dresser.