Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1872-09-05
LYDIA'S GOOD CHANCE.
by KATE W. HAMILTON.

own HlHHStmcHt watching inc IuN'ii
tumble down little house on the opposite
side of the street.-the one blot upon that
very respectable neghborOood. Families
moved in and ont there until Nell had
Christened it "The Panorama; and now,
after weeks silence and solitude, it
was again thrown open, ana new set
were taking possession
and such sctl" commented Nell
reporting proceedings to her eldG1t sister
who was busiIy employed farther back in
the room That old man with the old
blue coat on has brought load of goods
on hand cart There are two pumpkins,
n rocking chair minus the rockers-a
bench, o pail, and churn with Il little
mite of "a girl standing in H. What an
ideal Put her there to keep her from
falling off, | suppose. Oh! there's an
other small specimen Of humanity,
done up in u straw bed Well, he un-
dcrstands packing children for trans
pOrtation ut any ratel Come and see
what funny little mort4lsthcy arc, lydia
"There is an older one than those two,"
said Lydia, laughingly watching them as
they emerged from their strange
quarters, 'a boy some ten or twelve
years old
.iul uutSS tHih y All lHt iHllllG,
answered Nell "Don't believe there's
woman about the establishment"
"Ihero is, though ~Lydas mirthful
glance softencd as it realed on the old
tencmcnt--"but she is sick. | saw her
when she came this morning, and she
looked SO pale and miserable rs they tar,
ried her in that could but pity her. 1t
must seem fOrl0rn TO one i'll az she ia to
have to move, ard into such g place AS
that. | mean to go and see her by and
by, when they are settled, and ! have Il
good chance"
"You needn't wait long on their &C
count; there doesn't seem to be anything
to settle. responded Nell, completing her
survey OF the goods and ChattCs.
A sharp, quick rap at the back door
startled them, and before they could an.
swcr the summons the door was partially
opened and tumbed curly head thrust
in, A pair of bright black eyes scanned
he apartment for an instant, then rested
upon the occupants
'I'm Dick"
care you? really" began the astonish.
cd Lydia
True as yc live an breathe" affirmed
the newcomer, earnestly, thinking his
statement had been doubted "juclc
Pete wants to know can he borrer the
loan OF two sticks o wood -
''Who is Uncle Pcte.' demanded Nell.
Lives over ycr"-thc boy pointed in
the direction of the house. Wants to
know can he borrcr the loan of two sticks
o wood an ax to chop en-
Yes, | suppose he can, said Lydia,
slowly; bat you can't carry them"
ooh, he'd ruthcr come an pick em out
his own self; he don't want every sort, "
was the quick reply; and the door was
shut again as suddenly As it had been
opened
Neil laughed
"You needn't be afraid Of offering any
ncighborly bencyolcnce you have to spare,
Lydia think they'll he all ready To
accept it without overwhelming you with
gratitude"
II wish had asked about the sick one.
though" persisted Lydia, IL was so sur
prised That didn't think of it."
Don't mourn thcy'll be sure TO give
you opportunities enough probhesicd
Nell, mtschiovously.
Home to an early dinner came Brantc
Garnet, greeting the pretty nook and the
group within il with the satisfied air Of
man who tanCiCs himself hlcst with the
dearest wife, the incest sister, and the
smartest baby in the universe, This last
possession he caught in his arms unccre.
moniously, and began tossing it in the
air. Then he walked to Lydia's flower.
stand and ShOwcrCd down some bright
leaves for the young Rcntlcmnn's diver.
sion. Tho scattering reminded him Of
gathering, perhaps, for he turned toward
his wife
"Oh, Lydial the convention meets
here next Thursday You know"
''Does it? I'd forgotten
"And there are the delegates TO lac nc.
commodated you sec" Mr. Garnet
paused, but Mistress lydia only looked
up with smiling unconccrn that con.
vcyCd no hope Of n,f making snggcs
ton, or taking hint so he went on,
The committee wanted to know if we
could take some and thought perhaps
we could-two or three"
Nell drew down the corners of her
mouth, and an expression of dsmay fit
ted over Lylia's face
Why, | thought" said Mr., Garnet,
noticing these signs "of course, YOU
needn't have them If YOU don't want to
but thought you said last year that We
could have accommodated some of them
as well as not"
Yes, iilaD'r, but that was later in the
season W" were through our house.
cleaning, and everything looked so nice
ly.
ooh, ir that is all you needn't be trouh.
ble1!' exclaimed the gentleman relieved
1t is good enough for anybody now |
don see but everything is all right He