Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-10-20
DEAR" with faint smile, IT think I am
actually hungry2"
Still Rortha did not u,,ook

care you asleep, dear Bertha9"
No, mamma was thinking. Nab
has gone away" she added. ST did not
think we needed her only us two-and
will get your lunch"
Nab gone? Why, Bertha, there is so
much work to do! Stop, child don It look
so nervous and harassed. Lie down and
rest IL
i must go on an errand, mamma. I'll
not be gone over ten minutes
Yes, nervous and harassed the Girl
looked. she tied vail tightly over her
face, and caught up her shawl. In an
instant she was in the street
ooh, she said she was hungry!" she
sobbed, the tears running down her
cheeks as she threaded several short
| streets
At last she was in the open thorough
fare, and looked about her.
Right opposite was window full of
watches and jewelry, and above hung
three gilt balls.
"That must be the place." murmured
Bertha.
With an aching heart, she drew a ring
from her finger.
twas a beautiful ring-a circlet of
very large and pure rubies. They flash
ed like sparks of fire in the sunlight as
| the girl drew it from her hand. Then
she plunged across the street, and with
desperate haste Enclosed the pawnbrod-
er's door,
There was a fat black whiskered man !,
smelling of garlic, behind the counter.
He snatched eagerly at the ring as Ber-
tina offered for his inspection.
No words could describe the pain with
which she saw it seized by his fat hands.
''This ring2 will lend you seven dol
lars, on it my dear"
Seven dollars? And when I bring
you back the money can have the ring
back" added Bertha, earnestly.
"Oh yes, my dear; any time within
twelve MONTHS
He handed her the money in silver.
Her thin fingers closed over it, but she
had removed her veil, and stood looking
anxiously at the man.
You will be sure and not sell the ring,
sir. | will certainly redeem it before the
twelve months are out. ''My name is
Bertha Farley" she added; 81 live at No.
$40 Al street."
The old pawnbroker smiled at the un-
sophisticated air. His costumers were
not usually 50 willingly frank and COM
municative.
Il will write it down, my dear, and
give you ticket You can have the
ring when you bring back the money!
he added, civilly.
Bertha came out, trying to think only
OF the dear money in her hand. 1t would
buy her dear. sick mother nourishing
food. But when she reached the store
she founa that she was still crying softly
for her ring. She bought steak. nice
fresh butter, and fresh loaf.
She could have Rugged the bundles
with gladness and gratitude as she re-
ceived them.
Darling mother, yonr precious life is
safe!' she murmured.
She ran home, coaxed the fire to burn
with couple of sticks, broiled.tn steak,
made some tea, and was at the bedside of
the invalid in less than half an hour from
the time she left with an appetizing re-
past upon tray.
"Oh, how meet" exclaimed Mrs. Far
ley. "Help me sit up, dear. Did you
cook the steak yourself? | don't remem-
Der that Nab ever prepared anything so
nicely. It is delicious!'
And weakly, yet with evident enjoy
ment, she ate and drank all that was
brought her.
Her daughter hung over her with de-
light.
Bertha, dear, think you ought not to
have discharged Nab. There are fires to
make-you never made fire in your life
and the steps to wash
dearest mother, had as soon make
the fire as not; and as for the steps never,
mind. Lie down and sleep, and then you
will get strong"
And Bertha. who for three weeks had
dragged through the unaccustomed task
of making fires, cooking, washing dishes
sweeping and nursing an invalid dav and
night, arranged the bedclothes, lifted the
tray and ran down stairs with light
step.
The next day she bought more beef
and another French loaf; and then she
must needs employ woman to wash the
great basket Of clothes which had accum
ulated during her mothers sickness.
| Washing and ironing were arts TN.
Knowing to Bertha, even if she had the
strength.
But the trouble was that her money be-
gan to dwindle.
sit will not hold out much longer
said Bertha, at last. "What can l do?'
| must earn some. I must earn enough
to live and get me back my ring"
Still keeping her mother in ignorence
of their straitenned circumstance, the gir]
daily stole forth during the afternoon mar
Of her invalid, and went from shop tc
shop offering her services.
But business was dull; there was more
help than occupation; and though many
pleased by her appearance, promised tc
give her chance when times improved
she effected no engagement.
Weeks of desperate effort and weary
waiting went by. The day came wher
poor Mrs. Farley, nursed in luxury, and
unequal to the emergency, was required
to know that actual poverty had over.
taken her.
At the most meager rates, Bertha OBJ
tanned little plain sewing enough t.