The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-06-19
A Faithful Maid.

The blood-red ribbons of the storm
threatening sunset were fluttering in the
west; the huge oak-trccs and pines of the
forest were murmuring omnously, and the
one chimney of the small farmhouse on the
edge of the woods sent up its blue column
of smoke, like a cherry hand beckoning to
the way-wOrn traveller over the hill. And
how bright and cosy the interior of the
kitchen looked, as Dora Klein stood on the
threshold, cold, hungry and inexprcssiby
weary. A little girl, buc-cycd and blonde
haired, scarcely yet sixteen, with shy as
pect and a shrinking mien, she had walked
from the city, seekingly vainly for work at
various places she had passed, and now
at nightfall she was nearly discouraged.
GA girl?" said Mrs. Myers dubiol,sly,
as Dorah Klein proffercd her meek re-
quest. 81 don't know anything about
you."
Mrs. Myers turned to her husband, who
sat by the fire, trotting two ycar-old on
his foot, "What shall do, .James2"
"She's total stranger" he replied.
"l3ut she looks so weary and worn out, "
said the wife,
"Wcll, let her come in and stay all
night; Il bowl Of bread and milk and one
-
So Dora Klein was admitted into the
farmers small family, and so neat and
handy was she about the place, so light and
agile in her movements, so quick to learn
and steadfast to remember, that good-na-
turcd little Mrs. Myers had engaged her be-
fore she had been in the house Il week.
"fou women arc SO impulsivc, " said the
honest farmer, shaking his head.
"Supposc she should turn out bad?"
GLOW can she, Jamcsf" SAID Mrs.
Myers, indignantly. "Shc has a fncc as
innocent as a baby's."
"My dear, I don't believe in physiog-
nomy."
"Nor !, altogether. bu, | do believe in
Dora Klein"
And as the days and weeks went by;
Mr.. Myers was obliged to confess to himself
that 80 far. al least, his wifc's Judgment or
instinct had been correct.
The last November leaves were iuttcring
down one clear, cold afternoon, when Mrs.
Myers stood at the door, ready to join her
husband and baby in the wagon, to attend
merry making at the nearest village,
some distance below, while Dora Klein
was to remain at home to keep house.
"Mind Dora you feed the chickens at
five o'clock, Dora, and don't forget the lit
tie calf in the pen; and if you have any
extra time, you can just chop the meat
and the apples for the Saturday mincc pics,
and"
"Comc wife, GOMEZ" called ont her hus-
hand from the wagon.
"And if the house should catch fire Or
anything" added this prudent little edition
Of Martha, troubled with many cares, Gre
member, that the money is in an old stock
inc r,,ln 4 l,o IL
and the silver in the japanned box near it. y
to the laughing baby, "I'll remember"
that wasn't very sharp proceeding of
yours" said Mr. Myers, as they drove
away.
"Wbat do you mean?" asked his wife.
"To tell that girl just where our valua-
Dlcs are kept"
"James, what al idea Why, I can
trust Dora as implicitly as | would trust
myself"
MIR. Myers whistelcd and drove on and
his wife was vexcd with him for even
thinking such doubt of Dora Klein.
But as they were jogging slowly home
ward in the November starlight, neighbor
hailed them, joyously, from the top of a
load Of barrels.
~ say, It's time you were home, " said
Nehemiah Hardbroks, your gals got com
pany"
"What do you mean? demanded Myers.
"Why the doors and windows were all
open as | came by the crossroads, Jest
where We can see across the mcddcr to your
back door, and thorc was two or three mon
in the kitchen. thought 1t was some of
your folks, till 1see your wagon just now"
James Myers looked at his wife.
Mrs. Myers white, anxious face returned
the gaze.
"Dora Is there, assentcd Mr.. Myers,
"that's the very reason I'm worried. Hold
the baby firm, and. I'll ace what's in old
DObbin."
How they ratified over the frosty road,
Dobbin galloping as if trying the turf, and
the old wood rushing past them like tho
scenic spcndors Of panorama, while to the
anxious hearts of wife and husband, every
moment seemed an ago. The house was
dark when they reached 1t. Mr.. Myers flung
the reins over the dashboard and sprang
out.
"Dorahl Dorah Klein!" he called, but
there was no answer save the faint echo OF
his own voice.
And when the lamp was lighted, 1t shone
n scene of dismay and confusion; but
the first corner at which tho farmer glanced
revealed to him that the loose boards be.
meath tho south window had been tori
away and the treasure nook Which Ind hello
the silver spoona and the atopkings full al
bank notos--thcir littlo all--was omptY
$50 much for your girl and her friend!
Iahel' said Mr.. Myers in tho bitterneaa Of
his first anger, and Mrs. Myers burat into
tears, not SO much, at all, at the loss of the
money, although that was O serious enough
mattar 90 to tkinly ,tl,ot liftlo I1nral II Iain.