The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1880-12-09
WHICH WAY.
pY MARY E. CoMsrocK.

Mrs. Huntley, with quick step, was
leaving M'Cready's wholesale and
retail grocery store, after punctually
settling the months account, when,
glancing up ut Il window in the hotel
opposite, she was sure she recognized
iii the marked and pleasant lineaments
of the lady idly gazing down into the
street the features of IN old friend
and scho0lmate.
Mrs. Huntley crossed the street,
and, ascending the stairs to the
parlOr, was soon in the embrace of
the companion of her girlhood.
Ellen Earl was making brief stay
in town, called hither on some bust.
hess matters relating to legal claims
on the family estate. Having an i'm.
mediate appointment with her lawyer.
only brief interview was possible,
ana the friends parted with the I'm.
Outstanding that Ellen would spend
the afternoon of the next day at Mrs.
Hmtley's house. and meet several
mutual friends residing in the same
town.
did not know that our old friend
Fanny OsgOod was living here, said
Ellen. 1t will indeed he Il great
pleasure to meet her and the others
of whom you speak. l knew that
your home was here some years ago.
but did not know whether you had
removed, and doubted whether ]
would have time to hunt you up in
this large town. People change so,
too; | could not know that l would
find you the same Kitty uuntley of
old, that you are! and moisture
came to the eyes of the sensitive, ret.
icent, yet large-souled woman, who
had seen many experiences, and not
always the sunny side of life
The next morning, us Mrs. Hunt.
ley was giving the children their
little lesson, the servant came up to
announce Il caller.
She did not give her name, but
seemed to he in II great hurry. She
was IN IL hurry before | let her in,
said Janet. She's only been here
once since | came to live with you.
Is it Mrs. OSg0Od!
Oh, yes'm, that's the name. / re.
member her now.
Mrs. Huntley quickly, but with the
bright serenity that WAS habitual to
her, descended to the parlor and
greeted her friend.
Never mind don't make me too com.
Portable, said the guest, us Mrs. Hunt.
~ drew IN easier chair. can only stay
! very few moments. l stopped on
the way to the committee meeting tn
make my regrets in person, and tell
you how very sorry am that it is
impossible for me to accept your kind
invitation for this afternoon to meet
Ellen Earl. found your note when
got home from the missionary meet.
ing yesterday afternoon.
| am sorry, said Mrs. Huntley.
Ellen leaves early tomorrow morn.
ing, and she expressed especial pleas
urc in the expectation Of meeting
you. am to send the carriage out
for Hetty Ford. and I thought we
would get together as many of the old
set as possible.
| I would like to come, said Mrs.
Osgood, putting back from her brow
the disheveled locks Of dark hair.
sprinkled with gray, that clustered
around her temples, but l really cant
take the time. We must work in
faith, you know, while the day lasts,
even If we don't see any fruit. Some.
times get most discouraged.
Stay here this morning, and let MS
talk it over, said Mrs. Huntley, reach.
ing for bit of embroidery that, with
threaded needle. peered temptingly
from the fancy workable.
Oh, l can't think Of such thing /!
We have to make arrangements about
the church festival, you know, and I
have to report ut the committee
meeting this morning as to who will
give cake and cream, and attend the
tables. Then I must 60 and see
about Q sswing.woman that 10 giving