South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1880-06-04
Lnura's Charge.
BY NELLIE @. woopsunr.

lis one afternoon in early summer, and
the throng Of passengers Who emerged
therefrom disappeared quickly in DIFF
ferent directions, as business or pleas.
ure led them.
Had you been present you might
have noticed pleasant-lookirg young
lady, who. WITH q quick, firm tread,
found her way TO the ladies' waiting.
room, and was soon costly seated in
comfortable corner. Taking from her
reticulc book aud some confectioue-
ries, she was prepared to enjoy herself
as well as possible during the hour sue
must wait before she could proceed on
her journey.
Laura Goddard was farmers daugh.
ter, born and brought up on the hills of
western Massachusetts,. She was Of
medium heights fair complexion, dark
blue eyes. and dark brown hair, that
would have curled had the possessor
allowed it to do 80.
In the small town Of b Laura oc-
cupied a appointment position for, proud
OF his only daughter, Farmer Goddard
had given her q thorough education
Possessed OF a willing spirit and ready
hand, combined with natural faculty
for taking the lead in society matters,
Laura found her spare time usually we'll
occupied. For several sessions sue had
been teaching the village school, and
all the scholars unanimously declared
her to be the best teacher they had cv-
or had.
But this simmer she was going to
take thorough vacation; and, there
fore. this particular afternoon found her
en- route for nothern Vermont, where
she intended to spend several weeks
with favorite aunt.
Laura read for while, but somehow
the story did not prove as interesting
IA she had anticipated, and closing the
volume she watched the people passing
to and fro as tue trains came and went.
While thus engaged her attention was
attracted to couple who were approach
Ing her, q genial, benevolent appearing
old gentleman and q wide-awake young
American, OF about four years OF age.
Grandpa, let's go and sit down there
sho heard the little fellow say, and i'll
compliance with his wishes, the two
wero soon seated in the vacant spaces
adjoining tho one she occupied. 1t was
foreign TO Laura's nature to resist the
chances the child cast at the confcction
cry in her lap, and she passed the pack.
age to him. saying:
DO you like candy, little boyS'
ooh. yes'm l eats lots; 80 much, said
he, stretching his chubby arms to their
fullest extent, and then, somewhat to
her amusement, appropriating the en-
tire contents OF the paper to himself.
'iiere, grandpa, want some?' he ask
ed, holding out the smallest piece he
could find. This was too much for Lau-
ra's dignity, and she burst into merry
laugh, in which she was joined by the
other two.
With such an Introduction, it was not
long before the three were chatting with
the familiarity Of old acquaintance
Suddenly The gentleman. looked at his
watch, and in some surprise. said:
Really, it is much later than | sup
posed. have an engagement that
must meet directly. but Robbie cannot
walk fast enough to enable me To be on
time. Miss he hesitatpd, and Laura
said:
Goddard
Miss Goddard, did understand you
to say you had about two hours longe.
to waltz
Laura bowed assent.
Would it be too much trouble to ask
you to care for my grandson little
while? Probably / shall not be away
more than an hour
i shall be most happy TO assume the
responsibility, as l think he viii prove
very good company she replied, pleas
ed with the prospect OF having her time
so we'll occupied.
Thank you, it will accommodate me
very much. Robbie, bo a gooi boy,
and do not bother Miss Goddard, and
he turned away.
'Good-by, grandpa Ill be good, and
il you don't tum back, I'm dom with
her, aud tho little fellow kissed his
hand in merry glee at the prospect.
Grandpa smiled, gave his permission
to- do so should he not return ia season,
but at the same time shook his head Of
the possibility OF such mishap, and in
a moment more was out Of sight.
What's your manner asked Wide n
wake. determined to make the most OF
his time, "a he had rather been lef: oUt
OF the previous conversation.
Laura Goddard was tho reply
Mines Robbie Carter be continued,
before che had time 10 ask him. Where
you liver
In B.
DOM homo nowT
NO, I'm going to Vermont TO sec my
aunt.
She got any little boys like me?' was
tho next question.
NO, not quite so small she has two
older, and little girl about as large as
you are
Whats her name = continued the In.
corrigible
Dora, but they called her DOllio' a
moments silence, in which Robbie
seemed lost in contemplation.
Say, don't you hope grandpa wont
como backY was tho neSt query.