Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1881-06-29

Moll."
Hetty was diminutive niece of Miss
Keziah's, a golden-haired, blue-eyed
child of six years of age, who had been
left to her aunt as the sole legacy of an
only sister.
Miss Keziah walked up the grass
grown path, and knocked boldly on Mrs.
Denton's door.
Before her knuckles had fairly left it,
the door was flung open by Mrs. Denton
herself, who stood silently regarding her
visitor, with an expression of resentment
and indignation.
elbow dye do, Miss Denton? I'm
Miss Keziah Fletcher Perhaps you've
heard of me before. Twas at Helmstone
considerable spell, an since I got buck
I've been laid by with the rhermatis'
or I'd have called before. I've come to
see if you'd take tea at my house to-
night. I'll make you comfortable, an
it'll be sort O change to you."
Mrs. Denton made no reply. She
stood staring at her visitor as If she had
not heard Der words. Then her eyes
wandered to the gate, and fell at last
upon the spring wagon and it's small &C.
cupant, whose golden cllrls were escap-
ing from the close calico sun-bonnet
which sheltered her pretty face from the
MONDAY sun.
els that your child?" she asked, ab-
ruptly, but without taking her gaze from
Hetty. There was hungry, yearning
look in her eyes as she spoke, q tremor i'll
her voice.
"Land sakes! No indeed!' calculated
Miss Keziah, with virtuous horror in
her tone. Il never was married. The
only man [ ever cared a straw for was
drowned at sea, and those that cared for
me were mostly mercenary in their
views. Hetty's my sister JAMES child.
Jane she died at Hclmstone some six
months back. Come, won't you jump
IN the wagon and 60 with me? didn' t
allow to be disappointed in havin' you
come to tea, and SO l made all ready for
You"
eyes, I'll come" said Mrs. Denton,
withdrawing her gaze from Hetty, who
was grasping the reins with ludicrous
earncstness, as if the steadiness Of old
MoQ depended entirely CD her.
She went into the house and put on an
Old-fashiOned straw-bonnet and faded
black merino shawl. Then he walked
down the path and clambcred into the
wagon after Miss keziah without uttering
a single word.
"You forgot to lock Jour door," said
the careful splnster, as she took the
reins from Hetty's hands.
A bitter smile c,lrled on Mrs. Den
toms lip.
81 never lock it, she said; there is
| I,n ~
The two women logged along the quiet
country road, with the child between
them, Miss Keziah talking on different
subjects in her kind, sensible, whole
hearted way. She did not allude to her
visitors sorrows, nor did she mention
the visits paid to the lonely cottage by
other members of the sewing circle.
| A man took the horse when they
reached Miss Keziah's farm, which was
a mile from the centre of the town, and
one Of the finest in the country. It was
we'll cultivated, we'll stocked with fruit
of various kinds, and it's buildings we're
all comfortable and roo1ny, the house it.
self being built of stone, in substantial,
old-fashioncd manner.
Miss Keziah led the way into her sit
ting-room, and helped her visitor take
off her bonnet and shawl
"Have this easy chair, Miss Denton, %
she said with great cordially, "anl
make yourself to home. I've got to see
to supper, but guess Hetty kin amuse
you a spell. Hetty, mind you're good
while I'm gone"
| She left the room and was absent near
ly half an hour. When she returned
Mrs. Denton had Hetty on her lap and
was telling her fairy story. The first
smile the poor woman's face had worn
for nearly year, rushed Oh it as she
looked up at Miss keziah's entrance and
said: "She reminds me SO much of my
little Bertha. You can't tell the good it
does me just to hold her in my arms
they have been empty SC long,
A deep sigh followed tie words.
elm glad she hasn't bothered you, -
said Miss Keziah, cheerfully. "But
now, come in to tea. I guess your pref
ty nigh furnished awaitin' for it.
~ sumptuous repast was in readiness.
Broiled chicken, cold ham, light biscuit,
apple, grape, and pumpkin pie, dough-
nuts, pound cake and cookies, composed
the bill OF fare, concluding with every
variety Of sweetmeat and condiment, pre-
serves, pickles, honey, and cheese. Miss
Keziah could not have arranged a better
feast had she been expecting bishop to
tea instead of a poor widow whose stony
heart she wished to soften.
With a cordial smile the spinster mo-
| toned her guest to seat, and, after
putting Hetty in a chair, sat down her
self at the head Of the table and rever-
emily asked Il blessing. 81 didn' t put
up as many kinds of preserves as usual
this year," she observed, as she helped
Mrs. Denton to plum jelly. I amt the
woman I used to be by long way.
Rheumatic do lay holt on body SO
I'm in bed or on crutches half my time.
[ calkerlate III have to give up the farm
If I don't mend. [ did lot on having
Jane here to manage everything for me;
but poor thing, the fever carried her off
all at once, jest as she'd got free o. that
onary husband O. hers. I'd hate to give
up, though. Jane and me was both
born here, and I've never knowed no
other home"
When supper was over the two women
walked about the yard, made a tour OF
the garden, and admired the COWS as
they came leisrarcly up to the barn-yari
to be MIXED. Then Mrs. Denton re.
marked that it was growing late and she
must hurry home.
"What's the need of your going p
| asked Miss Keziah. I've got -four
} spare rooms, and would be glad if the,
were all full. Suppose you stay al
night?''
Mrs. Denton hesitated. She though
of her lonely, neglected house, peoplet
with the ghosts OF her dead children
and contrasted it with this bright, cheer
full place, where a child's sweet voic
made music.
EDO stay said little Hetty, clingin,
to the visitors dress.
This decided the poor heart-broke
woman.
II will, and l thank you for askiu!
me, Miss Keziah. l have not deserves
such Kindness.
That light after Hetty had gone t
bed, the two women sat talking in til
, large sitting-room, which largo wood
fire made cheerful and bright. Grad
1ally Mrs. Denton was led to speak Q
4 n