Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-11-16


good for nothing in life hereP
But when the children arrived from the Par
sonage at about three O'Clock, with baskets
all ready for the nutting expedition, all the
shadows had cleared away from Hester's gyp
sy-brown face. She loved children dearly, and
the little Lackenton flock were her especial IA.
vOrites. And no happier group could be found
any where in world than were gathered that
afternoon in the leafy aisles of the October
woods, where the tall golden-rods lifted theil
glittering specters, and the nuts came drop.
ping down at every breath of the scented wind
But they were tired at last, and Hester's
black, lustrous hair had all fallen down, and
her dress was torn, and they sat down on a
mossy bank under the shadow of huge gray
rock, where the brook gurgled by, and the shy
squirrels darted past with gliding motion.
And then and there the children took pretty
Hester into their confidence.
''But it can't be possible" said the girl,
with puzzled look. "Mother is ten years
older than Mr.. Lackington."
"That makes no difference" said John,
dolefully. Everybody says it is to be a
match.
"Hethter, what would you do if you We're
nth % said Bessie, clinging close to the slight
young figure eff there wath a terrible old
sthep-mother coming to your houthe p.
cid run away said Hester, with energy.
CHESTER" said Louisa, eff papa marlies
your mother, We'll run away and come here.
And then we'll all live together, and be SO
happy, won't we p
''Lou's hit it this time - said John, shifting
the leafy drifts with his closed fist. "But it
would be jolly, wouldn't it ? For you're the
incest girl know of, Hester. don't see how
you came to have such a mother"
lnl c1,n hnp hood Ci1o6
tried to frown.
"Children, - said she, 'you mustn't talk So.
You---"
But then all the little Lackingtons precipi-
tated themselves with one accord upon Hester,
and closed her lips with kisses.
''This won't do" said Hester, starting up.
eve shall never get home at this rate. Chill
dren, let's have a race Let's all start from a
tree and 60 different ways, and see which will
get to the house first %
Away they all flew with merrypeals Of laugh
ter, and Hester presently found herself trip
ping along shady forest path, directly into
the arms of the Rev. Mr.. Lackington, who,
with book under his arm, was coming in an
opposite direction.
Hester stopped short, with burning cheeks as
she remembered her torn dress, her disheveled
hair, the story to which she had just listened
of the probability of her mothers marriage to
this reverend gentleman What would he
think of her? What would he say to her?
But Mr.. Lackington did not seem at all dis
mayed by the sudden apparition. He put out
his hand kindly.
81 am glad to meet you, Hester" he said
''I am just in time to walk home with you
Take my arm, child-you are out of breath %
And, blushing more deeply than ever, Hes
ter obeyed
When they were all at home once more, that
evening, Mr.. Lackington looked kindly yaround
at the group of little ones, in the fire-light.
''Children,'' said Mr.. Lackington, II have
something to tell you. Ishall bring you home
a new mother next week %
"We-we don't want any new mother %
said Bessy
''Least of all, wiggy old thing like that -
said John.
''And if you do marry her, SIR said HUI
bert, with dignity 1--WE are resolved to 60 and
live with Hester. We like Hester !"
$50 do I, children" said Mr.. Lackington,
some puzzle. 'I like Hester, and it is Hester
who is to be your new mother!"
"And not old Mrs Gregory 70 said Louisa
with shrek of joy.
''Not the old lady at all ~ said Mr.. Lacking
ton. with little grimace.
And the children allhugged and kissed their
father ut once, until he was fain to cry for
quarter
eve are so glad ~ they exclaimed in chorus.
eve all love Hester!''
So the young step-mother came to joyful
household the only one who was not en-
tircly satisfied with the arrangement was Mrs.
Gregory!
But she couldn't help herself, and so she
wisely held her tongue Shirley Bre'cne