The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-02-09
ill I come back, and don't star. old

child of six years of age. who had been
left to her aunt as the sole legacy of an
only sister.
Miss Kez;ah walked up the grass
grown path. and knocked boldly on Miss
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.
''How dye do, Mrs, Denton? Tn
Keziah Fletcher. Perhaps you've heard
tell of me before. I was at Helmstone a
considerable spell, an since l got back
I've been laid by with the rheum ats or
I'd have called before. I come to see if
you'd take tea to my house tonight
I'll make you comfortable, an it'll be a
sort O change for you
Mrs. Denton made no reply. She
stood staring at her visitor as if she had
not heard the words. Then her eyes
wandered to the gate, and fell at last
upon the spring wagon and its small
occupant, whose golden curls were es-
which shielded her pretty face from the
MONDAY sun.
us that your child ?" she asked ab-
ruptly, but without taking her gaze from
Hetty. There was a hungry, yearning
look in her eyes as she spoke, a tremor
in her voice.
Gland sakes No indeed I" calculated
Miss Keziah, with virtuous horror in her
tone. 81 never was married. The only
man ever cared straw for was drowned
at sea, and those that cared for me was
mostly mercenary in their views. EeGty's
my sister James child. Jane, she died
at Helmstone, some six months back.
Come, won't you jump in the wagon and
go with me didn't low to be disap-
pointed in having you to tea, SO made
all ready for YOU
''Yes, I'll come" said Mrs. Denton.
Withdrawing her gaze from Hetty, who
was grasping the reins with ludicrous
earnestness, as if the steadiness of old
Moll depended entirely upon her.
She went into the house and put oD an
old-fashioned straw bonnet and black
marino shawl. Then she walked down
the path and climbed into the wagon
after Miss Keziah, without uttering
word.
'You forgot to lock your door," said
the careful spinster as she took the reins
from Hetty's little hands.
A bitter smile curled Mrs. Denton's
lipa
81 never lock it, she said "there is
nothing in the house worth stealing"
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 en-
tered Miss Keziah's farm, which was a
mile from the centre of the town, and one
of the finest in the country. It was well
cultivated, we'll stocked with fruits of
various kinds, and its buildings were all
comfortable and roomy, the house itself
being built of stone, in a substantial, old
| fashioned manner.
Miss Keziah led the way into her sit
ting-room, and helped her visitor to take
off her bonnet and shawl.
''Have this easy chair, Mrs. Denton, :"
she said with great cordiality, ''and make
yourself at home. I've got to see to sup
per, but I guess Hetty kin amuse you a
spell. Hetty, mind you're good while
I'm gone"
She left the room, and was absent
nearly half an hour. When she returned
Mrs. Denton had Hetty on her lap, and
telling her fairy storey. The first smile
the poor woman's face had worn for near
ly year rushed on as she looked up at
Miss Keziah's entrance, and said /:
''She reminds me SO much of my little
Bertha. You cant tell the good it does
me just to hold her in my arms-they
have been empty SO long"
A deep sigh followed the words.
'I'm glad she hasn't bothered you, %
said Miss Keziah, cheerfully. "But now
come in to tea. I guess you're pretty
nigh famished awaitin' for it,
A sumptuous repast was in readiness.
Broiled chicken, cold ham, light biscuit,
apples, grapes, and cookies, composed
the bill of fare, concluding with every
variety of sweet-meat and condiment,
preserves, pickles, honey, and cheese.
Miss keziah could not have prepared a
better feast had she been expecting a
bishop to tea, instead of poor widow,
whose stony heart she wished to soften.
With cordial smile the spinster mo-
toned her guest to seat, and after put
ting Hetty IN nigh chair, she reverent-
ly asked blessing.
81 did not put up as many kind of pre-
serves as usual this year." she observed,
as she helped Mrs. Denton to plum jelly;
ST amt the woman I used to be by a
long way. Rheumatic do lay hold on a
| body SO. Tn in bed Or on my crutches
half my time. l kalkerlate I'll have to
give up my farm if don't begin to mend.
l did reckon on having Jane here to man
age for me but, poor thing, the fever
carried her off all at once, just as she'd
got rid o that ornery husband of hers.
I'd hate to give up, though. Jane and
me were both born here, and / never
kEowed no other home"