Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-06-21
BELINDA JINK'S QUARTER.

BELINDA JMK'S QUARTER.
The links and the Beggs families had
ever been on the most intimate terms
houses, and 50 extreme did the intimacy
between the families become that they con-
teDlpIated removing even this slight bar
r;er
Mrs. Jinks so often borrowed Mrs. Beggo'
patterns and pans and various other things;
and Mrs. Beggs so often ran over to her
neighbor for drawing of tea, . a little
pinch of saleratus or L" the least mite OF
sugar"
Then the ladies had 50 many little fam
lily matters to discuss daily that Mrs links
had been heard to say:
Really, Mrs. Beggs, l wish We lived in
the same house"
And Mrs. Beggs had heartily rejoined
wish so, too, Mrs. Jinks. | believe
we could live right in the same rooms
without ever a jar or spat of any kind.
believe it, ;" declared Mrs Beggs. And
our children do get along so nicely | de
clare if my Sammy don't think there never
was anybody like your Jimmy"
And my Belindy thinks she couldn t
live without your Cyrilly"
And Mr.. links thinks the world and
all of Mr.. Beggs"
And it's Mr. links, Mr. links twenty
times day with Mr. Beggs"
" think it's so nice to always be on
good terms with your neighbors. Id put
up with anything before I'd have the least
trouble with mine"
- Indeed I would ~
With such perfect harmony existing be-
tween the two families, ii seems almost in
credible that such a trifiing thing as an old
silver quarter with hole in it. could have
caused the coOlness of a friendship that
they had declared should be eternal
Belinda Jinks was the eldest of seven,
although only II years of age Her father
was Woodworking, poor man, who sell
dom had even nickels or coppers to bestow
upon his little ones.
1t was. therefore, an event of no small
consequence when a wealthy but penurious
aunt after whom the child was named,
had sent Belinda a silver quarter as a birth
day gift.
Mr.. JiEks had, it was true, remarked to
his wife in private, that it wouldn't a
hurt Aunt Belindy if she'd sent ten times
ao much - and Mrs. links had INDUCED in
certain uncomplimentary remarks about
people " SO tight-hsted they made the eagles
on quarters squeal before they let them
GO
Still. - as Mrs links wisely remarked,
quarter with a hole in it is better than
nothing in these dull times, even if it amt
worth but fifteen cents"
Belinda was in ecstacies over her gift
but could not feel perfectly happy until she
had witnessed the envy CyriIla Beggs
would be sure 70 feel on beholding the
quarter She fastened with all speed to
Cyrillas house, with the six smaller Jink5
IN her train, all eager to hear the eXclama-
ton of surprise that would be sure to ema-
nate from the six Beggs children.
CyrillA, however, was provokingly iRdif-
terent 10 the quarter, and intimated that
sac was in daily expectation of a gift of
twenty dollars from an aunt of hers in Bos-
ton. At the same time she volunteered the
information that there was a grocery store
near by, where they gave twelve gum-drops
for a dime, and in the most bewitching
manner, wound her arms around Belinda's
waist to escort her to the haunt of the
Caudy-seller imperatively commanding the
other children not to - tag after Indy and
me"
But the eleven children so sternly bid
den to stay where they were held the
threats of Cyrilla in little awe and gave
chase after the retreating girls. This led to
somewhat disgracetul issue; for, at the
close of a heated discussion, some blows
were really struck, and when Mrs. links
and Mrs. Beggs had finally rushed ont and
restored order, the quarter was found to be
missing.
"Cyrilla's got itr declared Belinda.
She said for me 10 give it to her, cause
] didn't have any pocket"
But you didn't give 1t TO me ]" quickly
rptprtp1 (vriIlg "Npp said N-,tt would k,1t
You didn't"
Oh, ma, did r. screamed Belinda
You didn't no such thing ' stouty
affirmed Cyrilla
syrillar sharply cried out Mrs Bcggs.
" II you've got her quarter give it straight
TO her"
o. But I say-I amt got it, and I amt
- It seems very strange where it Went to-
said Mrs. Jinks in tone that grated
har5hly on Mrs Beggs ear.
Wen, Mrs. Jinks," said Mrs. Beggs. "
hope you don't pretend to say that Cyrilla
Baggs has that quarter
" didn't say 50, replied Mrs links J
But Belinda IS 50 careful, and I'm sure
she wouldn't tell what wasn't so for fifty
quarters
At the close of very few pointed and
lengthy remarks on the part of both ladies'
Mrs. BegGs had said
j gu II rue Ule gay YOU called Us q set !
of thieves, Mrs. Sam links You've got to |
prove II. too. Id take home at least a |
tenth part NJ the tea and coffee and starch |
and soap d borrowed, if | was YOU. before !
I'd say anything to anybody about steal |
ing. We've ali got our Shortcomings, Mrs
links but I'm glad mine don't run into |
borrowing things and never think of pay
ing tirem back. Don't any of YOU ever |
come a-nigh my house again"
Don't trouble yourself" returned Mrs
links. We won't be apt to come a-niph |
you. If We do wen leave our silver quar-
tcrs and such things at home As for Dor
rowing, wash-tub wouldn't hold the tea
alone that I've let certain people have If
ia been smart I'd a-minded what my
neighbOrs told me when came here and
let certain people alone. If | ever hear of
one OF my children speaking to BeggS, it'll
be the worse for them
:. And 50 the two ladies parted mutually
adiniring each other.
Mr.. Jinks is what is called quick
tempered man, and, unfortunately, Mr.
Beggs was one of the same temperament.
The result of their attempt to amicably ad-
just matters WAS simply to add fresh fuel 10
the fire.
The threats made by both parties would.
if carried out, have resulted in the utter
humiliation of both families and when
they at last parted, TO the regret of the by
ISLANDERS, il was with simultaneous,
double declaration that this thing hasn't
ended yet, sir !'