Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-04-30
Rebece a Stuart.

l
only child pennilsss and dependent upon
the charity of the good people of Strow'
bridge. She was not pretty child, but
worre an expression of great intelli
gence, and few passed her by unnoticed
At the village school she made CON-
mendable progress in her studies, be-
sides bore the palm of popularity.
Mrs Rood desired little girl to dc
chores and errands, so she gave Rebecca
a home. The Roods were the weaithiest
family in Strowbridge village. Besides
the large dry goods store, Mr.. Rood own.
ed half dozen tenement houses which
brought him good rents. At first it
seemed strange, but after a while Be-
becca became reconciled to her new
home, and was happy.
Sometimes, however, when alone at
night she could not help thinking of her
parents, now in the cold ground, and of
her home, though humble. was more to
her than any other ever would be; and
then her heart felt as though it would
break, and she INDUCED in cepious tears.
Her depressed spirits became thereby,
relieved, and she arose the next morning
feeling much better.
Lottie Rood, Mrs. Rood's eldest daugh-
ter. was a beautiful child. besides quite
clever. She was fond of Rebecca, and
when she had anything particularly
nice, as candy or fruit she always shared
with the poor orphan. Rebecca was
sent to school. At Strowbridge there
was but one school which all the chill
dren of the village attended. Mrs.
Rood discouraged the growing intima>
ey between her daughter and Rebecca,
but children do not care for difference
of caste. so they played mnch together
at school.
Ma, mayn't go with Rebecca this
evening to bring the cews?' Lottie
asked.
No, Lottie. wish you to practice
your music lesson. You must give up
going with Rebecca for the cows; do you
not know there are poisonous snakes in
the old meadows replied Mrs. Rood.
Then they will bite Rebeeca, but we
have never seen any of them. o, it so
nice to walk out in the meadows. and
l want to pick some flowers. Mamma,
l will get up early tomorrow morning
and practice if you only let me go this
time and Lottie put her arms around
her mothers neck.
We'll, you must give up teasing ne as
you do. You may go, but remember it
is the last time
Ii yon have ever been out in the mead
ow in late spring, you know how de-
likhtful it is,-fresh, joyous nature all
around you. You gather a large bout
quet of wild flowers to bring home, and
your very heart throbs with rapturous
delight. Surely fairies preside in the
woodlands.
Lottie had given Rebecca two nice or
anges that day, one of which she ate, but
the other she had in her pocket. AS
they reached the cot of Granny Rswley,
Rebecca entered. OF all eccentric old
ladies, perhaps the greatest was Granny
Rawley.
How are you this evening, Granny?
This is Mrs. Rood's daughter, Lottie,
said Rebecca, and iLottie smiled pleas
antly.
"A fine slip O a lass, Miss replied
Granny, and fine trimmin's ye wear. too,'
she added by way of compliment, casting
sidewise glances at Lottie, and showing
her snags of teeth.
% these clothes are not very fine,
Granny they are only my school clothes
'My!my But it's been me that's
been feeling beclouded. Why haven't
ye been in afore, Rebecky?'
I've had sore foot, so Sam had to
fetch the cows. Well, am sorry you've
been poorly replied Reseeca.
Going up to her, Granny whispered: /:
'Rebecky, guess ye might be goin' now,
'er don't care much for the children of
them upper-tens. Come when ye're
alone, an 1 can chat wi ye, an ye can
scratch bit O. aletter to my girl, Caro-
line
'All right, Granny laughed Rebecca,
slipping her. remaining orange quietly
into her hand, 'I'll come when l can
The girls continued their homeward
walk at very slow pace, stopping oc-
casionally to pick some violets, or watch
the little gray squirrel spring nimbly
from branch to branch. Their conversa-
tion was carried on in patchwork style
"a word or two here and there. Upon
reaching the spring they rested OF the
grass,
Presently Lottie discovered human
form crouching behind a tree. She qui-
etly told Rebecca, adding: I believe it
is the cid woman you were talking to at
the cottage
Yes, Lottie. as sure as you are alive
it is Granny Rawley,' and Rebecca's dark
eyes spoke surprise.
How strange Let US hasten home.
supposed she hurried to the spring for
water, and hearing US talking, tried to
hide, fearing we might think she fol
lowed u.s.
'Rebecca, 1 just believe she has been
near US all the way, hearing every word
we said. Papa says she is queer. 1 am
sure that old limp sunbonnet she wears,
and blue flannel jacket and purple dress
give her an odd appearance
Granny Rawley was a wonder to
many. Some supposed her well off;
49,. .oor Che had a hnshand hnt