The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-08-25


covered head
"Never mind, Essie," he said With a
mournfnl, tender pathos in his voice. 81.
will soon end. II cannot be for long as
far as l am concerned, poor child shut
Tor you" He stopped, his voice husky
with emotion.
They had walked what seemed 10 little
Esther Bell . weary way, when there was
rustle among the Wild rose bushes that
pverhung the stone wall stIheirs vide and
. voice called hurricdly to .aem tor bop.
"Irs me-" said Miss ComfcG Fsiths-
ven reckless OF grammss. Eliakim-
that's my brother-he's gone over to the
class meetin' at Squire Dundas'. and l
cut down through lots to overtake you.
l tell you cant somehow get your fa-
ther's face out O. my mind. You're sick
amt you, mister 2"
II shall soon be quite WELL" he an.
swered calmly, and Comfort Fairhaven's e
more experienced eye detected the hid
den meaning which the little girl never
once suspected. Yes, he would soon be
we'll, but it would be in that country
where the inhabitants never say ~ am
SICK"
"Where are you going ?" asked kind
Miss Comfort. her voice growing husky
in spite of herself.
"We are going to my grsndpspa,' said
little Essie. "Grandpspa was vex,d with
my mamma for marrying papa and going
to England, but paps thinks he will take
care OF me now. But I won't stay with
him unless papa stays too"
And she reso utely frightened her grasp
upon the thin, fever.burning hand.
81 s'pose you want to getto Lonsdale,
said Miss Comfort.
Tht man nodded.
els it far
"Eleven good miles," said Miss Com
fort, but I'll tell We what; I'll make Joab
get out the wagon, and With good buf.
falo robe over the seats you'll ride easy
enough. They'll get back afore Eliakim
gets through shou:in' and prayin' aud
while you're a waitin' I'll bring down o
snack of bread and meat and bottle OF
nv currant wine. Il amt good to travel
on an empty stomach"
And Eve minutes later Miss Comfort
was carrying her hospitable intentions
into effect, greatly to the delight and ap-
probation OF the hungry child.
"Now, see here" said Miss Comfort
drawing The child aside when Joab drove
mp With the comfortable farm wagon and
stout old horse, 81 don't guess that you
have got more money than you can
use ?"
"We have only enough for our railroad
tickets said Essie her countenance fail
ing, "but-'
II thought so,' said Miss Comfort !;
land here's a five dollar bill I've laid
aside out OF nv hutter money that E ia
kim don't know nothing about
The child's eyes were trimming as she
looked up in Miss Comforts honest, hard
featured face.
"Will you let me kiss you just once ?
she whispered standing on tip-toe to
bring her blooming cheek close to the
spinster's wrinkled lips.
Klssing,ss Miss Comfort herself might
have remarked had abe leisure for re-
mark, was not much IN her way, bat she
could not resist the sweet, wistful en-
treaty.
|, "There,' she said, "run along, Joab's
waiilng.'
"Oh! cried little Esther as she sat on
the buffalo-draped seat, IL wish was
rich and grown upr
"Why, what would you DO ? demand
ed honest Joab.
nd buy diamond necklace and q
pink dress for that good lady
Joab chukled. 81 don't know as they'd
become her, be said with grim joculari.
ty. $50 gee up, old Doll
-, 4
IL know I'm pretty. old TO be looking
arter situatioH,' said Miss Ccmfort
Fairhaven, "but I can't s,arve and |
won't beg, go what's there lett7 We had
q good iarm once, but nv brother could
MT rest till be speckilated It all away, and
now he's gone and I'm all alone. So, if
you know OF good place as housekeep
er, or matron 10 an asylum, or general
overseer, don't much care where -
Tue intelligence ofQce-keeper. with o
slight shrug of his shoulders. broke in
on the torrent OF Miss Fairhaven's ex.
planatory eloquence.
sWhak .oOao dn uou -ant op
II ain't particular about that so long
as it's good home.'
"Here's a place that might perhaps
suit you-housekeeper wanted at Mr.
Duponceau's, No. - Fifth avenue. You
might try it, although / hardly think q
person like you would suit =
II ain't young, I know said Miss
Comfort with Sigh, shut there's deal
OF tough work left me in yet. Give me
the address, shsn't give up and starve
without trying for it,
Yet in spite of all her philosophy Miss
Comforts heart, like that OF the Green
OF Sheba Of old, grew faint within her ss
she sat in the luxurious receptioaruom
of the Fifth avenue mansion, surround
ed by silken chairs. guided tables, fash
ing mirrors and pictures, whose radiant
skies might have been painted in liquid.
lied gold, so rare and costly we're they.
sim Almost sorry l come + thought
Miss Comfort. 81 don't fairly believe /
can give satisfaction here.'
While the thought was passing through
her mind, the door swung open and a
tall young lady in blue silk morning
robe entered-a young lady With golden
brown hair looped after the fashionable
style over her brow, and deep blue eyes.
MISS Comfort rose and dropped stiff
little courtesy.
"I've called to see-' she began, but
to her amszement the rest of her speech
was abruptly checked BY the young la
dy's arms being thro 1n around her neck.
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you, she cried
ecstatically; II thought never should
see you again. l went to the old farm
but you had gone away, nobody knew
WHITTIER
And she hugged Miss Comfort more
enthusiastically than ever, with bright
tears sparkling on her eyelashes.
| 0Whv.' demanded the hewildere1