Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-10-03
MlLLIE'S HARVEST.

y Ha'b' .
hard work"
The words ended with a sigh, for
there had been more of labor than
profit in the harvest this year.
Never mind, mother" said Millie,
catching the downcast expression.
LET us hope for better things next
year"
And she passed on into the kitchen,
from whence soon came the aroma of
the cooking meal.
There is your father, Eddie; run
and let him ill.," said Mrs. Bowers, as
a step sounded outside.
But instead of coming in the side
door, the steps went around the house,
and a low, firm knock sounded on the
kitchen door.
A moment later Millie came into the
room where her mother was sitting,
look of perplexity on her face.
Mother, there is poor fellow here
who is on his way to the mines, he
says, and he wants something to eat.
He has been sick, and his money is
all used up. May l let him come in
and give him some supper?'
Il wouldn't, mother" interposed
Eddie, who had followed his sister TO
the door. He's all dirty and ragged,
and believe he is only a tramp. We
had better send him about his bust
ness
I'VE certainly cannot afford to lose
what little we have, Millie," said Mrs.
Bowers, in depreeating tone, evi-
IDENTIFY influenced by Eddie's criticism.
There are so many of that class
abroad, you know
Yes, mother, and so many who
make them so by refusing them these
little acts of kindness and sympathy,
said Millie, earnestly. But this man
does not look like one of that kind.
Let lie have my way way this time,
mother. I will cook another slice of
bacon and make bowl of coffee and
send the poor fellow away comforta-
ble."
Il do not see how we can spare even
that demonstrated Mrs. Bowers, the
anxious frown deepening on her brow.
There is only just bacon enough for
supper, and coffee is a luxury that we
can scarcely afford in these pinching
times
He can have my share Of the ba-
con-" said Mile, with a generous
flush. 1T will amount to the same
thing, for | should have no appetite
for morsel if he were turned away
hungry, poor fellow And as to the
coffee, will drink water for week,
and so make that up. 1t won't hurt
me, and it will do him u world of good.
May ~
DO as you please, my DEAR" said
her mother, smiling at her through
tears of fond sympathy. ut is no use
to oppose you, see
Weary and footsore, the stranger
had pushed open the kitchen door,
and sunk upon a chair near by; and
the intermediate door being ajar ev
cry word of the conversation had
reached his ears. When Millie re-
turned to the kitchen, intent upon
her benevolent purposes, the strang-
ers eyes glistened suspiciously be-
meath their heavy lashes.
Would you like some water to
wash your hands," she asked, gently
and timidly, while preparing a sup
per for him.
Yes, Miss, l would, thank you, he
answered, with a grateful intonatiOn,
and with an earnest but respectful
look into her sweet, sympathetic face.
Come out here, then, please"
And leading the way to a small shed
adjoining the kitchen, she brought a
large bowl of water, some soap and
towel, together with small comb
and bit of looking-glass.
There, you will feel better and
more refreshed after you are tidied up
a little" she said, with a friendly
smile. "And by the time you are
ready, will have some supper for
you"
The stranger made good use of the
privileges afforded him, and returned
70 the kitchen few moments later
very much improved in appearance.
His face and hands were clean, his
bushy hair was smoothed away from
a frank, intelligent forehead, and he
had shaken his coat, and brushed the
dust from his shoes.
What a nice-looking man he is,
thought Millie, as she glanced shyly
at him once or twice, while he kept
his eyes bent upon his plate, except
once when he let them rest for mo-
ment upon the girlish figure in the
well-fitting gingham dress, and the
sweet, attractive face, shaded by soft
brown hair, which was turned partly
from him.
His lips moved for a moment or
two, and mist came before his eyes;
but when she turned again to see
what more she could do for him, his
gaze was bent once more upon his
plate.
When the meal was finished, he
rose, thanked her in trembling voice,
and turned to go; but she followed
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