Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-03-07

ate the manner in which his announce,
ment was received. He expected femi-;
nine sympathy not congratulations $
Eyes, indeed, James," Miss Brent
wood gushed, ''you have now a chance
to cover yourself with glory and show
the folks what fine young fellow you
are, after all their mean talk about
you"
1T isn't glory I'm after" the fine
young fellow frankly acknowledged,
Its the bounty and the chance of get
ting living, let alone being away
from the eternal nagging of the folks
around here, who seem set on driving
fellow into trouble"
Miss Ruth's face fell little at this
disclosure; but the fact remained that
he was going to the war, and she
solaced herself with this small crumh
of comfort.
And I thought that may be-" her
protege unblushingly continued, you'd
be willing under the circumstances to
give me helping hand to start with"
Money!" Grace asked, sharply.
Eyes, money" was the surly re-
spouse. 81 must have means to get to
headquarters, and I've a few debts
round here, which ought to be paid, or
they'll say I ran away to get rid of
them"
That they will, l am certain" Miss
Ruth declared, with an air of convic-
ton; land, besides, Grace, the poor
boy can not start with empty pockets
Grace confessed that it would be very
disagreeable to do so, but offered NO
suggestion out of the difficulty.
1T would only cost a matter of forty
dollars, and think, Grace, you would
say you were cheaply rid Of me at that
price. Why, the old gent himself would
jump at the chance if you would only
ask him."
Grace shook her head despondently.
Forty dollarsl" Miss Ruth calculated.
81 have not five available dollars in the
world. What can the poor boy do,
Grace? You sit there like a wooden
doll, and say nothing"
What can sayP" the girl asked.
Now, Miss Ruth knew quite well that
her grand-niece possessed little store
that she had been accommodating for
months, with the idea of surprising the
minister with the present Of a new
heavy overcoat for the winter, and she
was justly indignant at the young lady's
so obtusely refusing to see the necessity
of devoting this sum to the exigencies
of James Lawson.
She was obliged to be more outspoken.
Cant we borrow from that little
fund You have been boarding away all
these weelzs?" she asked, plumply.
Grace colored scarlet.
''If was only sure he was really
going to enlist"-she said, with hes;-
tation.
Lawson saw that the battle was calf
won.
"Wish may die if I'm not, Grace"
he interrupted, greedily. "You ask
Frank Besant if it amt all gospel
truth"
''Wen," she said, reluctantly, 81 sup
pose you must have it," and as she
opened a desk and handed him a silk
purse, she continued: There are only
thirty-two dollars; but it is all have"
She gave it to him as ungraciously as
it was possible for her to do any thing,
but he was not easily offended and took
1t from her with many expressions of
thankfulness.
She stayed his protestations with an
imperious wave of her hand
Il suppose" she said, sit is Just pos
sible that You may be sufficiently CRATE
Ill W W uO SO1uSGu1LlS
for this?"
TRY me, Grace"
81 will. If it ever lies in your power
to serve Frank Besant, remember that
should consider this money well spent,
if you did your best for him. And, if
you will sometimes write me a letter to
tell me how he is prospecting, shall be
in your debt"
80 help me Heaven" replied the
young man, solemnly, 81 will do all you
ask of me-and more, too, if the chance
occurs" and he said it so heartily that
Grace forgot her prejudices sufficiently
to shake hands with him; for, having Sc
cured all he wanted, he was already
preparing to make hasty retreat.
Not one moment too soon, for, contrary
to all precedent, the minister came out
of his room and peremptorily ordered his
women folk to bed in a tone that
brooked no remonstrance.
THE idea of the thing!" shifted Miss
Ruth, but nevertheless preparing to