Sharp County record., 1891-08-27

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since she done been here, and we don
know when she gwine to git to come
ag'in.T
And here Nannies sobs broke forth
afresh, and Hazel with very sober
face cut the celery into cunning little
squares. Her busy brain revolved
Nannie's words over and over again 1t
was true, every bit of it. The poor girl
had worked away steadily for almost
year now, with no recreation except
her Thursday afternoons out, and she
put in that time doing extra washing
for lady, trying to increase her scanty
lot of money that she might pay house
rent and support her feeble old mother.
81 don see why nanny an l KANT
die and be done with it! What's de use
livin' at all, de way we does? Amt no
pleasures for po niggahs, no way.
Nobody keers whedder dey lives or
dies, continued Mamie, as soon as she
had control of her voice again.
''Oh! yes they do, too, Mamie. care
very much. I'm sure you must know |
have always liked you, and I've helped
you in every way could, haven't p"
"Yes'm, you has; and | know l is
ongrateful critter to be abawlin' away
bout nothin' in petticlzler, only some
how seems so kinder wored out and
heartsore like, tell l KANT think OF
nothin but my miseries."
Then Mamie arose and doused her
face in basin of cold water on the
back porch, and came back, trying her
best to smile,
Hazel worked away rapidly, never
stopping till the delicate dressing was
completed and the celery and chicken
thoroughly mixed with it.
Its deliciousl Mamie, | don't be-
lieve we ever made better Thank you
for helping me so much.
A broad smile overspread Nannie's
face at the kind words, and half an
hour later, as Hazel was taking her
bath, she heard the girl singing a gay
negro melody, her sadness apparently
dispelled.
Out in the grassy, shady yard several
hammocks were swung up to the trees
and party of young folks were read
ing, talking or lolling around, as best
suited them. There were HazePs
brother Jack, home from college; and
Herman Alvord, his chum and room
mate, who had Just graduated with the
highest honors and who was sensible
enough not to be spoiled by large
amount of money; then there were
Bess and Nettie, HazePs two sisters,
both older than herself; and jolly
Hurdus Ward, who lived next door,
and cousin Annie Moore, who was
making a long visit and who was
gifted with a wonderfully sweet voice
and the most captivating manners.
Hazel sighed softly as she looked at
them from her window.
''What a good time they are having,
and how lovely Cousin Annie is in that
becoming, artistic gown! Mr.. Alvord
can scarcely keep his eyes away from
her. | wonder if he really loves her?
Sometimes | think he cares more for
Sister Bess, and again | think he cares
only for himself and his little mother,
of whom he talks so much. Of course,
it doesn't make the least bit of diff
ference to me" she said to her rehec-
ton in the mirror, yet bright pink
dyed her cheeks even as she said it,
and her heart huttered as she turned
from her dressing case and ran down.
stairs.
Mamma, I'm all bubbling over with
plan, and | want you to please let me
execute it," she said, bounding into the
cool sitting-room where Mrs. Duncan
sat darning stockings.
What is it now, Hazel? A mission
airy box? or Band of Hope entertain
ment? or a -"
mo; nothing so great this time, ma
ter. Only picnic for Mamie, poor old
girl.' said Hazel, giving her mothers
hair a caressing pat.
"A picnic for Nannie What under
the sun are you thinking of now
daughter?" asked Mrs. Duncan, her face
funny mixture of surprise and con-
sternation,
only just what said mamma--a
picnic for poor old Mamie. She says
her mother is pining for a sight of the
woods, and her sister is going home
day after tomorrow, so I propose fix
ing up nice little lunch for them, and
paying their way on the street car out
to the park tomorrow afternoon, so
they can have a jolly little visit togeth-
er, outside of their dingy, hot little
house.
"But you can't do ii, Hazel. To.mor-
row you go to a picnic yourself, you
know, and there would be no one 20 get
supper
"Tm not going mamma. | shall stay
at home and prepare such nice little
tea for papa and the boys that they'll
want to send Mamie off every day to
q picric Now please let me, mammal!
I'm so sorry for Mamie, drudgIng away
in that hot kitchen from one month 3
end 20 another that shouldn't enjoy
myself one bit II went have lots
Of good times and she has none can
afford TO give her one little afternoon
of pleasure, Mayn't |, you darlingP'
Mrs. Duncan yielded reluctantly but
somehow Hazel had way Of carrying
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