The Globe-republican., 1891-08-26

simultaneously sprang from their re-
spective hammocks, and with many
dourishes and exceedingly deferential
bows came forward and escorted her
to the seat of honor in the large new
hammock. She was quite overwhelmed
with attention for awhile, her genius
as cook being the principal theme Of
conversation.
You must have almost roasted,
working over that hot range. Hazel"
said Nettie. Il wouldn't stay in there
an hour. to prevent famine"
'.YeS, il was uncomfortable. I pitied
Mamie: she has to endure it all the
time
''Oh. she's used to it. She's black,
anyhow. so it can't spoil her complex
ion. as it might yours" said Annie.
Il was very sorry for her. at any
rate" said Hazel. simply: and then the
conversation drifted in other channels,
and before long only Mr.. Alvord re-
manned to talk to her. the others hav-
ing scattered of on the lawn or gone
into the house.
Mr.. Alvord looked into the bright.
piquant face which was fast growing
so dear to him. and thought how sweet
and lovely it was: and when. later on,
they began to talk of some of the great
moral reforms agitating the world. and
he fully understood for the first time
what deep. true, earnest nature she
had. he felt himself on the verge of
telling her how much he cared for her.
He remembered. though, what his
mother had always told him: that it
was easy enough to talk of doing great
things. but the real test was to see q
spirit of self-sacrifice and thoughtful-
ness in small ones So he was re-
strained by it. while Hazel. not dream
ing of the thoughts stirring him. talked
on in her earnest, unconventional fash
ion.
Great was the CONSERVATION next
morning when it was understood that
Hazel would not accompany them on
their little outing. She had coaxed her
mother not to give her reasons, as she
shrank from making a display of her
small sacrifice.
What has come over you. Hazel? If
1 were in mamma's place I'd compel
you to go. No one else can make such
coffee as you can" demonstrated Jack.
And all the others united in persua-
sions and protestations: but Hazel re-
maiued firm. even though her heart
ached little as she saw them drive
away. throwing kisses and waving
their handkerchiefs to her. Then she
ran into the house, aired rooms, made
beds, and put everything in good order
before going into the kitchen.
Mamie looked up in surprise as she
saw her.
Il thought you done gone to de pic
mic with the res of de folks, Miss Ha-
eel Use 6est hurryin' up de dishes
SO could GO in an clean up de house."
she said.
No: I'm going to stay home. Nanrie,
to help you get ready to go to picnic
yourself, this afternoon" said Hazel,
cheerily.
You sholy doesn't mean it, Miss
Haze. You's dest a-makin' fun ob me,
isn't you?'
No. indeed I'm not, Nannie:'' and
then Hazel unfolded her plan, and told
OF the lovely afternoon to be spent in
the park with the old mother and SIS
ter and little baby. and of the nice
lunch and the free street car ride. and
no supper to get, and no dishes to
wash, till the girls face shone as if it
were polished.
..You's mo- like an angel than a gal,
Miss Hazel" she said. at last. her voice
choked with feeling 1T will make a
new woman of nanny to have sech .
trip: and as for me. why-why it'll be
mos like Heaven to have sech a nice
long res and fine lunch like-like
white folks
After the nOOntime meal had been
served. and a dai-ty. yet substantial,
lunch packed in neat basket, Mamie
hurried home with her joyful tidings.
The afternoon seemed rather long
and lonely to Hazel. but she comforted
herself thinking of the happy group
around faithful Mamie in the park.
Then she prepared a dainty supper for !
her papa and two elder brothers. who |
could not leave their business to attend |
the picnic.
Just as she sat down to the table. |
rosy and smiling. Mr.. Alvord came in |
and Joined them. Hazel was greatly |
surprised TO see him in advance OF the |
rest of the party. but as he volunteered |
no explanation. she contented herself |
asking questions about the days pleas
ureS.
After the dishes were washed they
went out to the hammock together,
and there. watching the young moon
and the bright stars that came out one
by one. Mr.. Alvord told her how he had
never stopped teasing and coaxing till
Mrs. Duncan had told him her reason
for staying at home; that he felt sure
be loved her before. but when he heard
Of the sweet spirit of selt-sacrifice
which made her give up day of pleas
lre that she might give happiness to
Door. tired colored servant. he knew
beyond all doubt that he had found the
one woman above all others who could
make his life one of happiness and sun
shine. if she could only care for HIM.