The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-06-03

CHAPTER lI.-CoNrrNUEp

ChAPIEh ll.-CONTlNUED.
sand / 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.
"Yes, money" was the surly re-
sponse. 81 must have means to get to
headquarters, and I've few debts
round here, which ought to be paid, or
they'll say ] ran away TO get rid of
them"
"That they will, l am certain" Miss
Ruth declared, with an air Of convic-
ton; "and, 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.
"It would only cost 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 II 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 wooden
doll, and say nothing"
"What can l say?" 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 new
heavy overcoat for the winter, and she
was Justly indignant at the young lady's
30 obtusely refusing TO see the necessity
Of devoting this sum to the exigencies
of James Lawson.
She was obliged to be more outspoken.
"Can't we borrow from that little
fund you have been boarding away all
these weelsP" she asked, plumply.
Grace colored scarlet.
'If / was only sure he was really
going to enlist"-she said, with hesi-
tation.
Lawson saw that the battle was half
won. It.
"wish I may die II I'm not, Grace"
he interrupted, greedily. "You ask
Frank Besant II it amt all gospel
truth"
"well,"' she said, reluctantly, 81 sup
pose you must have it," and as she
opened desk and handed him silk
purse, she continued: TThere are only
thirty-two dollars; but II is all I have"
She gave 1t 10 him as ungraciously as
II was possible for her to do any thing,
but he was not easily offended and took
IL from her with many expressions Of
thanlsfulnsss.
She stayed his protestations with an
imperious wave OF her hand. 'R
81 suppose" she said, ''it Is just pos
sible. that you may be sufficiently CRATE
full TO desire TO do something in return
for this?"
"Try me, Grace"
III will. II II ever lies in your power
to serve Frank Besant, remember that
should consider this money well spent,
II you did your best for him. And, II
YOU will sometimes write me a letter To
tell me how he is prospecting, shall be
In your debt"
$50 help me Heaven" replied the
young man, solemnly, 81 will do all yos
ask OF me-and more, too, il the chance
occurs" and he said II 80 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 q hasty retreat.
Not moment too soon, for, contrary
TO all precedent, the minister came ou
Of his room and peremptorily ordered hi
women folk to bed in tone tina
brooked no remonstrancc.
"The idea Of the thingl" shifted Mis-
Ruth, but nevertheless preparing b
obey the summons. "As II we were I
couple Of naughty school children. I d.
believe Josiah is taking leave Of hi
senses"
Then presently the lights were OF
tinguished in the parsons home and ar
parent rest settled over the household