The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-11-19
A FRESH AIR GIRL.

that it was discovered and therefore
did not claim to be summer resort
or the healthiest town in the state.
| am the only city boarder in the
place, she said, with sigh OF salts
faction. There will be no lawI
tennis, or walking or riding parties
to tire me almost to death. Aboo,
lutte rest is what | need, my phvsl
clan says.
She slept well the first night, arose
refreshed, and decided to spend
the day in a hammock Mr.. Semple,
the tavern keeper-he insisted tha,
his place was tavern, not hotel
handed her : letter. 1t was hriei
and to the point:
DEAR EN-:
We are short OF places for the
"fresh air" children. There is no
time to hunt round. Be getting
ready; | may send you a detach-
ment any minute. FRANK.
Just like Frank! cried Miss Chal-
mers Indignantly she's selfish. She
knows | need rest. But I know
Frank; she'll send them. To day,
as likely as not.
She consulted Mr.. Semple. I've
hearn of 'em he, said. But we amt
never had no Experience with 'em
hereabouts. They had some of 'em
over to Snathville last year. Snath-
vile folks say they wuz bad lot
licked the geese, rode the calves,
and SIGH l don't b'l:eve any one
here will have EN-.
They've got to have them, said
Miss Chalmers desperately; they are
coming.
She consulted the minister's wife.
That excellent lady looked fright
ened. Most OF our people have
children of their own to look after,
she said; and many OF them for the
summer. No one can take them on
such short notice.
Give me list of the people who
could if they would, said Miss Chal-
mers resolutely.
The minister's wife gave the list
reluctantly. Miss Chalmers called
upon them all, but without success
They had heard OF Snathville's ex-
perince. They world contribute
toward paying the board of the
children at the tavern, but would
not receive them into their homes.
Miss Chalmers was not used to
being defeated, but she went to meet
the evening train, not knowing what
she was to do with the dozen or
more children who would probably
arrive. The only passenger to
alight was a girl of about twelve
years of age. The condu ctor, who
knew Miss Chalmers, cried out:
Here's your fresh air girl, Miss,
and the train rolled on.
The girls face was expressionless.
Her hair and face faded yellow Her
clothes were clean, and there was an
air of primness about her that made
her seem older than she really was.
Her name was on her trunk: Ann
Godiva Smithers. She slept on a
cot in Miss Chalmers room the first
night. 1t had been hard day for
Miss Chalmers; her head ached, and
she could not sleep. She tried to
keep quiet that she might not dis
turb the girl who seemed to be
sleeping quietly. .-,r.
the matter M;ss7 War,
My head aches, answered Miss
Chalmers, and | cannot sleep.
What you been eating?
Miss Chalmers answered meekly,
as if she were being interrogated by
a physician or a trained nures:
Nothing but toast, and drank some
weak tea.
Then it's nervousness, said Ann.
| thought it might be stomach.
She went to Miss Chalmers bed
side and stroked her forehead gently.
In a little while the patient slept
peacefully. When she awoke in the
morning the girl was gone. While
she was wondering what had become
of her, Ann returned. I've been in
the kitchen, she said. There's lots
of unnecessary work in the house.
That woman's too easy, she amt a
good contriver.
Miss Chalmers did not know what
to do with her charge. Ann solved
the problem herself. At the break.
fast table Miss Chalmers asked, who
lives in the white house on the hill?
Mis- Pettigrew, answered Mr..
Semple, the ugliest woman in town.
Daniel! cried Miss Semple warn
ingly.
She is, Minty, insisted Mr.. Semple.
I've hearn you say SO a hundred
times.
If you please, Miss, I'll 60 and
see that woman, said Ann.
Mr.. Semple laughed.
It's not to be thought OF, said
Miss Chalmers decidedly.
But Mr.. Semple had faith in Ann.
Let her go, he said. Mis- Pettigrew
can't more than eat her. She car
go up the mail to introduce herself.
Miss Chalmers yielded to Mr.
Semple's advice and Ann S sentreaties
Pm used to ugly folks, said Ann
they amt ugly with me long.
Mrs. Pettigrew opened the door
in response to AIMS knock, anc
looked at her sourly.
Good morning. marin. said Ann