Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-10-28


Krumble was amazed at his stupid
itY.. He retired into the inner recesses
of his soul for a moment or two.
But like true gentleman, he picked
the little girl up and stood her on her
feet. If we are all made of dirt, that
child had more than her share; enough
raw material on her clothes to manu-
facture whole family. He coaxed
and cajoled, but, my! how that baby
screamed.
81 hope" he said, turning to the wan
faced woman who was her mother-'I
sincerely hope she is not hurt"
The poor creature grabbed the child,
pressed her to her bosom, dirt and all,
and with few magic words brought
back the old smile.
There's nothin' the matter wild her."
she said. "She's got good lungs, any
how. Sure, it's only fright. A little
wather is all she wants, and God knows
it's the only thing can give her."
"Pray, where do you reside, my good
won,an?" asked Eben.
"Reside is it?" she answered. swell,
sorr, I'm not bothered much that way.
But, Begin your honor's pardon, me
room is on the third back jist round the
corner"
IF you have no objection. madam, :"
said Eben, courteously, 81 will accom-
pany you and see that the child is all
right"
1t was an interesting trio, Rumble
did not feel quite at ease in his sur
roundings, or, in the language of
science, he was not in harmony with
his environment. There was start
ling contrast between his clothes and
those which Mrs. Moloney wore, and
between his well-fed appearance and
her C; Ieworn face can't say he en-
joyed the interview; but if one is bldSt
even a toothache has the magic charm
of novelty.
When the door of the room was
opened, Mrs. Moloney remarked;
1.-THE likes of yez has never come up
thin stairs afore; but you're just as
welcome as the queen Of England
would be, and indade little more."s
She busted chair with her apron
and Eben took it with entire nonchal
ance and began to make an inventory
of the furniture.
There was a pine table which hat
only three legs, the fourth having
dropped through sheer decrepitude
1t stood upright, however, for it leaned
against the wall. There were foul
chairs, which wouldn't have brought n
auction dime apiece. The floor wa,
wholly innocent of carpet, bu
scrupulously clean.
"Oh, no." said Eben to himself, I"
know now why wanted to be worth 1
million. Life in such a place as thi
would be worse than death. No carpet
That last rug of mine cost four hun
dred and fifty. A twenty-five cen
chrome on the wall! Why, | have al
Appleton, Brown and Dewey wortl
| enough to run this little household TO
ten years. Either Pm mighty lucky
or Mrs. Moloney is particularly I'm
fortunate.
His reverie was interrupted.
when Pat was carried to the cine
terry" said the woman, 81 moved int
wan room. Arrah, but thin was happ
days, before Pat died"
"How did it happen?" asked Krumble
sympathetically.
"Blowed up At three o'clock in tn
afternoon he was at the works. TIE
, minutes later he was on his way {
, Hiven. An when they brought hom
what was left of him, me heart die
widin me, an I've had sorry tim
= since,
Pat" she continued, twas a goo
, pervider. He was that, savin' you
l presence. Many's the time of a Satul
day night he'd say to me: Bridget
says he.
"What do We want, Pat?' says I.
( "'Take the big basket on your arm
' says he, AN we'll go down to Washing
ton market got to feed We WE'LL say
S Pat, or We won't kapc your good looks
r He was always a-hatterin' of me,
: and the woman's lips tremblel,
]. "Yis, Pat and med bring home fin
+ bone for a stew, and an illigant cal
!, tbsge or two. All, thin were great day
2 for me. Often's the time I've SAT-
o Bridget Moloney, it isn't every woma
q as has a man like that" f.
e "And it's not every Pat" interjecte
d Eben, who had become intereste,
v that has Bridget like you"
Your honor's foolin wild me-" wa
the reply. but l kept the hou'
4 clane, if do say it mesef. darne
e his stockin's and put as neat patch G
), his trouser knees as the best of e
v could; an as for coolSin' wasn't to |
= bate on any floor of the house. Thi
!. days is long way behind me now.
haven't had me mouth full since p
r died, an me teeth has got loose, they,
g so little to do"
II Her tongue was bit loosened ais
n as she added, philosophically: 81
-. thin days | was treated respectful, a
X they spoke of me as Pat Moloney
= wife, which was enough for any woma
n to ashpire to. An whin they met II
1t in the street wild me foine clothes o
N it was: Misthress Moloney, God BILE
IS We! How do We do?' But now | a
" called, Indifferent like, the Wide
a. Moloney" an all because there's I
1T Pat on the primises. It's a qua
v, wurold! 1t is that" During this co
Is versation Mrs. Moloney was serubbir
m the face of her child. The little one
\ tears had dried, and her eyes were fl
10 IF laughter.
o. Good Heavensl believe that baby
Sc REILLY happy" thought Eben. "Myst
AZ rious, but true. Nothing to be hap
m for, but still happy"
a Hadn't you better take her Dire
of off and put on another" suggest
m Krumbla
u IL