The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-26

Of the earth. He lives there. I some-
times 20 down TO see him. Mssus lives
with them. She's an old, old woman,
dearie, elghty-nine years old, and once
she was as rich as your granny. but she
had a son, and he scattered her money
like water, so he did. My friends wife
used TO be Missuss housekeeper and
when the money was pretty low she took
Missus home to board. But the money
was soon used up. and Mssus went Into
the mill as a spooler. She would do it,
being Independent, and she was real spry
at first, for an old woman who had never
worked in her life. But she's too old now
for spoolin' or anything else. j don't know
what is to become of her."
Cant your friend, MIR. Foreman, keep
herY'
"Six children and house mortgage"
"Wen, they can't turn her OUT"
NO not that exactly. But Missus Is
old and needs care"
Don't you think this river gets colder,
Captain Ben? Let's 20 up into our pines,
where it smells so lovely. And don't talk
TO me any more about Missus. I'm tired"
observation-disclosures. the captain turned
the carriage toward the pine wood, and
told funny stories until Albertas big blue
Celestine came out and found them
there Il am going in now" said AL
berta. Grandma has sent for me- She
put little heecy mittened hand into the
captains horny one. "Good-by. I'll be
out again tomorrow If the sun shines"
The next day. however. the sun did not
shine Masses Of gray clouds sailed across
the sky and the sun only got chance 10
peep through once in while. The wind
4 y q e..tfaH.
tain Ben decided not TO go out for his
usual walk He lit his stumpy pipe and
sat down by the window to smoke away
the afternoon. But he had only smoked
out two-thirds Of the pipeful when he re-
ceived a peremptory summons down.
stairs. At the door was a carriage, and
among the cushions, smothered in furs
and hugging a bunch Of chrysanthemums.
lay Alberta, smiling and bowling 10 the
soldiers at the windows.
Come Captain Ben. Why, how queer
you look without your hiatt but, come.
We are going to see Aiissus."
No soldier ever obeyed an order with
more alacrity than Captain Ben. Follow
ed by his companions curious glances, he
mounted to his seat in the carriage and
gave the driver directions.
Il couldn't get Mssus Off my mind.
Last night / kept seeing her gpooling
fancy. Captain Ben, an Old gray-haired
lady doing that. SO / just told Celestne
l was going with you to see her. and Ce-
lestine shrugged and shrugged over it.
She says If | take a disease mamma will
kill her. Now, what is there to catch,
Captain Benz
Nothing but kindness and heartiness,
and the more you catch of them the bet
ter off you'll be for it,
e.
brown frame cottage, and Captain Ben,
explaining to Alberta that she must wait
a few minutes. vanished around the cor
ner of the house. Alberta shifted the
chrysanthemums and eyed the house
thoughtfully. The front door opened with
a suddenness which made her jump, and
large, motherly woman came out 10
the carriage. Her sleeves were rolled
above the elbow and her arms were
plump and freckied.
II told the captain I'd just carry you In
myself" she said to Alberta without any
preamble. "Bless your dear heart! my
arms are used to helpless ones. Come to
see Mssus, Ell? Hold tight TO your flow
ers."
She carried her rapidly up the steps and
into the tidy house.
There now, I'll put you right on tie
settin room lounge here. Did take
away your breathW
Alberta sank back on the comfortable
old cretonne pillow and looked about her.
mot the least bit, thank you, Mrs. Fore-
man; you carry me splendidly. Is that
Missusi VIII you please give her these
flowers"
In Boston rocker. upholstered in tur-
key red calico, sat little old lady WIN
faded blue eyes and silver white HAIR.
She was trying to knit, but the poor Ola
fingers trembied sadly and many a crop
ped stitch was the consequence. "A sweet
smile overspread her face as she took the
cold. fresh flowers into her hands.
Thank you, dearie." she said, nodding
over to Alberta. "They are beautiful
posles. II does my old heart good TO
think you brought them TO me.
Il like them very much. Missus Cap
tain Ben told me about you, and l thought |
we ought to become acquainted. i've
up at Roilin House. My name IS Al
berta Rollin."
and beautiful name. darling I'm |
glad TO know you. Ny old eyes are dim, |
dear Come nearer. Ia like 10 see your |
face"
80 you SHALL Mssus," said Mrs.
Brown. heartily. For tbs pretty one" !
she murmured half TO herself. Alberta /
was drawn closer, and a very confidential /
conversation began at once between them.
captain Zen entered the room Win the |
air OF one who was perfectly at home. |
an armful OF stove wood, which
he proceeded to cram into a small stove
with great energy and clatter.
Have they heard from Missus's son
yetY' he asked of Mrs. Brown. mot a |
word" she said. I'VE can't even find |
his whereabouts. The time is up on Fri
day. / s'pose It's no use But it would
have been fine for Missus."
Alberta was drawing her visit TO a close
Mrs Brown carried her TO the carriage
and urged her To come again. Captain
Ben took his seat beside her, but re-
Trained from questions as he glanced at
the earnest. perplexed little face.
Captain Ben"
Yes. dearie."
What did hear about Missus's SOM
Tell me every single word about It,"
The captain coughed obviously.
Every single word" she reiterated.
1T was something was thinking about
when ] spoke Of Missus yesterday. Across
the river yonder. there's a Home for old
ladies' like Missus, but II costs a hundred
dollars TO get In. Missus had her money
'nee. but her son borrowed It OF her and