The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-01-01

that bundle of wood produces IN n the
effect ~ a match; II Il ~ near the roof that
the wind drives ~ the rain and u frcezcs on
the hearth IN winter aud 20 they have CIV
en n mp. Now everything T. confined 10 an
earthen warming pan, upon which their re-
past Il cooked. The grandmother had 10.
deed spoken Of a stove that she bad bar
gained for at the secondhand dealers on
the ground floor, but be wanted Z francs
for Il, and che times were too hard Tor such
an expense. consequently tho family was
resigned 10 be cold FOR cconomy'a sake.
While Paulette IA talking / feel that ]
am more and more outrowing my duh
dependency. The first revelations Of the
little boxmaker have given birth within
me 20 desire that Immediately becomes a
project. ] question her regarding her oc-
equations for the day, aud she informs me
that on leaving me she 4 going 30 visit,
with her brother. her sister aud her grand
mother, the different customers from whom
they get their work My plan is laid az
once. / tell the child that / will call on
her ia the evening, and send her away,
thanking her anew.
The violet Is placed IN the open window
where a ray OF sunlight bids Il welcome.
The sparrows twitter around H., the sky
becomes clear, and the day, which began
20 sad, has become radiant. ! walk about
my chamber singing. ! hastily dress.
20 out
Three oclock-Everything IS arranged
with my neighbor, the chimney doctor; he
is repairing the old stove which / had
bought and promises to make II az good as
new. At o o'clock we are going 10 start
out 20 put IL in the house Of Paulette's
grandmother.
NftlwF..he lGt,r. v..uaaa ~
Al the hour set was at the house Of the
old boxmaker, who was still absent. My
Piedmontese set up the stove while ar
ranged IN the great chimney place dozen
bundles OF wood stolen from my winters
store. IL will result In my having 10 warm
myself by walking or by going TO bed
earlier.
At each football that re-echoes on the
stairway feel my heart throb; / trcmble
lest ! be interrupted In my preparations
and my surprise be thus spoiled. But no,
everything Il In place. the stove huns cheer
| fully the little lamp burns on the table and
the oil cruet has taken its place on the shelf
The chimney doctor has gone. This time
my fear lest some one come Is transformed
| into Impotence because no one does come.
| Al last hear the voices OF the children.
Here they come, pushing open the door and
rushing In. But all stop with cries OF as
constituent.
At the eight Of the lamp, the stove and
the visitor who stands like "A magician In
the midst OF these marvols, they recOil, al
most afraid. Paulette is the first 70 com.
prehend. The arrival Of the grandmother
who has come up less quickly, finishes tn,
explanation. Emotion, transports of JOY
| thanksl
But the surprises are not ended. Tho
young sister opens the oven and discover
some well roasted chestnuts. The grand
mother has just laid hands upon the bottles
of cider that garnish the sideboard, and
take from the hamper where l have con
cealed them a stuffed tongue, piece o
butter aud some fresh bread.
This time establishment turned into ad
mirstion. The little family had never as
sisted 40 such banquet They lay tn
cloth; they sit down; they eat. It's regu
lar feast for all, and each one contribute
his part toward il, had brought only tn
supper. The boxmaker and her grand
children furnished the good cheer.
What shouts of laughter without cause
What a confusion of questions that do no
expect any answer, OF answers that do no
correspond TO any question: The old WON
an herself shares the high spirits Of the liz
tie ones. have always been struck will
the ease with which the poor forget thei
misery. Accustomed TO livein the present
they make the most Of pleasure wheneve