The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-11-03

| udIIlCO 5OHuCtiAlC, uhN was oo' IA 6
up of the scanty earnings" So Hetty
through the past three of four weeks
had been their mainstay. Hetty's
thin face haunted the weak mother
as she lay, holding the little sleeping
baby close to her for warmth.
Meanwhile Hetty had reached the
store. She was not tardy, but SO near
it that she received a reproachful look
from the superintendent, making her
lip CULVER. She thought if she could
only tell him about mother, perhaps
he wouldn't frown 80. The store was
warm-that was one comfort; but it
grew close as the hours passed, and
as it proved clear, crisp day, the
shoppers were numerous, and the
cash-girls were kept very busy. Hetty
grew very tired, and her head ached
badly. She was worried about
mother, too, and it seemed to her as
if the day would never end. When
a call came from distant part of the
long store, she felt as if it was an i'm
possibility for her to go; but after
being spoken to CURLY once or twice
she rallied her feeble strength and
went uncomplainingly, wondering
when six o'clock would come.
Thirteen! where are you7" called
a sharp voice. "Quick now, over to
the millinery department: Hurry
up" and Hetty started down the
length of the store.
Here, thirteen" called a short
haired, important clerk; "here, cash"
she said; don't look so stupidl Take
the bonnet to that lady over th'eIe
Don't be all day about It'll She's
waiting" Hetty proceeded mechan-
ically with the delicate handful. But
how close and hot it was up here.
How confused and far away every
thing seemed. She found herself
leaning against show case. She
tried to hurry, went on, but stumbling
over a seat, she fell and knew no
more.
Bessie Gerrish saw the cash-girl
coming with her purchase; but had
only time to notice the distress in the
white face before Hetty fell. An
other awkward cash girl, thought
some of the customers, but Bessie
saw more, and running to her, she
knelt beside her. There was slight
connection, and the foor-walker ap-
peared. "She wants air." said the
young lady.
When Hetty came to herself, she
was in the cool dressing-room, and a
pretty lady was chafng her hand.
"She will be all right now," she was
saying; l will look out for her. |
presume she can be excused for the
rest of the day"
81 suppose SO" said the floor
walker, with an ungracious look at
Hetty, but bowling deeply to her pro-
tector.
"Now dear, can you sit up? I will
send some one for your wraps, and
will drive you home. She left her a
moment, then shortly her hat and
shabby jacket were brought her; but
instead of walking, big Norris the
coachman took the little figure in his
arms and soon disposed OF it on the
soft cushion of the brougham. And
the pretty lady and she were whirling
away to regions unknown to the for
mer.
1.-TWO flights up, did you say, little
girl? l will go first and tell your
mother"
"In few moments Norris opened
the door of the brougham. "She says
you re to come now, miss" and again
lifting his light burden, he went on
and up. They were met in the land
ing by Bessie, and Hetty was put on
her feet. Then the door opened and
Mrs. BOWS eyes pierced the darkness
for her little daughter. 81 am all
right now, mother" she said as SIZE
lay on the bed beside baby; I've
had such beautiful ride"
4 am coming bacl- within an hour,
Mrs, Dow" said Bessie Gerrish, as
she rose little later; perhaps | can
make Hetty real strong and we'll very
soon-if you will let me. And | will
see the superintendent at Bowdoin
& Co.'S"
"Is she an angel9'whispered Hetty,
as the door closed.
81 think so, dear, said her mother,
with wet eyes.
"Just the work our Comfort Club
had been looking for," thought Bessie
Gerrish, as Norris drove her about,
procuring what she thought needful
in tho case nresented tn her. "T will