The Coconino weekly sun., 1895-08-08
A LITTLE STORE.

,r5 means" met in Miss Beesley's ,ittle sitting-room. A cheerful fire of ,ine-cones was burning on the small, neat hearth; it flickered and sparkled in joyous fashion, and helped decided lv to drive away the dampness from yithout, and the depression that threatened within.
 If was the usual pathetic story: A young girl suddenly orphaned, with mt cap.tal or special training, and with younger brother and sister de- bending on her for support. They had come south Cor the sake of the del. icate mother; here she had died, and they were almost among strangers. A temporary home had been offered them by Miss Beesley, their eccentric maiden neighbor, and here, while little Fife was cozily sleeping, the older ones were talking over the situation.
 What can 1 do?" sighed poor Louise Hunter. Il have said that over and over to myself so much, that the words don't mean anything any more; can either of you two help me out?" turn ing to her brother Fred and to Miss Beesley, both of whom were staring thoughtfully into the fire.
 If only l could keep on with my studies at Kelsey college" broke out Fred, II wouldn't so much mind the rest. I'd be willing to chop wood or haul muck, if needn't give that up"
 My dear girl" said the little old maid, with an air of business, "pve a question to ask you. Your mother was a woman of ability, and you are much like her in many ways; among all the things she taught you, what can you do the best?"
 Don't laugh, Miss Beesley, please, but l really do believe my answer must be 'darning and patching Mamma used to say that fine mending was one of the lost arts and gave me careful instructions, saying that l learned so readily she was quite proud of me-"
 Good! what else can you do9" said Miss Beesley, with emphasis.
 Louise answered slowly: II hardly know what else; I used to enjoy cook ing little delicate dishes for mamma, to tempt her; and dearly love to make candyH
 You'd just better believe she gan, tool" broke in Fred, now thoroughly in terested. "Shes made all our Christmas and birthday candies ever since we've been here, for the grocery candy isn't much but glucose and chalk. l wish had some of her 'cocoanut bar this very minute, so l dol" And the young collegian paused, now thoroughly out of breath.
 Item No. g." said Miss Beesley -cheerily. "Is there anything else?"
 No. I think not, responded Lnnise vaguely encouraged by her friends pleasant words. Mamma had a real hnack with flowers, and l used to en joy helping her so much; but, after all l know very little about them. Deai Miss Beesley, don't know much oi anything, I'm afraid; can't sing or play or write, or teach. I'm only 8 kumdrum nobody, and yet everybody depends on me;" and the brown eyes grew troubled and misty once more.
 Don't fret" said Miss Beesley, kind ly, stroking the soft, slim fingers, but just listen to me, you two young things for I've got plan. Fred wishes most of all to go to Kelsey. Right he is, and go he shall. But as we are out here il the country, and Kelsey college is over there at Woodbridge, a change must be made. You, my dear Louise, must move to Wood dbridge, rent tiny cot tage, put out plain little sign, Darn ing and Patching Done With Skill {"rll make the sign" shouted Fred) put little notice in the local paper and, with good management, work will come. In two or three months tho great hotels will begin to fin up witf winter visitors, the St. James at Wood bridge among them. Then is the time for candy making. Have everything exquisitely good, put up in attractive shape, labeled 'Homemade,' and dis played at the neatest store in the vii lage. Let hotel people alone for find ing out anything new! Perhaps a few pots of flowers will help out, also; bu you will know best about that. Now what do you say?" concluded the little old maid, poking the fire vigorously.
 Louises eyes had gradually beer growing bigger as the plan unfolded
 Tt sounds beautiful" she said tremulously; do you think l could dc it?"
 T think you will do it, my child, said her friend, with decision, "for tho sake of the dear ones who love you"
 As for Fred, he conld scarcely con tain his feelings.
 Miss Beesley, you are trump!' he cried in his healthy ringing tones; ''l'l weed all your fower-beds tomorrow.
 The next week was a busy time fol all; careful inventory was made O their slender possessions, some thing, sold, and others kept for the new home. One day Miss Beesley anC Louise made a trip to Woodbridge anC .retualed at nightfall, tired, but triumphant, having found a house suited to their needs; and early the next week the transfer was made.
 'Good-by, my dears, and may Heaver bless you,' said Miss Beesley, with one