The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-09-18

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she saw the professor tenderly take
the gypsy looking mite in his arms
and hold it close to his breast, where
the tears ceased to flow and the unnat-
ural gravity resumed its sway.
At supper the child asked for all
sorts of things that the professor sup
posed were poisonous to children and
all of which he promised to have in the
house the next day, provided Mary
would not carry out her one dread
threat and cry.
But finally bedtime came and then
Mary fatty refused to allow the old
woman to undress her.
The professor perspired, but ne
managed to get the little garments
off and to find in the poorly stocked
trunk a night dress.
Robed ii the long white gown Mary
looked more than ever like a little
gypsy, but when, without word OF
warning, she dropprd on her knees
before him and murmured in her
broken language little prayer, he
thought that she might not be so pain
full burden after all.
But the end was not yet. When ne
had retired some hours later to - his
own bed and was endeavoring to com
pose himself to sleep he became aware
of the little figure standing beside his
pillow.
"Why, Mary" he said, "whatever
do YOU want now2"
II lonely" she said. wants to
sleep wiv YOU"
"Oh, no." he said, rather shortly,
in his surprise, that's quite out OF
the question"
He turned his back on her, hoping
she would return to her room.
But moment later he heard meek
little sob, and turning again found
that she had fully carried out her su'
preme threat and was crying.
He tried to be angry, but some:
thing tugged at his heartstrings and
he reached out his arms and took her
to his bosom, where she purred a mo-
ment like kitten and dropped to sleep
with the peace of a perfect trust on
her queer little face
But the next day the trouble began
again when, after looking over his
morning mail. he found that Mary
had disappeared. :,
"Good gracious!" he exclaimed,
"where has she gomez"
He called but she did not answer.
He went into the next room, but she
was not there.
He looked into the kitchen, but
the old woman declared that the
'blessed little imp" had not been near
her.
Upstairs went the professor in great
haste, loudly calling for Mary. He
tried to reason with himself that he
ought to rejoice at her sudden disap'
pearance and hope that she never,
never would return, but his argu-
ments could not hold their ground
against that new thrill of anxiety
which had got possession ofhis heart.
He went out of the house and called
loudly:
"Marym
"What you wants2" came the shrill
answer from the other side of the
fence.
There was Mary, comfortably seated
in Mabel Riker's lap, while the girl
afectionately patted her tangle OF
black curls.
"O-ah-yes-I beg pardon" stam,
mered the professor; you see-well-
she went away when I was not look
ing"
professor, replied Mabel, pretty
flush mounting to her cheeks. II
should be anxious if I were in your
place. She's such a sweet child"
81 wonder if she's making game OF
me9" thought the professor. Then
he said. ''Now, Mary, you must
come home; you mustn't bother Miss
Riker."
"Oh, but she doesn't" exclaimed
Mabel.
wants to stay here" said Mary.
"Let me keep her little while, u
pleaded Mabel. She could have kept
the professors entire world.
"Oh-why-of course, certainly, if
you like"
"Uncle Art'ur's dood to me-" cooed
Mary. Lets me s'eep in he's bed,
and I kiss m"
"Ha! Hum! Good morning." said
the professor, retiring in the utmost
confusion.
After that little Mary spent most
of her time with Mab1e Riker, and
the professors hours of studious re.
tirement were not greatly abbre'
waited.
And he was always glad when the
child came trotting in at meal time
with some new story of Mabel's good
ness.
Eyes, Mary" he said, emphatically
one day, "she's the best girl in the
world"
Little Mary treasured that astound.
ing declaration and in the afternoon
remarked to Mabel:
"You'se dood to me; you'se best
girl in de world"
"Oh, Mary!" said Mabel; "that's
too much you mustn't say that"
Twill say date. You'se best girl in
de world; Uncle Art'ur says you is"
"Oh-oh-ohw said Mabel in low
tone, her eyes softening and her face
coloring.
When little Mary returned to hel
uncle she was bursting with eager
ness to repeat Mabel's reply. Sud,
denly, while the old woman was
pouring out some milk, the child ex
claimed: