The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1895-05-15

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a pin in his finger, which drew from
him a rude exclamation.
'Pin 'tick? ," gravely inquired Mary.
at did," as gravely answered the
| professor.
'Well, you mus'n say 50 naughty
words" +" continued Mary, cor you can't
go to heaven, My mammals dere. |
wish | was"
And the the little black head fell
forward and tear or two fell
Prof. Arthur Brewster looked un-
comfortably at the old woman for Il
moment. Then he motioned for her
to 20.
She obeyed, but when she looked
through the keyhole moment later
she saw the professor tcnderly take the
gypsy looking mite in his arms and
hold ii close to his breast, where the
tears ceased 10 How and the unnatural
gravity resumed its sway.
At supper the child asked for all sorts
of things that the professor supposed
were poisonous TO children and all of
which he promised to have in the house
the next day, provided Mary would not
carry ont her dreaded threat and cry.
But finally bedtime came and then
Mary fatty refused TO allow the old
woman 10 undress her.
The professor perspired, but he man
aged TO get the little garments of and
to find in the poorly stocked trunk II
night dress.
Robed in the long white gown Mary
looked more than ever like little
gypsy, but when, without a word Of
warning she dropped on her knees be-
fore him and murmured in her broken
language Il little prayer, he thought
that she might not Ike so painful . bur
den after all
But the end was not yet. When he
had retired seme hours later to his own
bed and was endeavoring to compose
himself TO sleep he became aware of the
little figure standing beside his pillow.
"Why, Mary" he said, whatever do
you want now?'
al lonely" she said. wants to
sleep wiv you"
"Oh, no." hc 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 a moment later he heard Il meek
little sob, and turning again found that
she had fully carried out her supreme
threat and was crying.
He tried to be angry, bat something
tuggcd at his heartstriags and he
reached out his arms and took her to
his bosom, where she purrcd 4 moment
like a kitten and dropped to sleep with
the peace of perfect trust on her queer
little face.
But the next day the trouble began
again when, after looking over his
morning mail, lac found that Mary had
disappeared.
Good gracious - lie exclaimed,
''where has she gone?''
He called bat she did not answer.
He went into the next room, but She
was not there.
He looked into the kitchen, but the
old women declared tina; 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 20 rejoice at her sudden disap-
pearance and hope that she never,
never would return, bat his arguments
could not hold their ground against
that new thrill OF anxiety which had
got possession of his heart.
He went out of the house and called
loudly:
MARY ~
"What YOU wants?'' came the shrill
answer from the other side OF the fence.
There was Mary, comfortably seated
in Mabel Riker's lap, while the girl af-
fectionately patted her tangle OF black
curls.
"O-an-yes-I beg perdon," stam-
mercd the professor; ''you see-weil-
she went away when was no; look
ing"
II quite understand your anxiety,
professor" replied Mabel, pretty
flush mounting to her checks. Il
should be anxious if | were in yoIr
place. She's such sweet child"
Al wonder if she's making game OF
me-" 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.
"Lct me keep her a little while, "
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. "Let's me s'eep in he's bcd
and | kiss'm."
"Ha! Hum. Good morning" said
the professor, retiring i'll the utmost
confusion.
After that little Mary spent most OF
her time with Mabel Riker, and the
professors hours of studious retire
ment were not greatly abbreviated.
And he was always glad when the
child came trotting i'll at the meal time
with some new story of Mabers good
ness.
"Yes, Mary" he said emphaticaiiy
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'sc best girl
in lie world"
"Oh, Mary ~ said Mabel "thats toe
much you mustn't say that"
"Will say dat. You'se best girl iii
de word Uncle Art'ur says you is"
"Oh-oh-oh ~ said Mabel i'll low
tone, her eyes softening and her face
coloring.
When little Mary returned to hei
| - L., ,,..,., kursfiuo with papprng~-