The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1895-08-09
A LITTLE STORE.


and means" met in Miss Beesley's
little sitting-roon. A cheerful tire OF
pine-cones was burning on the small,
neat hearth; it tiickered and spirkled
in Joyous fashion, and helped decided
" to drive away the dampness from
without, and the depression that
threatened within.
1t was the usual pathetic story; A
young girl, suddenly orphaned, with
out capital or special training, and
with younger brother and sister de-
pending ON her for support. They
had come south for the sake of the del
icate mother; here she had died, and
they were almost among strangers
temporary home had been offered
them by Miss Beesley, their eccentric
maiden neighbor, and here, while little
Efie was cozily sleeping, the older
ones were talking over the situation
What can doc" sighed poor Louise
Hunter. II 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.
A long silence followed, broken only
by the ssapping fire and the ticking OF
the tiny clock on the shelf above.
If only could keep on with my
studies at Kelsey college," broke out
Fred, 81 wouldn't SO much mind the
rest. I'd be willing to chop wood or
haul muck, if l needn't give that up"
my dear girl" said the little old
maid, with an air of business. I've d
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?"
Louise considered a few moments
and then answered with faint little
smile:
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 |
learned so readily she was quite proud
of me-"
Good! what else can you do?' said
Miss Beesley, with emphasis
Louise answered slowly: Il hardly
know what else; used to enjoy cook
ing little delicate dishes for mamma,
to tempt her; and ! dearly love to
make candy"
You'd just better believe she can,
too" broke in Fred, now thoroughly in
terested. 'She's made all our Christmas
and birthday candies ever since we've
been here, for the grocery candy isn't
much but glucose and chalk. / wish |
had some of her 'cocoanut bar this
very minute, so do.'' And the young
collegian paused, now thoroughly out
of breath.
Item No. g." said Miss Beesley,
cheerily. SIS there anything else?"
mo, think not" responded Louise,
vaguely encouraged by her friends
pleasant words. Mamma had a real
knack with flowers. and l used to en-
ioy helping her SO much; but, after all,
1 know very little about them. Dear
Miss Beesley, l don't know much of
anything, I'm afraid; can't sing or
play or write, or teach. I'm only a
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
20 he shall But as we are out here in
the country, and Kelsey college is over
there at Woodbridge, change must be
made. You, my dear Louise, must
move to Woodbridge, rent tiny cot