Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1895-07-18


and his housekeeper, an honored
guest; on rainy days she might be
found in the shoemaker's shop or the
blacksmith's, watching them at their
work; smiling much but speaking lit
tie, and teaching as much French as
she learned English. To this day, in
Dulham, people laugh and repeat her
strange foreign words and phrases.
Alexis, the father, was steady at his
work of gardening and haying; Marie,
the elder, his wife, washed and iron I'D
and sewcd and swept, and was a helper
in many households; now and then on
Sunday they set off early in the morn
ing and walked to the manufacturing
town whence they had come, to go to
mass; at the end of the summer, when
they felt prosperous, they sometimes
hired horse and wagon and drove
there with the child between them.
Dulham village was the brighter and
better for their presence, and the few
old-fashioned houses that knew them
treasured them, and French Mary
reigned over her kingdom with no re-
volt or disaffection to the summers
end. She seemed to fulfill all the du-
ties of her childish life by some exquis-
ite instinct and infallible sense of fit-
ness and propriety.
One September morning, after the
first frost, the captain and his friends
were sitting in the store with the door
shut. The captain was the last conner.
I've got bad news" he said, and
they all turned toward him, appre-
hensive and forewarned.
Alexis says he's going right away"
(regret was mingled with the joy of
having piece of news to telD. "Yes,
Alexis is going away; he's packing up
now, and has spoken for Fosters hay
cart tc move his stuff to the railroad" /"
what makes him so foolish?" said
Mr.. Spooner.
He says his folks expect him in
Canada; he's got an aunt livin' there
that owns good house and farm, and
she's gittin' old and wants to have
him settled at home to take care of
her"
I've heard these French folks only
desire to get forehanded little, and
then they go right back where they
come from" said some one, with an air
of disapproval.
He says he'll send another man
here; he knows somebody that will be
glad of the chance, but don't seem to
like the idea so well," said Capt.
Wcathers, doubtfully "We've all got
so used to Alexis and his wife; they
know now where we keep everything
and have got to be so handy. Strange
they don't know when they're well off.
suppose it's natural they should
want to be with their own folks. Then
there's the little girl"
At this moment the store door was
opened and French Mary came in. She
was dressed in her best and her ewes
were shining.
81 go to Canada in re cars!" she an-
nounced joyfully, and came dancing
down between the two long counters
toward her regretful friends; they had
never seen her so charming
Argument and regret were impos.
sible-the forebodings of elderly men
and their experience of life were of nc
use at that moment, CLEAN of youth
and hope was theirs by sympathy in.
stead. A child's pleasure in journey
moves the dullest heart; the captain
was the first to find some means of ex
preston.
"Give me some O. that best candy foi
her." he commanded the storel1eeper
mo, take bigger piece of paper, anc
tie it up we'll"
"Ain't she dressed little thin?" sale
gruff Mr.. Spooner, anxiously, and fol
his part he pointed the storekeeper tc
small plaid shawl that hung over
head and stopped to wrap it himsel
about the little shoulders.
II must get the little girl something
too" said the minister, who was {
grandfather and had just come in fol
his mail. What do you like best, my
dear?" and French Mary pointed shyly
but with instant decision, at blue
silk parasol, with white handle
which was somewhat the worse fol
having been openly displayed all sum
mer. The minister bought it will
pleasure, like country boy at fair
and put it into her hand.
French Mary kissed the ministe
with rapture, and gave him her hant
to shake, then she put down the para
sol and ran and climbed into the olt
captains lap and hugged him witt
both arms tight round his neck. Sh
thought for a moment whether sh
should kiss Mr.. Ezra Spooner or not
but happily she did not decide agains
it, and said an affectionate good-by t.
him and all the rest. Mr.. Staple
himself came out from behind tn,
counter to say farewell and bestov
some raisins. They all followed he
to the door and stood watching Will
she tucked her bundles under her arr
and raised the new parasol and Wake
away down the street in the chilly AT
tumn morning. She had taken he
French gayety and charm and all he
childish sweetness and dignity ava
with her. Little French Mary ha
gone. Fate had plucked her like
flower out of their lives.
She did not turn back, but whe
she was halfway home she began t
run, and the new shawl was give
gayly to the breeze. The captai
sighed
; II wish the little girl WE'LL" he sale
and turned away. 1--WE shall miss he
, but she doesn't know what parting il
/ hope she'll please them just as we
in Canada. Globe Democrat
. Wanted n Spriuter.