The Forrest City times., 1895-06-14
LITTLE FRENCH MARY.
BY SARAH ORNE JEwErr.


seeing foreigners of any sort, or to
hearing their voices in it's streets, so
that it was in some sense a matter Of
public interest when a Canadian fam
lily was reported to have come to the
white house by the bridge. This
house, small and low-storied, with a
bushy little garden in front, had been
standing empty several months. Usual
ly when house was left tenantless in
Dulham 1t remained so and fell into
decay, and, after some years, the cin-
namon rose bushes struggled into the
cellar and the dutiful grass grew over
the mound that covered the chimney
bricks. Dulham was a quiet place,
where the population dwindled stead
lily, though such citizens as remained
had more and more reason to think it
as pleasant as any country town in
the world. F7s>f3 80 - ~ 81 Il ~
Some of the old men who met
every day to talk o-er the town affairs
were much interested in the new
comers. They approved the course of
the strengthening young Canadian
laborer, who had been quick to seize
upon his opportunity; one or two of
them had already engaged him to make
their gardens and to do odd jobs, and
were pleased with his quickness, and
willingness He had come afoot one
day from a neighboring town, where
he and his wife had been made i'll by
bad drainage and factory work, and
saw the little house, and asked the
postmaster II there was any work to
be had out of doors that spring in Dull
ham. Being assured of his prospects,
he reappeared with his pale, bright
eyed wife and little daughter the very
next day but one. This startling
promptness had given time for but few
persons to hear the news of new
neighbor, and rs one after another
came over the bridge and along the
road there were many questions asked.
The house seemed to have new life
looking out of its small-pansd win
dows; there were clean white curtains.
and china dogs on the window sills,
and blue smoke in the chimney-the
spring sun was shining in at the wide
open door.
There was a chilly east wind on an
April day, and the elderly men were
gathered inside the post Office, which
was also the chief grocery and dry
goods store. Each was in his favorite
armchair, and there was the excuse Of
q morning fire in the box stove to make
them form again into the close group
that was usually broken up at the ap-
proach of summer weather. Old Capt
Weathers was talking about Alexis,
the newcomer they did not try to pro-
nounce his last name), and was saying
for the third or fourth time that the
more work you set for the Frenchman
the better pleased he seemed to be.
Helped 'em to lay carpet yesterday
at our house, neat as wax" said the
captain, with approval Made the
garden in the front yard so it hasn't
looked so well for years. We're all go
in to find him very handy; he'll have
plenty to do among US all summer
Seems to know what you want the
minute you pint, for he can't make out
very we'll with his English. used to
be able to talk considerable French in
my early days when / sailed from
southern ports to Havre and Bordeaux,
but don't seem to recall it now very
well He'd have made a smart snilor.
Alexis would; quick an willing"
'sThey say Canada French amt spoke
the same anyway" began the captains
devoted friend. Mr.. Ezra Spooner, by
way of assurance, when the store door
opened and bright little figure stood
looking in. All the gray-headed men