The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-12-25

, an allotment; who Knows sheep and
beasts, and pigs and horses; who can
foretell the weather. Yet he has thrown
it all over and come up to Lonaon, where
| he has nothing but his pair Of hands and
edge avails him nothing. 'Tis as If you
| turned professor of mathematics into
| a draper's shop, where they would usp
him for nothing but to sweep the floor
and carry out the parcels. He role e.
to the library accidentally, and not Fix
ing the place or the smell (Which is not
in the least like the smell of the earth),
he goes out again.
The librarian knows them all. He
watches in the silent room as the clock
over his head ticks loudly, and makes
up their little stories for them. Some
times they whisper a little with him.
He is sympathetic creature, and they
| will confide their case to him asking for
his advice. They do not seek it in the
search for a book to read, but in search
| for work. And sometimes he knows,
or has heard things, which may help
them. Other librarians, you see, get a
vast and intimate acquaintance with
books. This librarian is more useful to
his readers if he knows the contents Of
the trade journals.
Sometimes, however, as in the case
of Naomi Hellyer, he was altogether at
sea. Naomi first appeared on this
Saturday evening. She came in timidly,
and looked about her with hesitation.
There was no other woman in the place.
Perhaps women were not admitted.
Then the librarian stepped out Of his
corner and invited her to take seat
and ask for anything she might want.
He saw woman Of thirty dressed in
the black stuff frock of workwoman,
with cloth jacket, though it was so
warm an evening. Her dress was per-
fectly neat and well-fitting; her gloves
were worn; she had the appearance Of
resolute respectability coupled with
small pay. Her face was thin and pale,
and her features delicate. She was not
beautiful, but she looked steady and
serious-what is called responsible. The
librarian noticed these things; he also
noticed, for he was an observant crea-
tu-e, as well as sympathetic, that there
was trouble in the face-abiding trouble.
When she took off her worn glove the
librarian saw upon her forefnger the
usual sign Of needlework, which wo"
man can no more disguise than mulatto
can disguise the black streaks below his
fnger-nails. She took q place at one OF
the tables and began to. turn over the
leaves Of an illustrated paper, but Ian
guidly, as if she took no interest in what
She read. The librarian, watching her
from his corner, observed that she pres
emily put down the paper and began to
walk about, reading the titles on the
books on. the shelves as il she was in
search of something. ~.
Being q conscientious librarian as
we'll as observant and sympathetic, he
left his place in the corner aud asked
her If there were any work which she
wished to read. She shook her head.
There was nothing, she said. The
librarian observed that she had an, e1-
tremely sweet voice. He also observed
that she went looking at the titles as if
she really did want something.
The librarian was experienced as
we'll as conscientious, observant, End
sympathetic. He discovered that there
was something behind this restless curl
osity. ....t..
Il think you are looking for some
book" he said. IF you will tell me
what it is"
Have you got," she asked, coloring
deeply, amy book that tells about"
She hesitated.
About" he repeated. -.
About women here she looked
about to make sure that nobody else
could hear, and her voice dropped to
WHISPER about women in prison, how
they are treated, and how they live?"
I'VE have book called Five Years OF
Penal Servitude,' he replied, "bnt that
is about male convicts, not women.
May see thati" s. .
He Sound and gave her the volume.
When the library closed she brought
him back the book, and went away.
But her eyes were red. She had been
crying. ... -.
During the week the librarian found
himself thinking good deal about this
woman. She looked refined and deli
cate, perhaps above the position she
now held, which seemed to be poorly
paid. Judging from her dress. By her
language and her manner she showed
herself what is called ladylike or what
ladies prefer to call rather superior
person He could not remember whether
she wore wedding ring. He hoped
that she would come again. '.
On Saturday evening she did come
again. The librarian greeted her with
the smile reserved for habitual readers.
Let me find you another book, he said,
Please let me have the same"-as II
the librarian should remember every
book taken up by every reader But he
dii remember ner book and gave it to
her.
She finished the book that evening.
But long after she closed the volume
she sat with it in her hand. thinking.
She was in a corner where there were
no other readers. But the librarian
could see her. And from time to time
the tears rose to her eyes and ran down
her cheeks. He wondered what was
meant by this grief, what miserable
story lay behind
She was the hast to leave tho library.
The other readers had ali gone, half
an hour before the time for closing, but
she sat there motionless, tn hiking, cry
ing silently, and the librarian made pre-.
tense not to zee her.
When the clock struck ten he locked
the room and went OFT, few minutes
after her. His mind was quite full o.
her distress, as he walked along the
streets, now growing cool IN the July
twilight.
Presently he saw before him, going
the same way, his reader. He overlook
her and ventured to speak.
I'VE are going the same way" ne
asked.
"I am going to - She mentioned
q street not far OF.
ctr &c fha Sama, way." he replleQ;