The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1896-10-10
AN OLD STORY.

1T Is OF no user' said Mary desperate
ly. 81 can't think of a single thing to
say"
She sat and frowned gloomlly. biting
the end OF her penholder. Now and
then she ran her hand distractedly
through her hair. This was a trick OF
hers when thinking hard. and, as a rule,
the result was more startling than
pleasing.
1T Is OF no user she said again, but
this time with a different infection. II
mustn't sit here and give way to lazl-
ness like this II don't write a tale we
can't pay the grocer's bill | must and
will begin, only-what on earth am
10 say"
Marys brain was fertile enough. and
her busy fancy generally delighted In
spinning love stories and the like. In
the early days OF her scribbllng she had
been greatly laughed at by her mother
and sisters. but when welcome little
checks began TO come In return for
bulky envelopes sent through the post
the tone of the family altered and Mary
had for some time been regarded as
person OF Importance.
Perhaps they overrated her powers.
for they had come to the conclusion
that Mary could do almost anything
Mary's head was looked upon as bank
upon which an unlimited amount Of
modest demands could be drawn. and
the girl now aud then felt a trihe over
whelmed as she realized what was ex-
pectcd of her.
"Oh. Mary must write a taler her
mother would say easily, when an ad-
dtlonal expense was suggested. So the
fancy OF the moment would be INDUCED
I'm. and Mary would shut herself up In
the little room she called her own.
whence I'm due time she would emerge
tired but triumphant
On this particular morning. however.
she rackcd her brains In vain. She tried
her hardest to think OF some slender
framework upon which to hang the
usual mild love making. but the more
she tried to WOO "the muse" the more
obstlnately did the said muse refuse to
respond to her advances.
"a feel exactly as II wet sponge had
been passed over my BRAIN" she
thought, dcspairingly. There doesn't
seem single idea left"
Just then a gentle rap came at the
door
"Come in." said Mary. impatiently.
She never liked to be interrupted when
she was trying TO work. and Just now
she felt more than usually cross.
Her face relaxed little, however.
when she saw her visitor
you, joint l thought It was Jenny.
wondered whatever she wanted
now"
Poor Jenny" said the newcomer.
laughing.
Poor Mary. think" rejoined Mary.
dolefully.
why. whatever Is the matterf" ask
ed John Redmond. taking a seat, and
evidently preparing to make himself
as comfortable as circumstances per
mitted. He looked very strong and ca
pable as he smiled down upon Mary,
and the girl was conscious OF distinct
feeling Of relief. though she hardly
knew It's source.
We'll" said Mary. II feel worried
and bothered. You know. John. how
much all our folks have got In the
way OF looking to me for help in mon
ely mattersT"
yes, l know" replied John, with a
rather curious infection.
Il Ike to do IT," said Mary quickly
1T makes me very glad and happy tc
do 1t. l should not say word about II
to anybody but you. but you already
know these details. You are such an in
Innate friend OF the family, aren't
your"
"A very intimate friend OF the fam
ily," echoed the young man gravely.
And mother has often told you how
easy It was for me to earn a few
pounds, hasn't shef"
VERY OFTEN" answered the youn,
man again, with the same gravity.
well, John" said Mary. lifting PAL
of very earnest eyes to his, her accents
full OF sorrow and dismay. II am some
times afraid l can't keep on doing IT,"
What makes you think so?" aske'
John gently.
Il can't think OF anything" sai,