The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-04-24
PHOEBE.
BIZ FRANCIS o. LEWIS.

by FRANCIS u. LEW ASs
Only an Internationally carly risel
in the little town of Ridgefeld coulc
ever get the better of the two nader
sisters, Miss Enmeline and Miss Becky
1T did beat ALL" said their laziel
neighbors, where Becky and Emmeiine
got in mite of sleeps" and believe
even that renowned early riser since
time was, his majesty the Sun. some
times narveled, as he peeped over the
wooded hills, that he always found
these two quaint figures stirring in gar
den or house. Whether the young
morning with its dawning flush of hope
brought back to them something OF
their own lost youth; whether they
drank in with keen poetic eye all the
marvels of this wonderful birth of day !;
or whether it was an inherited instinct
from past oyerworked ancestors, I can
not say.
At any rate, five o'clock never found
them in bed, and this morning was no
exception.
Twice year their exquisitely neat
house went through the throes Of
house cleaning. If any dirt ever lay in
chink or corner, it's presence was never
discovered by the most acute observer,
but as milestones that marked the
monotonous journey of their lives,
these seasons may have served pur-
pose.
To-day was garnet day. The sisters
discussed their plan of action over their
breakfast.
Emmeline was lame. She was a dark
woman with features but slightly in
dicative of her sentimental disposition
and tender heart. In fact, Becky, whose
fair skin, light bright eyes and vigorous
movements belied her age, was always
considered the socialist" in the neigh
borhood, while Emmeline's quiet ways
and somber face repealed the unthink-
ing, who little understood all the tu-
multuous longings and aspirations of
a life made narrow by her infrmity
and environments.
IF you're through, Becky, I'll clean
up the table," she said deprecatorily to
her sister. "It's a lovely day for clean
in'-look at the breeze dance those
mornin'-glories up and down, but
though it blows cool now, it may get
hot before long"
AS she spoke, her long arms, given
to her, mayhap, as sort of compen-
sation for her lameness, reached across
the little table for her sisters dishes,
each of which she scraped long and ex-
asperatingly.
Becky gave Il sniff as she rose and
CALCULATED: "Did you ever let anyone
finish a meal in peace, Emmeline? How
ever, 1 suppose we hain't much time to
dawdle this morning." and she opened
a drawer with energy, and taking from
it aprons and towels she prepared for
the conflict. ss
We'll cover the dishes in the sink
she said, suitinS the action to the words
with emphasis; land then I'll help you
up the stairs. and you can look over
letters and rubbish while sweep the
cobwebs and wash the windows and
woodwork.
Emmeline gathered her clutches at
her side and rose laboriously.
A little later, as the thump, thump of
her crutch resounded up the garnet
stairs, she remarked to Becky, hest
tatively:
Hadn't ! better look over Phoebe's
desk to-day? / never could make up
my mind TO tech it, but you know we
nin't as young as we once was. and if
we should be taken suddenly we'd hate
to hev strangers doin' what we'd ort to
hev done"
~ suppose you're right. Emmeline.
Old letters is like ghosts, reckon;
they rise up and tell dead secrets some
times"
Emmeline drew long sigh as she
sank ON the old blue sled at the top of |
the stairs.
people have a most astonishin' way
of expectin' to live forever. Jest to |
think Of it, this ere little sled that me |
and you used to slide down-hill ON
morn SO year ago. will, in all human |
probability. be here long after we are
dead and gone. 1t looks - stout as
ever, and Phoebe, the youngest Of us,
gone" .f-t -
Becky gave her elbows jerk, as IL
throwing OF unpleasant thoughts. II
b'lieve you need some of thet liver med
icine, Emmeline. You know II affec,s