Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1896-08-06

w est l care say she'll De here next,
but advise you to send her about her
business, as did,
"Who is it?" said Eveleen, in sur
prise.
Its Mary Ann Blake, from Claws
Corners, Michigan. Wants something
to do. Expects me to take her in and
give her home until she can obtain
situation"
''There's the little hall bedroom
that you don't use," limited Eveleen,
who had sort of instructive ~ pathy
for the houseless and homeless.
II want that for Mr.. Sykes rela-
tives when they come to town." said
Mrs. Sykes. Hes got single
brother with property. and a married
sister, with no children, who is very
we'll offindeed? and if don't want it;
| don't propose to open free asylum
for every old maid that comes along"
"But what will she do:''
"Do? Why, do as other folks dol
suppose. Go to a cheap boarding
house. There's plenty of 'em, I'm
sure"
''But if she hasn't got any money!"
"Then she's no business here"
said autocratic Mrs. Sykes. "Why
didn't she stay out West, where her
friends could take care of her?"
''Perhaps she hasn't any friends.
"Then she certainly must be an un-
deserving character" said Mrs. Sykes
shaking the rusk crumbs down upon
Eveleen's neatlyswept carpet. ooh,
world!"
Mrs. John Smith came huttering
in-a thin, sharp featured little woman
with swapping black eyes.
"Oh,' she cried, "you're here, are
you, Debby? How do, Eveleen?
Well, since you're taking tea, l will
have cup! Heard tie news?' as she
sat herself down.
"About Mary Anu Blake? Yes, Of
course, answered Mrs Sykes, with q
toss of the head. She's been to see
me but l sent her about her busi-
ness. -
"Well, she certainly can't expect us
to provide for her" said Mrs. Smith,
beginning to crumble up the reserve
of crackers that Eveleen had brought
out, with sigh. ''Smith's salary ain t
large, and I've a considerable sized
family Of my own. l told her pretty
plainly that, as far MS l was concerned,
She needn't expect anything. l do
hate these genteel beggars And il
she should come here, Eveleen,I hope
you will give her the cold shoulder.
Hush There's knock now. If it
should be her!'
'Its good thing We are here to
advise" said Mrs. Sykes, as Eveleen
vent to the door. "Eveleen is SO un-
suspecting! Any one could impose
upon her!'
eyes, to-be. sure" nodded Mrs
} Smith, complncentlv. "And- But,
dear me, it is Mary Ami"
Both the sisters nodded frigidly a.
the approach Of tall, nervous-lookine
J woman, in shabby black, followed b,
Eveleen, who drew out the softest
! easy-chair for her accommodation, ant
gently united her wispv bonnet
! strings.
do sit down. said Eveleen. .
/ am sure you are tired. Let me giv'
, you q cup of tea
! Eyes, said Mary Ann Blake, look
} ing apprehensively from Mrs. job,
Sykes to Mrs. John Smith. II an
< tired. l have been walking goo,
, ways"
r 81 hope you've got q situation,
said Mrs Smith, Jelly.
But Mary Ann Blake shook he
| head.
ut was very foolish OF yon to com
| here at all. wasting your money on a
expensive journey, said Mrs. Sykes
why couldn't you 60 to Aunt Pam
ella.
. (Now Aunt Pamela was the rich oil
q aunt in Wisconsin, who SO systemati
callv ignored her = ces in New York
and kept her money in United State
4 bonds, instead Of investing It IN NJ,
b Sykes wholesale grocery, or Nj
i Smiths insurance company -.
II did," said Mary Ann, deiectedly
:, But she declined to assist me- =
9 .'Stingy old harridan!' said Mr..
with