The record-union., 1897-11-21

what they We're. What would you
like me to read this time?"
"S'pose we as a bit o. the Old Testy-
mint? There's Samule in the den o.
lions 1 wouldn't mind caring bout
i'm. I've always 'ad a real Ugh opiu-
ion o. Samule ever since the circus come
to Whittlebridge. a matter o. five-an'
thirty year ago, an 1 see the way them
beasts ramped round an took on when
they was stirred up with pole"
Daniel, you mean,'' was the coaTec-
ton
Daniel, to be sure. What could l
bin thinking bout? Course, Samule
was the little boy as always got up no
matter 'ow early he was called"
Then we wilLltake chapter six of
the Book of Daniel
So she read on until, going to turn the
page, she found it stuck fast; took off
her glove. blew it, and finally was
obliged to follow Mrs. Wicks' advice
and moisten her finger and thumb.
Strange that these two leaves should
be stuck together so tightly, almost as
though they were gummed. Why,
what's this?"
Only a square of flimsy discolored pa
per that cracked at the touch.
why, Mrs. Wicks, you've been MAX
ing a savings bank OF the Bible.
had no idea you were so rich. You had
better take care of this While l finish
my reading"
And she handed her the note.
Mrs. Wicks stretched out her hand
mechanically, and her fingers closed
over it tightly. The reading went on.
At least there was a buzZing sound.
but whether it was inside her head or
out she couldn't have told. Finally,
having delivered Daniel from the lions
and made few appropriate and i'm.
proving remarks, the district visitor
took her leave-a little huffed, TO tell
the truth, at the idea that one who had
always professed to find life hard
struggle should all the while have been
the possessor of boarded wealth.
A short time afterwards Emily, re-
turning from taking home some mang-
ling. found her mother sitting down do
ing absolutely nothing, while the kettle
protested and boiled over unheeded.
''Lor, mother whatever's the mat
ter?" Not knowing what to make of
such unusual symptoms.
Mrs Wicks regarded her for a mo-
ment without speaking. Then-"Well,
I amt jest feeling myself, an that's
the truth she admitted.
There was a sort Of dazed look about
her that gave confirmation to the
words
'I'n take you a cup o. tea said her
daughter, ''that'll brisk You up. Got
anything the matter with yer 'and?"
This casual inquiry appeared to ex-
cite almost panic.
why, no; there amt nothink the
matter with it. Whatever made you
arsk sich a thing?"
Il thought, by the way you've got it
doubled up. as you might ave 'urt it,"
mo, no; it amt that. It's some
think innarder like"
May be the pickles you 'ad at din
ner''
After this, seeing that instead of
brsking up, her mother continued to
feel like somebody else. Emily prompt
ly ordered her off to bed.
It's the weather, that's what it is
that and the pickles"
So Mrs. Wicks meek1y obeyed the
mandate and retired to a state of un-
rest with her right hand still clenched.
If only Emily knowed," she mu1mured
to herself. shed feel like disowning of
me. But then she don't know what a
orful temptation the thought o. that
cottage with the good will an fixters is.
'Tisn't as though Mrs Midgetts d miss
the money, seeing as she ain't aware
on it, an most like never would ave
found it at all but for me. Seems like
[ was meant to ave it. an L might
make it up to FER some day
So she turned and tossed snd suf-
fered the tortoures of a guilty con-
science through the long oppressive
hours of an endless night, until dis
quieting dreams took the place of dis
quieting thoughts, and the greatest
temptation she had ever known pur-
sued her even in sleep.
How you was carrying on last night,
mother" remarked Miss Wicks as they
sat at breakfast, ''grunting an groan-
ing an calling out bout somebody o.
the name o. Daniel, though who you
could a-meant 4 can't think. And this
morning you look 1 dunno 'ow, and no
mSre appetite than nothing"
Then, with the laudable intention of
cheering her parent up by the admin
istration of a flip in the shape of
piece Of news: What dye think I
card jest now when I run out for the
milk? Why, Mrs. Priggins' Lizabeth
Hams been and stole tuppence from
Mrs Flinders Bella. She was going
to fetch the supper beer alonger that