The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-11-05
: MISS RUTHIE'S 6HhRGE.
Observation-Disclosures
500, YOU see, Miss Paul, L came

why, Mrs. Manly, l don't know any
more about children than cat does
about Sunday" was her dry answer.
Never minga that, Miss Ruthie; you
could learn. And this is just the place
for a poor, tired, hungry little child.
You have big, empty house, a great,
cool, shady yard, plenty of fresh milk
fruit, a big garden, chickens, ducks,
everything a child loves! You might
take three or four"
and they would chase the ducks,
worry the chickens, pull the Mowers,
waste the fruit. spill the milk and rack
et and upset all over the house! 1would
as soon go TO the asylum and be done
with it. Mrs Manly
"'Inasmuch as We have done it unto
one OF the least OF these, We have done
Il unto me-" murmured Mrs. Manly,
softly.
Mrs. Manly rose to go, with a dis
appointed air.
Then you will not take even one,
Mis- Ruth?"
Not even one, Mrs. Manly" returned
the grim spinster.
"Wen. am sorry, but you are the
best Judge, of course"
I'D like to oblige you, Mrs. Manly.
But what to do with a young one l
wouldn't know, I'm sure. I couldn't do
H."
Then | will not urge it, Miss Ruth.
Of course, if you change your mind be-
tween now and the time the children
come YOU can let the committee know.
There is always ROOM"
".AlI right. But 'tisn't at all likely
shall change my mind" said Miss Ruth,
grim as ever.
Miss Ruth had plenty of means, and
not sou, to fill that great old house ex-
ccpting herself, her stout maid, Betty,
aud the co,ored boy who acted as gen
eral factotum.
She went into the kitchen, and the
first thing Betty had to say was that the
neighbors on both sides were going to
take one or two children for a month
from the relief committee, and Betty
thought it was so nice to have the dar-
Inns running around to keep a body
from getting lonesome.
Then. worst of all, in the afternoon
Betty required a certain muslin bag for
straining Jelly, and it could not be
found, strange to say, in that method
zeal household. Miss Ruth had to go up
to the garnet for piece out of which
to make another bag. And so she
CHANGED to open certain trunk in the
garnet, by the side of which she sat
down and sighed.
lavender, through so many years, were
the garments belonging to the being
Miss Ruth had most loved on earth, the
little sister who died when she was only
ten years old, and was buried. down
there in the old graveyard, under the
willow trees.
1t seemed as if, while she sat on the
floor in the garnet, she could see Tilly's
blue eyes looking up into her face, and
hear 1illy's tender voice saying: isis
ter, remember the time when we played
together, and do it for my sake" Miss
Ruthie got her muslin, shut the trunk
and marched downstairs to the kitchen.
Betty" said she, ''do you think
we ought to take one of those chill
dren?'
Law, yes, Miss Ruth! Why don't
ye?' said Betty, her plain face light
ing.
But children are nuisances, Betty"
Yes, Miss Ruth, but they're kind O.
comfortin' after ALL"
well, make your jelly, Betty. Mind
and don't let it burn
Next morning Miss Ruth walked de-
liberately into the office of the ladies'
relief committee.
I'll take one!" she said, sternly.
All right. Miss Haskins, put down
one for Miss Paul." said the lady in
charge.
ask her if she wishes bow or girl -
said Miss Haskins, as she wrote tho
name.
"A girl" replied Miss Ruth, promptly.
Lord knows what I'll do with her.
though; 1 DON'T"
The ladies exchanged chances, which
were not lost on Miss Ruth.
BE at the depot Tuesday morning.
next week, to receive your CHARGE. .
said Miss Haskins.
very WE'LL Miss Ruth turned round
and walked out. "They think I'll eat
the child" she muttered to herself
but WON'T"
a.
on tuesday morning the people who
mad promised to take children were at
the depot. SO were great many others,
prompted by curiosity, and, when the
train came in, Wellsville had never seen
such a crowd.
Names were called and places as.
signed as fast as the efficient committee
OF ladies could do it.
Miss Ruth Paul-one girl-bere,,,
came at last. And Miss Ruth marched
up TO the platform to receive her charge
A little thing ofeight, with yellow curls
ana blue eyes and white face, dressed
IN blue calico dress, wearing a hat
which had evidently been the property
OF some young lady, was assigned to
Miss Ruth, with ticket No. "A.
Come on" said Miss Ruth, leading
the wayto her carriage. She had driven
herself to the depot, simply because she
would not be seen in the village with
the child following her. Not vet, al
least!
Climb I'M" she said, loosening the
ponX's straps. The little one was inside
directly.
On what pretty carriage!" she
said' patting the soft cushions. as il
yours and she smiled up into Miss
Ruth's face.
Yes. Yes. What's your name, child?"