The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-11-05
Nv goodness! Miss Ruth gave a start.

''Y eS'm. Shes got Lnree cHlluIeH VI
her own. They wanted to- come, but
they was too Big. Aunt Lou washes for
/ folks"
-.sHumph! No wonder you look half
! starved! Is that all the dress you've
got?"
Nom. I've got pink dress, that
lady gave me, in this bundle. Aunt Lou
| said it wouldn't do, but it's real pretty,
/ think"
Undo your bundle and let me see"
lilly unrolled the paper, and showed
the remains of child's pir,: tarlatan
party dress.
"Huinph! You can take that to dress
dolls With" said Miss Ruth, with sniff
of disdain.
''This is the place." she said, stopping
the carriage. Jump down, child"
Size couldn't say lilly yet-but she
would after awhile!
Betty" said Miss Ruth. walking into
the big. clean kitchen with her visitor,
there's the child Get her a bowl Of
bread and milk"
claw, Miss Ruth Did you really take
one?" And Betty's hands went up in
surprise.
eyes, did. Do you like milk, child?"
81 don't know" said the baby, shyly.
Don't know! Didn't you ever drink
milk?"
"No ma'am. I've seen it, but never
tasted it. Aunt Lou couldn't afford to
buy it."
Betty, be quick! Leave the cream
on! Come here, lilly, and see if you
like pure, country bread and milk"
lilly proved that she did by eating
the last drop in the bowl. Miss Ruth
would have offered her more, but she
did not want to make the child sick the
first thing.
care you tired?" she asked, when the
bread and milk was finished.
ooh, no, ma'am."
''Then here is a sunbonnet; you may
60 out in the yard and play. Do you like
to play on the grass?"
81 guess l would like it," said lilly,
sweetly. 81 never tried it,
Good Lord! Is there no grass in New
York;" asked Miss Ruth.
"Yes'm. Lots of it in the parks But
the police don't low you to step on it."
"Well, you can step on it here. Go cut
now, and do-do just whatever you're
mind to!''
Miss Ruth gave lilly little bedroom
next to her own and undressed her with
her own hands.
where's your gown, child?" she
said.
Il hain't got no gown" replied Tilly
What do you sleep in?"
This"
This" was thin underwaist, which,
with small petticoat, completed the
child's underwear.
WELL" Miss Ruth didn't know what
to do. "Ill get you some tomorrow"
she said.
The next day Miss Ruth said:
Betty, that child has absolutely no
clothes. I'll get her some, and you
must help me make EN-
faint much use, for such a little
while, is it?' asked Betty.
shes got to be decent while she
stays said Miss Ruth, resolutely.
SO they bent to work. And, the next
Sunday, when Miss Ruth led her little
charge to Sunday school in a blue
Mother Hubbard" and big white hat
and new shoes, people said:
Miss Paul must have visitors, else
who is the pretty child in. her pew?'
And they never knew it for the little
waif who came out on the relief train
last Tuesday.
lilly had been there two weeks.
when one night there was a thunder
storm, and Miss Ruth was awakened by
call at her bedside.
Aunt Ruthie! Aunt Ruthie!" She
had taught lilly to call her that, and
the child's voice reused her.
well, what is it ?'' she asked.
I'm afraid of the thunder, Aunt
Ruthie. May I come in your bed?'
eyes"
The little figure crept in and cuddled
up close to Miss Ruth, the small arms
wound round her, and she felt the warm
breath on her cheek. And somehow
Miss Ruth remembered Betty's words:
Children is kind O. comfortin' after
ALL" and felt a strange sensation of
warmth at her lonely heart.
After awhile the month was I'D. and
the ladies notified those who had chill
dren to have them at the depot ready
to return to the city.
Mrs. Manly and Miss Haskins called
on Miss Ruth.
"Am I obliged to let her go?" asked
Miss Ruth.
unless you keep her at your own
expense. Our charge ends this month"
well, l want to keep her"
"How long, Miss Paul?"
always. She has grown into nv old
heart, and 1 can't let her 90. You
know where she came from. See her
folks in New York; there's nobody but
an overworked aunt, anyhow; and let
'em know I'll adopt her and leave her all
I'm worth
rs that really your wish, Miss
Ruth ?" asked Mrs. Manly.
Eyes, it is. want her for good"
1--WE can get her for you, no doubt.
You will be rewarded for your kind
ness, Miss Ruth
lilly is her own reward" said Ruth.
And so the child stayed to be the
light OF the home which was no longer
lonely, and to make happier and better
Miss Ruth's advancing days.
And, as to Betty. she never grew tired
OF singing Tiny's praises or of doing
something for the pleasure of her pet
or fayorite. Miss Ruth softened and