The Mena weekly star., 1897-11-17

ing cheerlly over the pis DaStAS sorting out for the next carpet so WISE lv was a pleasure to look upon MISS Marsh even had hopes that the mys- terious process of "warping mignt be accomplished through her without much delay. Yes, Lyddy should stay II she would. No one need mention Jor- dan's folks again. With this determina- ton she found herself hummlng as Lyddy worked at the loom: | "And not-a wave-of trouble roll-'
 Her song was interrupted as once be- fore. Dr. Beebe stood in the doorway smiling upon her.
 I'm glad, Miss MaSsh, to see you've reached that state. knew you would l if you would only let yourself do the right thing"
 If by the right thing you mean get ting somebody who has sense enough to weave, l s'pose 1 did. Come in; you haven't been near since the day you sent Lyddy here. But don't need your doc torin thanks to her."
 "Well, I'm willing to resign practice on you-more than willing in this case and glad that you've overcome your senseless prejudice against Jordan's girl"
 "Jordan's grill It's Lyddy Watts," she gasped.
 Its Lyddy Jordan, your niece" said Dr. Beebe, firmly.
 For the moment Miss Marsh felt that everything had returned to chaos. Like q flash came back her own query as to the name Her own inferential blznder was clear. What was queer, she could not muster up single harsh feeling toward the child. Instead, she felt an increasing anger against herself. Why had the old Becky Marsh set up what she was going to do over what the new Becky Marsh had determined upon. Then she found her tongue. Dr. Beebe must not see her weakness.
 'I didn't know it was his girl" she said stiffiy. eff 1 had she'd never set foot in here, an what I've said 1 stick to. l don't expect to give an inch"
 Well, Miss Marsh"-Dr. Beebe had not seated himself and now he stepped outside. There he stood and finished bIuntly-"I've always said you needed doctoring for something else than rheumatism, and you do. You need something to draw on that stubborn will of yours, and if what I've got doesn't do it I give you up. It'll be like d Spanish fiy-blister, l suppose; but can't help it."
 Say what you're goin' to aa' done with it" said Miss Marsh. brafing her self up, fguratively speaking, as the doctor paused at the sound ot Lyddy's fresh young voice which cams to them from the loomroom beyond
 Becky Marsh. if you let your broth er's child go homeless just because you've set up that you'll have nothing to do with anything of his. you need never expect to read your title clear to mansions in the skies,' as the ords of the hymn foated in to them. Good day"
 Miss Marsh was alone. The auda- cious doctor was driving from the gate before she realized it. The steady swing of the loom outside was the only sound except the old tune as Lyddy's voice swayed in it with her work She must face it now. Had she done right? Was there any reason why she should hold to the old will in the matter? Dr. Beebe's warning came again and again as Lyddy's tones rose and fell. Lyddy was her own kin-she liked her. The girl did look like Jordan, come to think O. it. She had liked Jordan. There was n time when the freckled-faced. tow-headed half brother had thought the world of his sister Becky. Lyddy- and he had named her after their moth- CT, too. She suddenly gulped down sob.
 What a fool 1 am;" she strengthened herself up sternly:
 Should earth-against-my soul-engage. And fiery darts-be hurled
 Then Lean smile-at Sa-tan's rage.
 And face--a frown-ing world" Lyddy' voice rang out joyously above the loom chatter. Miss Marsh. listen ing, dropped her face in her hands. Then she rose unsteadily. She opened the woodshed door.
 'Lyddy Marsh!" she called, abruptly. "Ma'am!" The girl at the loom dropped the shuttle in consternation as her name was emphasized by her aunt's lips. She looked up beseechingly.
 "Lyddy Marsh, this is to be your home hereafter. You and Ire all that's left ap' it won't be my fault if things don't gc right 'twixt us."
 Nobody ever knew how much that speech cost Miss Marsh. But she was conscious that she felt more than re- naid for the surrendat. u.han LII