The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-10-29

AtAhi<Apt'%i3A f0OhAb UP 90 Aht
door opened. A ragged and very
dirty little boy stood there with his hand
on the knob. Does any little boys and
girls live here?" he inquired.
The dressmaker bit off her thread and
put down the spool before she found
breath TO answer: There are no little
boys here. and | am the youngest little
girl" she said, smiling.
II wish there was" said the boy, visit
fully. well" with cheerful submis-
sion, "1'll try somewhere else" He
quickly went out and closed the door
behind him.
WELT wonder what that meansY"
She stared at the door. Then recollect-
ing, she took up her needle and stitched
steadily. al wonder If the child has no
playmates2 j wonder IL he is so lone
some that he is hunting some?"
Lonesome2 1t was the word for a
thought which completely destroyed
her cheerful composure. The wistful-
ness in the child's voice had stirred her
own depressed pain. She took off her
steel-rimmed spectacles, pushed aside
the silk dress, and dropped her head on
the work table. A quivering sigh es-
capped her. Then she lifted her head.
after all. 1 can't cry. Mrs. Webb is 10
lie here at ten"
She knew that red eyes and swollen
nose would be a discomforting sight to
her customer.
"I'll 90 to see how much more sweet
ness has come out of the ground in
stead of crying"
Her loneliness had forced her TO form
the habit OF speaking aloud. She did
not wish her voice TO grow rusty from
disuse.
II was tiny back yard for which she
paid the added dollar a month. Her
grass was the finest and greenest on the
square. Her flowers, the only sweets
of her life, were always the best devel-
oped, though perhaps not the pretti-
est. Necessarily she chose those which
required the lenst attention. As she
lovingly examined each tender sprout
she heard voices on the other side Of the
fence.
Eyes, Mr.. Mower will spend large
auin OF money In setting out flowers
this year." drawled a languid voice.
sYou see, we are on the corner, and in
our yard we can make fine display
s'I am told that your next neighbor
has a beautiful little garden" re-
sponded brisk voice.
THE dressmaker?" coldly. "Ah, yes
i believe II Is quite pretty. But you un-
derstand that they are only common
flowers, such as roses, geraniums and
sweet peas. or course, we shall be quite
unrestricted in our choice by money
considerations"
II think | must call on Miss Rowe"
.Really?" in polite protest.
Really. II " but kind to do so.
can't think why I've neglected to do H.
She must be lonesome. hear that she
has no relatives. and is a stranger in our
city. also hear that her roomers dis.
dain 10 associate with her."
swell, of course. IL Is not 10 be ex.
pected. That sort of a person Is not tc
be brought out Of her place. II Is not
necessary for you to trouble yourself
But do tell mel Has that horrid child
been TO your house?"
Does any little girls and boys live
hereP" quoted the brisk voice.
Thea there was a duet Of merry
laughter.
II have had to lay strict command,
On my children. They would play with
him"
"He has invaded each house in this
row. Poor chilli; am really sorry FOL
him. Wasn't bis demand amusing
But, dear me. we must protect our own
children"
The drcssmaker had unthinkingly lis