The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-05-03

| tried to do what I could; but I begun
to have spells, when I would all but
smother like; couldn't seem to get
breath And one day Clliab said, stz
he: Aunt Leafy, I don't know but
you'd be better eff out to the county
farm. It's a good place for old folks
You'd have plenty to eat and nothin'
to do The county farm SEE /. just
like that. For the land sake, CllIab,
what be you thinkin' Off No n OF
my kin ever came to that; an I amt
a goin' to be the first It just took
my breath away. But I see that
CIIiab's wife was at the bottom of 1t,
and I didn't know what in the world
TO do An Old woman like meat the
county farm! I couldn't bear the
thought Of it; but I thought and
thought about it, and I laid awake
nights owe it, till fioally I made up
my mind I'd 60 if the Lord wanted me
to. Maybe l could do some little
work out there; wash discs maybe, or
sweep the floor. / can't set till; /
should die if I did. But l wanted to
stop and see John before I went: and
I won'Edeny that / wanted to see Johns
wife, too"
The old lady put her hand out to lay
it upon Molly's arm.
latter that, I'm ready to go on, if
the Lord Wills"
Something came Over Molly's face,
which gave it a very determined look.
You shall stay with us until you
are we'll rested, Aunt Leafy. You've
had a hard time of it in this world,
haven't you9"
Ca, mol The world has used me
better than I've used the world. But it
does seem good to set down here and
rest"
Molly put away her paper aud pen.
The letter she had begun to write was
not finished that day, nor the next.
Still, something resttul came into her
life to pay for her self sacrifice. It was
a comfort to have this bright old lady
with her; she was so cheerful and so
helpful for one Of her age. Many a
weary hour passed swiftly away chat
ting with Aunt Leafy.
For q long time she said nothing
about continuing her journey to the
county farm. There was q thorough
understanding between John and Molly
on that point, however; and neither,
by word or deed, did they refer to the
sut act. Someway, the roses came
0ack to Molly's cheeks. Was it that
Aunt Leety saved her. 80 many steps,
or because her simple presence had
called her thoughts into other chan
nels9
Bright and early n morning, Aunt
Leafy was up and dressed. When the
work was all done she went into the
room she had occupied, and soon came
out with the faded bonet and thin
shawl on.
I'm going on today, Molly" she
said, IN return to MolIy's look Of in
quiry. I've made you a good, long
vlsit-longer than l expected to; but
it's ben go good and restful here. /
couldn't bring myself to think of the
farm 1 know I've waited longer about
goin' than l ought to. So I'll set down
under the porch an wait for the stage.
It's so nice an cool out here. l feel
Kind o. smothery this morning. I'll
get over it after I've rested a little
WHILE"
Now, Aunt Laafy," began Molly,
firmly, I'VE can't let you go in this
way, and we are not going to do it
John and l talked it all over long ago,
and we are agreed that you shall never
gONto the farm. SO, just teke off your
things and stay. Sit down under the
porch if you wish; but never think any
more about going away"
The tears came into the old woman's
eyes
You're real kind" che said, in q
broken voice. But 1 ought to go. /
can't be much help"
Yes, you are, Aunt Leafy," Molly
protested. "More than you know, and
we can't let you CO."
But Molly appeal was in vain. Aunt
Leafy VENT out upon the shady porch
and sat down to wait. Molly followed
her with pale face, and helped her to
De seated in the comfortable chair she
had taken 80 much pleasuee in during
- &c., T1~~ Sbn Unnr haRK ann
slipped away to the flee to bring John
back with her. He would be able to
change Aunt Leaty's mind, if she could
not.
monnALnn hhnr nnnnn IN tho Walk