The Advocate and news., 1898-11-02

closed.
Miss Crosby looked at her resolute
niece and smiled grimly. She liked Hell
ems determination but she was woman
who never gave in. She took the child
by the arm and led her down stairs and
back to the house.
Now, Helen, when you condescend to
tell me where those kittens are you may
go on the south side to play, but mean
while you will have to stay on the north
side"
The north side was a dismal waste of
ground and there was nothing on it but
weeds and rocks. Miss Crosby had let
It 90 to ruin because she did not want
1t, and she knew that when she put Helen
there TO play that she was infiicting a
punishment on her that would be the
hardest to bear, for on the south side
Helen had everything she wanted, while
there there was nothing. She went out
and looked at the place angrily
II just won't tell Aunt Hannah where
those kittens are II have to die on
this old playground. hate her, do"
and she flung herself down by the fence
and sobbed passiOnately.
What are you crying for, little girl?"
a voice said on the other side.
Helen looked up in astoishment, for
she hadn't heard voice like that for a
long time. It was so kind and gentle.
There stood boy Of 1S or IA looking
down on her.
oh" she cried, sitting up. Aunt
Hannah is going to make me play here
and just because l won't tell the spite
full old thing where hid Tabby and her
kittens"
"You should not speak that way of
your aunt" the boy said, trying to speak
severely.
Il don't care, she is an awful cranky
woman" she replied, cody.
After little talk he persuaded her to
climb the fence and come over on his
side and play. He took her to see his
dogs and pony and then called his little
sister to come and see their new play
mate She was just Helen's age and her
name was Mamie.
They spent a pleasant morning to-
gether, and when noon came Helen
climbed back over the fence and ran
hghtheartedly into the house, but what
a sight met her eyes! There was Tabby
and beside her was an empty basket, and
her Aunt Hannah was not to be found!
The old cat came mewing towards her
pitifully and it was too much. She
stamped her feet and clenched her little
hands. Throwing her bonnet at her
aunt's pug she flew to her room and
threw herself upon her bed in fit OF
anger and tears. She heard her aunt
come back and her her call her, but she
only kicked the bed the harder and cried
louder.
Miss Crosby heard her at last and went
to the door.
Helen, come out of there and come to
your dinner. You ought to be ashamed
to act like baby"
go away" an angry voice replied.
Go away. You have killed those kittens
and am going to always hate you now.
They were mine and you killed them.
Don't you dare to come in" she added,
sharply, as Miss Crosby tried the door
The old maid sighed and went back to
the kitchen.
"Well, perhaps / was little hard
but couldn't let her have her way. She
will be all right in few days"
A few days passed and Helen treated
her aunt with cold politeness. She played
by herself now, for the boy and his sister
Mamie had gone to see their aunt.
Wonder If she's mean, like mine,
Helen said, bitterly.
Miss Crosby tried to make advances to-
ward peace, but Helen would have none
Of it. She did not relent the least bit.
Winter came and with it Miss CrOsby's
young friend, DR.. Webster He liked
Miss Crosby and she liked him and that
was all that was required. He became a
great friend with Helen and he took an
interest in the child from the first time
he saw her. He used to reason with Miss
Crosby and tell her she would kill Helen
with her harsh words and ways, for
child who had been delicate and petted
needed kind words, il not always at least