Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1898-06-17

horses instead Of four, and the harness
was not mada of gold, but it was a
very stylish turnout withal, and Peggy
thought she could be satisfied with it.
a middle-aged woman and gentleman
alighted and came rapidly toward the
house. Peggy went forth to meet them,
looking shame-facedly the while at her
bare feet and little red hands.
"Ah," said the gentleman, kindly, 81
believe we have her here, Susan. My
child, are you Peggy HibhardY'
40, sir" returned Peggy, promptly.
A shadow of disappointment passed
over the faces of the lady and gentle
man.
That's too bad" said tie lady, "but
perhaps you 4 tell Us where to find
her"
Peggy plated the corner Of her apron
n%ervously for a moment, then, looking
up courageously, she said: 81 am called
Peggy Hibbard."
"Aly goodness, and are you not shef'
exclaimed the lady.
mo" said Peggy, glibly. II must
have been changed when l was a baby,
or something. and the mistake has
eve been rectified. I have never
been able to find out what the name of
my father really is. hoped, sir, that
you were he. Are you not, and have
you not come to give me a rise in the
world and take me home to your pal
ace?'
Peggy spoke with great earnestness,
for she had dreamed over this phase of
her life so much that she had come to
believe in its reality. The lady and
gentleman stared at her in bewilder-
ment.
Il don't understand what you mean"
said the lady, sadly. I'VE have no lit
tie girl. Our granddaughter died, too,
u few weeks ago. But we will think
over what you have said, and make
further inquiries about you. After we
have seen Mr.. Hibhard perhaps you
will hear from us again."
They drove away down the dusty
turnpike and Peggy threw herself
down on the garden mold and wept bit
terly. even they have gone back on
me-" she sobbed. "They have left me
here and I'll have to so back into that
hateful kitchen and cool something
for father and the boys. I can't do it,
so there"
But she did. and her father praised
her effort by saying that he had never
sat down to n better meal.
In the meantime the lady and gentle
man, all unconscious of the grief their
visit had occasioned, were vending
their way thoughtfully back to Squire
Hooper's house, whence they had start
ed out an hour before.
Il don't see what you sent us over
there for" said the gentleman, as soon
as they entered the sitting-room. When
we told you that our errand in this
neighborhood Is to pick out u bright lit
tie girl whose parents are poor and
unable to educate her rs she deserves
n wishes we We're in earnest, and ex-
pected you to recommend somebody
who Is worthy. But that Hibbard girl
Is a regular little lunatic. She said her
name Is not Hibbard; that she is the
child of wealthy parents who will give
her a rise In the world, and all that sort
of tommy-rot. We were so surprised
we came away without seeing Mr.. Hib-
bard"
Il don't know what to make of IT.
sighed Mrs. Hooper. Here comes her
aunt, Hannah Morrison, down the road.
now. I'll call her in and consult her."
Its the very thing that's been wor-
rying her father to death Yesterday
and to-day" said Mrs. Morrison, when
the quest of the mlddle-aged couple had
been explained TO her. I'm afraid her
minds upset by reading so many i'm
possible, sensational stories. | can't
watch her all the time, having so much
to do, and she will borrow those naper
n read them when I'm not looking.
I'm sure I'm obliged to you all for YOUR
kind intentions toward Peggy. She's
sharp as n whip. It's n shame we can't
afford to give her more advantages. I
hope you'll overlook her crazy notions
and give her q trial.
But the middle-aged couple were ex-
tremely matter-of-fact people, They
felt rather dubious about taking under
their protection n child who talked in
riddles, and after due elaboration they
returned TO their home without having
made any arrangements for the edu-
cation of n bright little girl who was
unable to help herself.
".
But they came again n year later.
We are looking for Peggy Hibbard,"
said the old gentleman. with a merry
twinkle in his Crov avoS