Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-08-11

| "NttlSclNr. SuSy. | need You 20 huip
me, her mother said. "kecpinS school
is Il thankless business"
IT'S money" said Susie land | do
long to help myself, and YOU. too.
Money will do everything that needs
to he done"
Yes, that's fact" spoke up Tom,
land there's lots wants to he done.
I'd like 10 clear that iivc-acre lot for
potatoes and corn, but l can't do IT,"
"And the house wants shinging,"
her mother said plaintively, her care
worn countcnnncc taking on another
shadow.
The front doors got crack all
the way across" Tom spoke up again,
| "and there ought to be a fireplace in
| Eranny's room. Then there's the barn:
| it's all that we can do to keep the hay
dry"
II know all that" said Susy. II
| know the house is getting to be n
scarccrow, and the barn is worse, and
that's why | want to be earning. AS
for the shingles. ! should think YOU
could put them on yourself, Tom; yes,
and mend the door
"Whcre's the shingles:" Tom asked,
in his mattcr-offact way. where's
the nails? Where's the hammer? The
old one is brokcn past mcndins. And
where's the money to get them with,
| should like to know
Sure enough" said Susy, "unless
+ could earn it. That's why ! want
to sell Brown Bcss."
"And if you do sell her you won't
get much" Tom said. She's so full
of her tricks-the crazicst colt ever
saw
I'm more and more afraid to have
you ride Ter" her mother saitk But
if YOU should sell her, there's the
mortgage to he paid in October"
"If l sell her. said Susy, quietly
at will he to finish my cducaticn."
That's always your cry" her moth
er went on, in plaintivc tones; no
matter what's needed: but l sposc we
must give in. Bad as the roof is,
it shelters us. What would we do
without a house over our hcads:'
I'D sell the COW, too,' put in Tom.
and then grandma would just
about starvc,' the mother supplement-
ed.
Susy turned away from the table,
angry and grieved. but she said moth
ing, only ran upstairs to her own
room.
They don't see it, she sorrowfllly
murmurcd. "Thcy can't understand
that it's for their good and comfort
| want TO get that school. I'm willing
to wear old clothes and to walk three
miles and hack every day for the
sake of finishing my education. Let
the roof leak awhile-if Tom don't
patch it. Let granny sleep downstairs,
where there's fire. III help them all
in year or two-but they don't see it
they won't sec it. If can only sell
old Brown Bcss. I'd go and beg time
for the mortgage, or Id borrow money
or maybe | can get enough to repair
the house and 90 to school, too. If
only Brown Bcss wasn't such little
vixen! 1t will go hard to part with
her though; i: was my fathers last
gift"
Tears rushed to the dark eyes, but
she rcprcsscd them and went down
stairs.
After helping her mother about the
house she donncd her sunbonnet and
ran in to the barn. Tom was rubbing
down Brown Rcss, whose bright, glossy
coat shone like satin.
"Much as l can do to take care of
her." said Tom. ''Shc wants q regular
groom who would break her of her
nasty little tricks. See how she throws
her head M, and look at her eyes
flashing fire. Arc you going TO the
store? Mother wants sugar and mo-
lasses, and vinoEar-and I've got to go
in tho ticld.'
Eyes. Pm going" said Susy, though
I dread 1t, the bills so large If /
sell Brown Bess, that's the first thing
III pay"
THAT and the mortgage said Tom.
"Wcll, Ill saddle old Dick"
Susy mounted to the back of the
slow old cart horse with gloomy fore
bodinGs. 1t Was warm September
day. Even in the midst of her anXi-
ETY. the beauty of the rllo to Hillston
soothcd and delighted her. Every
detail Of the way was familiar to her,
yet when she came to Silver Ledge
Falls, and saw the white spray leap
ing over granite rocks and dancing
among the islands, she stopped old
Dicl: nj sat enjoying the scene as if
she lad never behcld il before.
Good morning. voice said behind
her.
"Oh, Charlie" she exclaimed, with
start. II didn't hear you coming"
NO? The falls are so loud. l saw
yor at the bend and followed. Going
to town.
Yes, Charlie" she made reply, and
il spite of herself her voce held
curious tromor.
You're worried over something
he said, the keen lovers eyes noting
the shadows.
Yes, Charlie, littln-the same old
trouble. l want to set things to
rights and-.t's hard work." she said,
III low voice.
II knew it. Why won't you leave al
these matters and come with me? The
house is waiting for you-and SO am
l. Srsy, darling, make up your mind"
He held out luis hand Il look OF uu-
uttcrablc love making his rugged face
beautiful.
III father had Only lived" she said.
But you kGow 1t Is impossible now.
Charlie. can't leave mother-not
yet-and l must finish the course at
ihe b Academy. and keep school
at least ysnr before l get things
Strengthened ont"
He gave long, lon whistle, then
urged his horse, hut stopped again
till Susy came UP with him.
You know Ill wtit for you. Susy.
rs long as you soy. but it's rather
hard on me. as I'm forcliandtd and
ready 10 marry. Sasy, come. make