Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-03-26

man; and she gave little gasp, and
hoped he would not be the one chosen
to come for her tomorrow; she really
didn't think she could bear that.
This was the last night in her own
home, and she could not swallow the
morsel Of bread that formed her even
ing repast; something would rise in
her throat and choke her every time
she tried
Hark! a wagon was rumbling up to
the gate; could it be that the last
night at home was to be denied herr
loud knock brought her trembling to
the door A burly teamster stood
there, and by his side Miss Berry and
Bessie; what could it mean?
Betty. you are coming home with
Bessie and me. Tell us what furniture
to take and let this man get IT," said
Miss Berry; and she drew the dumb
founded woman aside and in a few
words explained matters.
Almost daged Miss Elizabeth sank
on the old lounge. while Miss Berry
went from room to room selecting the
articles needed. Then Bessie brought
the bonnet and shawl that lay ready
for to-morrow's journey, and together
she and Miss Berry led her to her new
home.
Could it be possible that the poor
house was thing Of the past? She
must be dreaming. BY tomorrow, sure
ly, she would wake up to the awful
reality.
But 1t was no dream, and the next
morning Miss Elizabeth awoke with
the feeling that an awful catastrophe
had been averted and the sword
which had been hanging over her head
for so long a time had been prevented
from falling by the kind Intervention
of her old-time friend.
AS Bessie had anticipated the con-
ing of another into the little home
circle meant more self denial for her.
self New frocks and hats were out
OF the question; but she ripped and
sponged and remade her winter dress,
and her nimble fingers ard good taste
soon brought out Of the ruins of last
seasons wardrobe brand new out.
fit in which she looked as pretty as
| a pink
AS for the two old friends they fair.
ly worshiped the girl who was the
Joy as well as the sunlight of their
home. So this happy family dwelt to.
gether in peace and harmony, inde-
happened which broke UP the home
| circle.
One day a stranger strobe into the
town fathers office and asked ia q
voice that commanded instant atten.
ton
Where is Miss Elizabeth Pysere
The clerk answered that she had
become somewhat reduced in circun-
stances, and had applied to tho town
for aid and so-and So
And you sent her to the poorhouse!
Was there no one in this God-forsaken
hole to pay her back little of the
kindness she had always shown 9th.
ers?"
Yes" the young man said. Miss
Berry took her in" And he told the
stranger where to find her.
1t was Miss Elizabeth's turn to be
electrified when prosperous looking
man soon presented himself at Miss
Berry's house and inquired IL his Aunt
Bess lived there.
81 am Elizabeth Pyser, sir" she in.
CURED in response to his inquiries.
why, auntie, don't you remember
Johnnie?" he exclaimed.
Miss Elizabeth had grown yery
white, and slipped into lifeless heap
on the floor; but Joy never kills, and
when she recovered 1t was realized
that her troubls were over, for John
ME was well-to-do and able to take
care OF her for the remainder of her
days.
The old house was bought back and
refurnished, and Johnnie and his aunt
soon settled into the old life She
| petted him to her hearts content. and
q q not fA1r frn 1>l
| just as he had done years before when
he wore pinafores, and she had sent
him to bed without any supper, and
then carried him UP sandwiches for
| fear he might be hungry.
And Bessie Berry also returned to
the old routine. and was as busy and
cheerful as ever though her aunt
thought she seemed rather quieter
than of yore, particularly when John
Pyser came to see them, as he did
more frequently as time rolled on.
Aunt Bess." said John one day, in
rather shamefaced manner, don't
you think you should have some young
person in the house to do the work."
20 Johnnie!" cried the little woman
in fear and trembling. Don't I please
you? l know | am getting old, but l
thought you was used to my ways
and We could get along. don't want
girl botherin' round"
"Of course I'll do anything to make
you happier, Johnnie, though l don't
see how a servant can make home any
pleasanter for you. AS for me, should
just rust out and die IL didn't have
something to do"
The dear old lady was almost in
tears.
"Auntie, it isn't exactly a servant
want; it's-in fact"
Johnnie really couldn't say the
words; he hardly dared think them as
yet; but he crossed the room to Aunt
Bess and whispered in her ear.
"Oh, John" she cried delightedly,
how stupid of me! It's just the thing!
And never thought OF it before."
Miss Elizabeth was in futter OF
pleasure. She urged her nephew to
go at once on his errand.
"I'll sit up till you come home.
Won't 1t be like a story If Bessie be.
comes your wife?"
"Perhaps she won't have me. Amt