Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-06-06
CHAPTER TX.

ride with Mr.. Knight from what it had
been some months before, and after
brushing away few natural tears, and
sending back few heart-sighs to the low
ed ones left behind, her spirits rallied,
and by the time they reached the borders
of Rice Corners there was such look
of quiet happiness on her face that even
Mr.. knight noticed it. AS they rode on
Mary fancied that the country looked
pleasanter and the houses better than
in the region of the poorhouse; and when
sudden turn Of the road brought into
view beautiful blue sheet Of water. en-
bosomed by bright green hills, her. delight
knew no bounds. Springing up and point
ing toward it, she exclaimed: "Oh. please
stop q moment and look. Isn't 1t lovely!
What Is it?"
"That: Oh, that's nothing but 'Por-
dunk Pond or as folks most generally
call 'em. seem there's two, North and
South Pond"
"How far is the pond from Mrs. Ma
son's?" asked Mary, casting longing
glances toward the distant sandy beach
and the graceful trees which dropped
over the waters edge.
Its farther back than it's there, cause
it's uphill all the way" said Mr.. knight.
but here we be ut Miss Mason's-this
house right here" and he pointed to a
neat handsome cottage, almost hidden
from view by the dense foliage which
surrounded 1t.
There was long lawn In front, and
into the carriage road on the right of it
Mr.. Knight turned, and driving up to a
side door. said to Mary, "Come, jump
down, for my foot Is so lame l don't be-
lieve I'll get out. But there's your chest.
You can't lift that. Halloo! Judith,
come ere"
In answer to this call fat, pleasant
doorway, and as IL fresh from the regions
ton from her round, jolly face.
Here, Judith" said Mr. Knight "help
this gal lift her traps out"
Judith complied. and then bidding old
Charlotte to ''get up" Mr.. knight drove
away, leaving Mary standing by the
kitchen door.
"Come in and sit down." said Judith,
pushing chair toward Mary with her
foot. "It's us hot here as an oven, but
had crambry sass and ginger snaps. and
MASSEY knows what, to make this morning
and l got belated; but set down and
make yourself to home"
Mary took the proffered seat, and then
Judith left the room for few moments,
saying when she returned that. as Mrs.
Mason was still suffering from a head
ache, she could not see Mary until after
dinner. "And." continued Judith. ''she
told me to entertain you. but don't know
what to say nor do first. Harry died
just week to day before he was to be
married, and so l never had any little
girls to talk to. Can't you think Of some-
thing to talk about? What have you
been used to dOing?"
washing Dishes" was Mary's reply,
"Wall," answered Judith, II guess you
won't have that to do here for one night;
when some of the neighbors were in |
heard Miss Mason tell 'em that she got
you to read to her and wait on her And
then she said something about your not
having an equal chance with your sister.
You liant but one, now tother's dead,
have yOu!"
Mary replied in the negative, and Ju-
dith continued: "Wall, now you've got
over the first ont. reckon you's glad
the baby's dead. for she must have been
kind Of a bother, wasn't she?"
Instantly Mary's thoughts few back to
an empty cradle. and again little golden
head was pillowed upon her breast, as
often in times past 1t had been. and as
1t would never be again. Covering her
face with her hands. she sobbed. "Oh,
Allie, Allie! wish she hadn't died!'
Judith looked ON in amazement, and for
want Of something better to do placed a
fresh stick Of wood in the stove. mutter-
ing to herself, snow, l never! l might
Of knew didn't know what to say. What
a pity Harry died. III give her that big
ginger snap the minute it's baked. See II
l don't"
Accordingly. when the snap was done,
Judith placed 1t in Mary's hands, bidding
her eat it quick, and then 90 up and see
the nice chamber Mrs. Mason had ar
ranged for her.
Come" said Judith; and leading the
way. she conducted Mary up the stair.
case. aud through light. airy hall to the
door Of n small room. which she opened,
saying. Look. amt it pretty?"
Mary's heart was too full to speak. and
for several minutes she stood silent. With
the exception Of her mothers pleasant
parlor in old England. she had never he
fore seen anything which seemed to her
80 cosy and cheerful as did that little
room. with Its single bed. snowy counter