The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1901-06-06
CHAPTER TX.

iiuc Will MI. AHlSuI lTOm WHAT IL udu
been some months before, and after
brushing away a 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
a sudden turn of the road brought into
view beautiful blue sheet Of water, en-
bos0med by bright green hills, her delight
knew no bounds. Springing up and point
ing toward it, she exclaimed: "Oh, please
stop moment and look. Isn't it lovely
What is it?''
THAT? Oh, that's nothing but 'Por-
dunk Pond or as folks most generally
call 'em, seein' there's two, North and
South Pond"
''How far is the pond from Mrs. Ma
sons? asked Mary, casting longing
glances toward the distant sandy beach
and the graceful trees which dropped
over the waters edge.
SITS farther back than 'tis there, cause
4t's uphill all the way" said Mr.. knight,
''but here we be at 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 it. .}fe
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 don't be-
lieve I'll get out. But there's your chest.
You can't lift that. Halloo! Judith,
come 'ere." S Ssss
In answer to this call fat, pleasant
looking colored woman appeared in the
doorway, and as if fresh from the regions
of cookdom wiped the drops of perspira-
tion 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 a chair toward Mary with her
foot. Its as hot here as an oven, but
had crambry sass and ginger snaps, and
massy knows what, to make this morning
and got belated; but set down and
make yourself to home"
Mary took the proffered seat, and then
Judith left the room for a few moments,
saying when she returned that, as Mrs.
Mason was still suffering from head
ache, she could not see Mary until after
dinner. "And," continued Judith, "she
6sr< r Aos,,k lxvnr,v
| what to say nor do first Harry died
| just a week to day before he was to be
married, and so 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
Won to read to her and wait on her. And
| then she said something about your not
having an equal chance with your sister.
You han't but one, now t'other'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 bother, wasn't she?"
Instantly Mary's thoughts few back to
| an empty cradle, and again little golden
head was pillowed upon her breast -
often in times past It had been, and as
| it would never be again. Covering heE
| face with her hands, she sobbed, "Oh,
Allie, Allie! wish she hadn't died.!
Judith looked on in amaxement, and foz
want Of something better to do placed
| fresh stick Of wood in the stove. muttef.
| ing to herself, "Now, never! ! 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 4
| / don't"
Accordingly, when the snap was done
| Judith placed It in Mary's banda, bidding
| her eat it quick, and then 80 up and see
the nice chamber Mrs. Mason had ar
ranged for her.
Come" said Judith; and leading the
| way, she conducted Mary mp the stair
ease, and through light airy hall 70 the
| door OF small room, Which she opened
saving. ssIook, amt II pretty =
Mary's heart was too full to speak, atd
| for several minutes she stood silent WI.
the exception of her motAers pleAsen'
| parlor IN old Ensiand. - had never be
| fore seen anything which oee1e4 q ~
! s. cosy and cheerful as' 40 that uetIl
i rooun. with IT. sin9lo bcd. SNOWY couneoe