The Courier. (Genoa, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1901-11-22
CHAPTER TX.


Very different this time was Mary's
ride with Mr.. Knight from what it had
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 a 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-
bosomed 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 1t lovely I?
What Is itT'
"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.
Its farther back than It's there, cause
it'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.
There was a long lawn In front, and
into the carriage road on the right of it
Mr.. knight turned, and driving up to
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. Hallool Judith,
come ERE"
In answer to this call fat, pleasant
looking colored woman appeared in the
doorway, and as II 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 l 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 a head
ache, she could not see Mary until after
dinner. And" continued Judith. "she
told me to entertain you, but l 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, Il 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 han't but one, now t'others dead,
have your
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 sheY'
Instantly Mary's thoughts few back to
an amply cradle, and again little golden