The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1903-12-25

I'VE had fine turkey for dinner to-
day" said Mr. Hunt, and rather think
my wife brought you piece" uncover
ing the basket. Yes, sure enough, here
1t isl"
| Now, Dick. said his wife, you've
made your speech; sit down, please"
He sat down with sigh, pretending to
feel hart He looked so epmical that
Mrs. Helfer's spirits arose so far That
she laughed.
Il am greatly obliged to you both for
remembering me, she said. Sim going
to confess that I've been longing for
some turkey for week and now here it
| isl
The trio chatted pleasantly for a little
while and then Mr.. Hunt arose sudden
ly.
1--WE thought of an errand or two, he
said. You two can have the floor to
yourselves until return. I'll not be
gone long" He met the small maid in
the hall
Polly, he said, Il don't want to pry
into Mrs. Helfer's affairs. but I'm really
anxious to know if she has everything
she needs. She's an old friend, you
know. and friend of my mothers
Does she need anything, Polly?"
/ Yes, sir. deed she do; but she didn't
say So She amt no complainer-that's
what she amt. She amt had no coffee
since-since--"
/ Go on, Polly, talk fast. Since when?"
/ Since her money took wings an
flew. dunno where it flew to, but that's
what someone said-it flew, an she
don't hev butter no more. l wanted to
tell the grocer's boy we was out, but
Mrs. Heller she say: No, not now,
Polly; some other time"
/ 1T doesn't seem hardly warm enough
in the house, Polly. Do you have plenty
/ of coal?"
That's what we don't. SIR" she said,
with decision. .'We'm jess about out. !,
guess by to-morrer it'll be all gone. Mis-.
Helfer's Almost shakin' with cold
sometimes. She had two shawls aroun'
her when you rung the bell, but she took
| 'em off,
Mr.. Hunt had heard enough-quite
enough.
Poor. dear old soul!" he said to him
! self. as he went out on his ministering
! journey.
He Kept his promise-he was not gone
long. He put bunch of bright carna-
| lions into the old lady's hand and then
he said to his wife smilingly that it was
| time to move on
Polly let them out of the front door.
Returning to the room, she found the
| old lady in rapture of joy There were
tears in her eyes, but she was smiling.
The fragrant, rosy carnations were still
in her hand On low chair beside her
| was the basket the Hunts had brought.
| Look, Polly" she cried, in glee that
was like child's.
And Polly looked and laughed. What
she saw was plate of sliced turkey,
| dainty biscuit, print of butter, mince
pie, a frosted plum cake. oranges, grapes,
nuts. raisins and candy
"Oh, MY" cried Polly, what fine
| New Year we do be havin' after ALI"
Presently the grocer's boy delivered
heavily filled basket and message.
Tell yer missus Buck Bowers sed he'd
| be here to-morrer mornin' at eight
| o'clock sure"
What for?" asked the amazed
Polly.
What for?" mockingly. why, to
bring the load o coal, Of course
"Oh. my gracious! l b'lieve there's
fairies aroun'-I do sol" and after clos
ling the door on the grocer's boy Polly
felt inclined to stand on her head by
way of celebrating the delightful new
state of things.
She left the basket standing in the hall.
as it was too heavy for her to attempt to
carry. but she could smell the coffee and
| took that package with her, also two or
three more.
"Oh. Miss Heller" she exclaimed,
another big baskets come, an it's les
| full O. everything Here's coffee fer Won
-an'-tea an sugar An to-morrer
theirs big load O coal a-comin'."
Polly"
| Eyes. mum"
| What does it mean-ail that great
basket of things you're telling about
and the coal coming Tomorrow"
II dunno"
'But who sent the groceries? Who ia
going TO send the coal?'
Polly looked mystifed. She stood
| boring the toe of her old shoe into the
rug Suddenly light broke over her
face.
q guess It's the Lord. ma'am. You
sed the Lord nd PROVIDE heard you
an He's done it.
The old lady folded her hands.
BLESS the Lord, oh. my soul!" she
said, fervently.
1--WE thought of something Miss Hell
fer Polly suddenly broke out, excited
| ly. Il guess Mr.. Richard Hunts a-bin
helpin the Lord"
| The old lady smiled.
J I'VE have the same thoughts about it.
| Polly, you and l." she said
Don't be waiting till the sorrow
| All has passed away;
| Don't be waiting till tomorrow
Smile a bit to-day.
When the clouds ali dull and dreary
| Hang about the earth,
| That Is when 4 greeting CHEEKY
Counts for What it's WORTH
| Christian Intelligencer.