The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1903-12-25

day." said Mr.. Hunt, land l rather think
my wife brought you a piece"
ing the basket. Yes, sure enough, here
it isl"
Now, Dick" said his wife, you've
made your speech; sit down, please"
He sat down with a sigh, pretendingto
feel hurt. He looked so comical that
Mrs. Helfer's spirits arose SO far that
she laughed.
I am greatly obliged to you both for
remembering me-" she said. I'm going
to confess that I've been longing for
some turkey for a week and now here 1t
is"
The trio chatted pleasantly for a little
while and her Mr.. Hunt arose sudden
ly.
I've thought of an errand or two" he
said. "You two can have the floor to
yourselves until return. III not be
gone long" He met the small maid in
the hall.
Polly" he said, 81 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 a 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. / 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. l
guess by to-morrer it'll be all gone. Miss
Helfer's Almost a 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 a bunch of bright carna-
tons 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 a rapture of joy. There were
tears in her eyes, but she was smiling.
The fragrant, rosy carnations were still
in her hand. On a low chair beside her
was the basket the Hunts had brought.
look, Polly" she cried, in a glee thai
was like a child's.
And Polly looked and laughed. What
she saw was a plate Of sliced turkey
dainty biscuit, a print of butter, a mince
pie, a frosted plum cake, oranges, grapes
nuts. raisins and candy.
ooh, my!" cried Polly, what a fin,
New Year we do be havin' after ALL"
Presently the grocer boy delivered
heavily filled basket and a message.
"Tell yer missus Buck Bowers sed he't
be here to-morreT moTnin' at eigh
o'clock sure"
What for?" asked the amaze,
Polly.
What for?" mockingly. "Why, tt
bring the load O. coal, of course"
ooh, my gracious! / b'lieve there
fairies aroun'-I do sol" and after clos
ing the door OF the grocer's boy Poll
felt inclined to stand on her head b.
way of celebrating the delightful ney
state of things.
She left the basket standing in the hall
as it was too heavy for her to attempt t,
carry, but she could smell the coffee an,
took that package with her, also two Q
three more.
ooh, Miss Helfer," she exclaimed
another big baskets come, an it's jes
full o. everything. Here's coffee fer yol
-an'-tea an sugar. An to-morre
Tiers a big load o. coal a-comin'."
"Polly!"
"Yes, num-"
what does it mean-all that grea
basket of things you're telling abou
and the coal coming tomorrow"
II dunno"
"But who sent the groceries? Who i.
going to send the coal?"
Polly looked mystiied. She stood
boring the toe Of her old shoe into thu
rug. Suddenly a light broke over hel
face.
Il guess It's the Lord, ma'am. 70,
sed the Lord I'D provide heard you
an He's done it"
The old lady folded her hands.
BLESS the Lord, oh, my soul," sht
said, Ierventiy.
i've thought of something. Miss Hell.
fer" Polly suddenly broke out, excited.
". Il guess Mr.. Richard Hunts ABR
helpin' the Lord"
The old lady smiled.
WI have the same thoughts about 1t
Polly, you and l." she said.