The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1903-12-24

day." said Mr. Hunt, land rather think
my wife brought you piece" uncover
ing the basket. Eyes, sure enough, here
it isl"
Now, Dick" said his wife, you've
made your speech; sit down, please"
He sat down with a sigh, pretending to
feel hurt. He looked so comical that
Mrs. Helfer's spirits arose so far that
she laughed.
Il 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 little
while and then Mr.. Hunt arose sudden
ly.
I've thought of an errand or two, he
said. "You two can have the floor to
yourselves until l return. I'll not be
gone long" He met the small maid in
the hall.
Polly" he said, 'T 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
xrho -
what someone said-it flew, an she
don't hev butter no more. 1 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. 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-
tions 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 a low chair beside her
was the basket the Hunts had brought.
Look, Polly" she cried, in glee that
was like a child's.
she saw was plate of sliced turkey,
dainty biscuit, print of butter, mince
pie, frosted plum cake, oranges, grapes,
nuts. raisins and candy.
ooh, MY" cried Polly, what a fine
New Year we do be havin' after ALL"
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! I b'lieve there's
fairies aroun'-I do SOL" and after clos
ing the door on the grocer's boy Polly
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 Helfer," she exclaimed.
another big baskets come, an it's jes'
full O. everything. Here's coffee fer you
-an'-tea an sugar. An to-morrer
theirs big load O. coal a-comin'."
"Polly!"
eyes, num-"
what does it mean-all that great
basket of things you're telling about
and the coal coming tomorrow"
81 dunno"
"But who sent the groceries? Who is
going to send the coal?"
Polly looked mystified. She stood
boring the toe of her old shoe into the
rug. Suddenly light broke over her
face.
81 guess it's the Lord, ma'am. You
sed the Lord I'D provide-I heard you
an He's done it,
The old lady folded her hands.
"Bless the Lord, oh, my SOUL" she
said, fervently.
I've thought of something, Miss Hell
fer" Polly suddenly broke out, excited
". 81 guess Mr.. Richard Hunts a-bin
helpin' the Lord"
The old lady smiled.
1--WE 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,
Srcile bit to-day.
When the clouds all dull and oreary
Hang about the earth,
That Is when greeting CHEEKY
Counts for what it's WORTH
Christian Intelligencer.