The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-07-01
rvous; that was the fault of the

AAlcE Tue ulOH sue btEtu W dNOlG
George. Let his walk home with that
silly Sadie Griggs II he enjoyed such
company, and he seemed to. She walked
decorously beside her sister and brother
in-law, who were discussing anew the
little shortcut through the alders.
1T is all right, JEAN" said he. for
you to be kind to Mary Ann, but don't
you with herbs, and as for that path
through the alders, shall have it closed
with a good strong fence before the
ground freezes. We have no use for 1t
ourselves. and If Mary Ann or the other
paupers wish to visit US, let them come
around by the road"
Now, Jack, what harm does 1t dor"
said his wife in her gentle way. "It is
full a mile farther by the road. and poor
McDougall is too rheumatic to take any
extra steps. and her visits to us and my
little gifts to her are the only solace she
has"
You make a nuisance Of her." said
Viola, who was feeling hard and bitter
against the whole world in spite of her
naturally sunny disposition. You can't
imagine how it mortifies me-" she went
on, ito hear her tell folks you are just
like sister to her, and see her rush up
to you. when you chance to meet in pub
lie, and greet you with all the familiarity
of an intimate friend. And that short
cut through the alders," here her voice
grew hard with misery as she thought
of George, who had once kept it well
worn with his frequent calls, but now
is a nuisance, as Jack says, and /
wouldn't keep It open for the benefit Of
tramps and paupers any longer"
why, violai" said Jean in surprise.
what ails you to-day? You know It
would break poor McDougall's heart to
close that path. and you have always
been so kind to her, too
But they had now reached the house.
and Viola rushed to her room without
pausing to reply.
The next day she threaded her way
through the winding alder-bordered
patch in search OF wild asters, she said I:
but II so. she forgot to gather any. and
was sitting disconsolately on a log by
the old spring. when Mary Ann. in pur-
suit OF gold thread. ran upon her. But
for once she had no smile or merry small
talk for the poor old creature who. after
a vain attempt at conversation. went on
her way disconsolately.
That girl amt WELL" mumbled the
old woman, as she sank down to rest near
the gate which opened on the highway
she won't take pennyroyal nor catniI
nor nothin'. but she don't look right. and
she don't act right. and she's as cross as
bear-poor creeter," And the old crons
shook her head forebodingly.
Now, who is that comin'?" she asked
herself, as she heard a heavy step ap-
preaching from the highway. She craned
her neck and strained her dim eyes in the
direction Of the sound.
George wayne." she chuckled, hel
face lighting up with q sudden inspira'
ton.
Then she did a strange thing. Sh,
quickly jerked on one Of her rubbers and
hid in beneath her shawl. then begar
to moan and complain.
why. Auntie, what's the trouble?'
asked George, leaning on the gate anC
gazing down upon her quizzically.
"Oh," she whined. holding out hei
rubberless foot for his inspection, ''thel
was bran new only last month, ant
now ones gone. dasn't go home with
out II, and dasn't go back for II and We
my foot.
"You are In a bad fix, surely, Auntie,
said he. loosely. but why can't fin'
the missing rubber for you? 1t can't b
| far on"
"Oh, no." said she eagerly. IF yor
take the path through the alders an'
turn to the left till you reach the spring
| 1t will be all right, I'm sure. for didn'
go a step beyond there. and thank yo'
kindly. sir"
After making sure he was out Of sigh
| she replaced her rubber and settled bacl
comfortably upon her knoll with self
satisfied smile. He'll find her. and
| never lied once" she chuckled, shakin
with silent mirth.
She waited patiently a half hour o
more, when she heard the low happ
voices of the young couple approaching
but before they reached her, they turne
back toward the house. She could Sc
through the tangled alders that his arr
was about Viola's waist and she hear
him murmur. Il shall always love thi
little shortcut for your dear sake. " The
they disappeared. totally forgetting tn
old woman whose little scheme had re
stored their Observation-Disclosures.