The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-01-02

hundred years old (Which is Clare
and which is Rachel? Ny poor old eyes
ain so good as they were once. My, but
it does poor soul good to see you again, "
she added Take chairs and tell me
about your ma, Her face had lost its
frightened expression, but it still looked
haggard and worn, and she kept glancing
neryously toward the door.
'.What is the matter, nurse p Clarice
asked, laughingly, after awhile. ''You
look as though you were expecting a
ghost -
Nurse Bentlys voice trembled. "There
are things to be more afraid of than ghosts,
dearie, as you may find out when you are
older, she said ats the landlord him.
self that I'm expecting, and not cent in
the house to pay him.
That's too bad, =" Rachel said, sym
pathetically. But can't you tell him to
come again next week g?
''And where would the money come
from next week, with me crippled up with
the rheumatism p she asked, with quiv-
eriug lips. And it gOuldn't do any good
to ask him. He says he won't be put off
any longer. He said the next time he came
if | didn't have the money for him he d
turn me out into the street She drew
her little thin shawl more tightly about
her shoulders, as though she already felt
the cutting blast outside.
sOh. how mean" Clariee cried, indig
nantly, while Rachel opened her eyes wide
in amazement.
YES, he a hard, cruel man, Nurse
Bently said The tears were trickhug down
her wrinkled face, and she wiped them oft
with the corner Of her shawl. He says
the poorhouse is the place for them that
can't pay, and l expect it is; maybe it
won't be so bad, she added, trying to
speak cheerfully. but it does come hard
when folks have lived independent all their
lives, ike have.
It's burning shameT' Rachel ex-
claimed, passionately. Il only wish papa
were hume. and he tx it all right, and
be would teach that old landlord a lesson
| wish we're big enough to do something
myself. She paused suddenly, and her
face flushed. Isn't there something
can do? flashed through her mind.
There 5 that money in my bank at home.
It's enough to pay month rent for this
old shell Of a room, | should think, or at
least enough to keep the landlord from
doing anything until papa comes home.
But. oh, dearr with sudden dismay, 'l
don want To give that money away
Rachel was very quiet after she had
bidden Nurse Bently good-by and was on
the way home. But she was thinking
earnestly. "0h. | almost know | would
be the one to 90 to Aunt Harriet's, 5, and
nov. if | give my money To Nurse Benty'
In have to stay at home and let Clare 20,
But / cant lie, poor old nurse 60 to the
poorhousel If she hadn taken such good
care Of ne when | had the scarlet fever
should have died the doctor said 50. Oh,
dear
Rachel was very thoughtful all that
evening, but when bedtime came she had
made up her mind
II take the money over to nurse bright
aud early tomorrow morning, she thought,
pressing her lips together resolutely. 81
don care if can 20 to Aunt Harriet ;!
But she did care very much. Ever
Nurse Bently's great JOY over the money
did not entirely soothe the ache in hel
heart. She did not tell Clarice what sht
had done, she did not feel quite able tC
talk Of it yet.
The last day arrived.
You may bring your banks into th'
library, girls, said Aunt Mary Th'
twins obeyed, rather slowly, much to he
surprise. Rachel was feeling better now
She had had a talk with her father the day
before, and knew that he approved of he
action toward Nurse Bently Still Their
was a little lump in her throat as she pu
her bank down on the table and walked to
ward the window. She dreaded to hea
Clare cry of delight which would announe'
the fortunate one Clarice also put he
bank on the stand, then stood gazing in
tently at the fire in the CRATE.
Aunt Mary opened first one bank, thel
the other; then she gave an exclamation o
/ dismay. The twins slowly looked around
Both banks lay open on the table, and Their
was not cent in either of them. For ;
moment not word was said the childrel
/ stared at each other in astonishment
Rachel was the first to speak.
why, Clare Sedswickl What on eartl
did YOU do with all of your money ?
IL gave it to Nurse Bently, so she
wouldn't have to go to the pOorhouse,
Clarice replied, with little catch in he
voice which showed how great her struggle
had been. But where is yours ? she
demanded, looking blankly at the Other
| bank
Rachel gave a hysterical laugh. 81
gave mine to nurse, too, she said. ''Oh
Clarer' With one impulse the twin'
threw their arms around each other, hal
laughing, half crying.
'Why, what does all this mean?' Mrs.
Sedswick asked, in astonishment, while
Aunt Mary looked from one to the othel
with puzzled expression upon her face.
After several attempts the children sue
| ceeded in giving them fairly clear expla-