Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-05-11
CHAPTER XIII.

CdA1 l. ALL.
THE little room to which Mrs
Kelly conducted Ann was hard
ly larger than steamer state
Il room and was very primitive
as regards it's furnishings.
'It's a small place and rough place
for such as you, but it's the best we
have" said Mrs. Kelly.
Ann responded to the humility which
shaded the hearty voice of her, hostess,
and, though she shivered in the chill
air, answered cheerily: I'm sure this
is very nice The bed is tempting"
Hesitatingly, with many misgivings,
Mrs. Kelly withdrew, and Ann hurried
~ disrobed and leaped into the bed,
which was white as snow and almost
as cold. 1t was like plunge into the
breakers at Magnolia; it fairly took her
breath away, and there was no escape
from this icy contact for the air was
as bitter as the sheets.
But the joy of the meeting with Louis
and the unexpected glow of confidence
and pleasure with which she met Ray
mOnd's anxious, piercing eyes came
back to warm her heart.
How changed Raymond was! How
deeply brown! He looked as vigorous
as she saw him first at the ranch, and
yet different-years older; and with his
strength, his resolution, something new
was Notwithstanding graver and
sweeter. He was handSomer in the
miners heavy boots than in the cow
boys spurs and kerchief
Her mind took up again the singular
ity of her position, lying there In a
frosty bed in miners cabin. She
laughed "Am to meet my death by
freezing? But at last glow Of COM
fort began to steal over her, a delicious
ianguor. and then-she was awakened
By grinding sound and by the shout
ing of cheerful children, and a few
minutes later the gentle voice Of Mrs.
Kelly sounded at the door.
"Are you awaken" Ann threw back
the coverlet to find the room full OF
sunshine "May 1 come INF" asked
Mrs. Kelly.
Certainly" said Ann, and the pale
and pretty little housewife entered
with pitcher of warm water.
"Good morning. How did you sleep
the night?"
81 don't know. 1 haven't the slight
est idea where the night went to-"
After her hostess left her Ann lay
staring at the rough walls and the still
more primitive ceiling in wonder. 1T
must be real" she thought, "for l
couldn't possibly dream it." With
realization of her own sloth, she sprang
out upon the cold floor and began to
dress with vigor and celebrity she
did not know she possessed.
During breakfast she studied Mrs.
Kelly and began to understand at last
that the little mother had not merely
washed and dressed the boys and
cooked the breakfast but had served
as waitress and maid Of all work, and
now, calm and sweet and self con-
tanned, was presiding over the table.
If any dish needed replenishing, she
sprang up to get it, and this put the
robust daughter of wealth to shame.
Don't you feel tired some mornings
and lie abed?" she asked
Mrs. Kelly smiled. Indeed I do, but
can't afford to lie abed. When Matt
makes his next strike, sure I'm going
to hire girl and sleep till I'm weary
of it, if it takes week."
"YOu must let me do something while
am here" said Ann. "Let me pro-
vide maid for YOU"
"Oh, no; l was only jOkin'. Sure.
you couldn't hire girl on the hill to do
housewOrk Besides, the best Of them
are not fit company for you, and In a
small hut like this you're cheek by
jowl with your help"
Ann had not thought Of them as CON-
pany, but she gravely replied: II might
bring a maid from my cousins house.
At any rate, you must let me help this
/ can sweep and dustin
deed can"
mighty little busting the shack needs
in this air." said Mrs. Kelly. "Good
luck to me, it's tiny"
II must help or / will not stay" In
sisted Ann. "At least can amuse tho
children"
Louis shot through the door like
stone from sling. His eyes were
dancing. "Good morning, everybody
he shouted. Haven't you breakfasted
yet? Why, we've been done ten min
utes. Isn't this bully = this life up
here? How do you feel this morning?"
Ann laughed to see him so elate, so
vigorous. what child you arew she
exclaimed in wonder.
Raymond followed at little dis
lance. ''Good morning, Miss Rupert.
Good morning, Nora. Hello, younkers,"
and he gathered boy under each arm.
He looked very capable and entirely
self contained as he put the lads down
and addressed himself to Ann. ~ sup
pose your baggage went to Bozle, but
we will get that today. And, Mrs. Kel-
" If Won need ANYTHING to make Miss