The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-06-27

",
When she had addressed and sealed it, she
opened the door upon the landing and knocked at
her next door neighbours. 1t was opened to her
by SMALL brght-faced girl of twelve
All, there you are, Poy Is there anyone to
mind the baby? If not, I'll mind him, if you will
take this note for me to Cornh | will give YOU
the money. 1t will not take you than an
hour"
He's asleep, Miss. I'd like to CO. if you'll come
in and mind him. Any answer"
No, Polly, and l want you to go quickly this
very moment, in l change my mind"
The child nodded, not conscious of ANYTHING
strange in the words.
In tive minutes she out of the house, and
Joan was within it, sitting with mending on
her lap by the babys cot where she made an I'M
conscious, but quite striking picture Polly was
the niece OF an artisan, man for whom Joan had
great respect and honest liking He had
been lett widower just nine months ago, when
his wife died in childbirth Polly was his broth
er's daughter, who had come to look after him
and the baby. She very tiny mother but
Joan had stood amazed at her capability The
kindness of the poor to another also was an
other thing to wonder at She liked the people,
and they liked her; they were friends.
Polly did her errand expeditiously, and when
she returned the baby had just risen and appeared
contented with his new nurse
"Y on did not the gentleman, | suppose Pol
ly?" said Joan
YES Miss Joan, 1 did, and he gave me half-a-
crown"
Polly, you didn't take tl'
"Well, l did; he remembered me; he told me
to buy something for the baby. He's that sort
Miss masterful-I do like i'm"
Joan smiled, but little SILVER passed through
her, nevertheless
Masterful? Yes, that was the word. Could she
suffer herself and her life to be dominated? Would
the long struggle not be better after all? She held
the baby while Polly got her uncles tea ready,
then went back to her little room to wait 1t was
now o'clock By six, or soon after, she cacu-
lated, her visitor must arrive a letter explain
ing that he would not come.
He was very methodical in his ways and care
full in his courtesy. There nothing of the Bo-
heman about the to whom she had written,
he left nothing to chance. Therefore he came to
answer the letter in person.
He large, tall man, whose presence SEEM
ed to fill the little room, making it appear smaller
by comparison Not quite young he had line.
open clever face, though it not the kind OF
cleverness Joan admired.
1t was the capacity to get on, to grasp the main
chance, to make the best of every opportunity;
SO she had judged from acquaintance now COW
ering a period of three years. But in this her
judgment had shown its limitations. There was
another side to John Westcote, which as yet she
had not touched He put down his hat, and look
ed at her with great depth of compassion on his
face. He his fingers through his grey hair
as if something perplexed and worried him
"You look wretchedy ill.," he said quickly.
81 feel it,, she answered dismally. IL may as
we'll own up. I'm at the end of all things I've
I've been paid off"
"I'm not surprised" he answered he knit his
brows GIVE been expecting it,"
WHY"
"Why, because you have been the round peg in
the square hole. 1t was impossible that you could
satisfy those vampires. l know their tribe"
"Why didn't you warn me?"
Dear woman, l did; and you told me to mind
my own business"
She family colored
81 sure | never was rude"
mot in these blunt words, | admit; but you