The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-09-05

/ Hesitatingly, with many misgivings.
Mrs. Kelly withdrew, and Ann hurried
. " disrobed and leaped into the bed,
4 which was white as snow and almost
as cold. It 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 diferent-years older; and with MS
strength, his resolution, something new
was mingled-something 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
lity Of her position, lying there in a
frosty bed in a miners cabin. She
laughed. cam to meet my death by
freezing?" But at last a glow OF COM
/ fort began to steal over her, a delicious
languor. and then-she was awakened
by a grinding sound and by the shout
| ing of cheerful children, and few
! minutes later the gentle voice Of Mrs.
Kelly sounded at the door.
care you awake" Ann threw back
| the coverlet to find the room full OF
sunshine. s.Nfay I come in?" 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?"
st don't know. I 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. 'sIt
must be real" she thought, "for I
couldn't possibly dream it." With a
realization Of her own sloth, she sprang
out upon the cold floor and began to
dress with a vigor and celerity 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-
tained. 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 do, but
I 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.
.sYou must let me do something while
I ar here" said Ann. LET me pro-
vide maid for you
..Oh, no; 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
small hut like this you're cheek by
jowl with your help
Ann had not thought of them as COM
pany, but she gravely replied: 81 might
bring a maid from my cousins house.
At any rate, you must let me. help this
morning. I can sweep and dustin
deed can
s.Mighty little busting the shack needs
in this air. said Mrs. Kelly. Good
luck to me, it's tiny"
81 must help or l will not stay" in
sisted Ann. AT least I can amuse the
Children
Louis shot through the door like
stone from a 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
ECiC. IAON Oo wa ACS1 lAlA'> ihOlA1AAo
Ann laughed TO see him so elate, so
vigorous. What child you arer' she
exclaimed in wonder.
Raymond followed at little dis
tance Good morning, Miss Rupert.
Good morning, Nora. Hello, younkers, :"
and be gathered a boy under each arm.
He looked very capable and entirely
self contained as he put the lads down
and addressed himself to Ann. Il sup
pose your baggage went to Bozle, but
we will get that today. And. Mrs. kel-
". if YOU need anything to make Miss
Rupert comfortable let us know. To
TIE liiai; of our resources command
us"
Ann, VIA unaccountable lightness Of
spirit, q:.~,;'y protested. "Now, please
don't n. company Of me- am 60
ing to c.: my living by helping Mrs.
Kelly Z 1T the house Ny bed was
very col liable and MY breakfast de-
licious. .,.l&t else 90 l require? One
neeln't =: !.1W -, are You look to
tas nerfpctt- y,-o'r .,5.~,;,l