Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-08-25
AT the Poor
house Door
BY N a CY II Zip
Copyright, led. by Ruby Douglas

girl child Jessca you might n known
Ihe'd grow up 80 prim and high headed
aud hateful no man In his senses d
ever want TO marry her, aud. land
knows. women that don't marry have II
hard time. Grandma Cole said to her
sons meek widow.
Mrs. Cole answered little tremu.
lousy. But. mother. they do want to
marry her. Jessy might a. had four
proposals last year. IL only she'd "a
gone and let the men speak out"
And who were the men, Id like to
know Grandma pulled her throat
swelling vIslbly. "Wldderwers with
grave. or cranky old bachelors. or may
he even preachers. Besides. how can
you know even preacher wants to
marry you unless he ups and says so
never did hold with this way OF
maxim out every man that went to a
house or even rode past It had notion
of goin there courtin'"
She paused In breathless triumph. II
Mrs. Lem Cole had been wise she
would have held her peace. Grandma
bore controverting very III indeed, and
TO prove her In the wrong WAS to risk
everything Mrs Lem knew that very
well. but goaded woman Is often a
NJ. oh. l.s.s. -
out. We'll. Three OF the men-and
they weren't widowers nor preachers.
but real good chances asked me TO
ask Jessy II she'd listen To EN-. And
the other one"
There wasn't any other one Maria,
| don't believe one word you're
eayln'." Grandma broke out furiously.
-Four proposals indeed. Why. Ann
Liza didn't have but three IN the whole
OF last year and the beaus around her
pot.
The other one was Jimmy Wakefield.
And lie wouldn't be stopped. Just up
and asked Jessy like II man." Mrs. Lem
said. not meekly. but with such red
spots IN her cheeks she looked almost
as young rs her daughter.
Get out OF here. you Grandma
painted Jimmy Wakefield. indeed
Why he's never had notion TO any
body but Ann Liza. And she's goin' 10
take him. too. when she gets good and
ready. Don't you dare talk Of him
wantln' that stick of Jessy. II !
thought there WAS any truth In what
you've said I'd send you straight out OF
the house"
Then we'll 20 without waiting to
be sent" Jessy burst out from the
doorway She had been standing just
outside feeling somehow that her dear
patient mother might need her help and
countenance. Il don't like 10 tell. to
say such things" she Went on. blu,
inuInml, tuld the truth. nothing but the
truth And she shan't stay here TO be
insultcd Unless you ask her pardon
we'll go away"
Where: To the county poorhousei
| don't know any other chance for We.
Grandma said white faced. her eyes
flashing
She was an lmperlous old lady. nobly
partial to her namesake and favorite
grandchild, Ann EliZn Wicks, partly
because Ann Eliza was pretty and tax.
ing and impairment, partly also be
cause she had money enough OF her
own to be entirely independent.
Grandfather cole had left everything
10 his wife She held on to II with a
grip of iron All her five children had
prospered except luckless Lemuel. lie
had left wife and daughter little except
his III luck II had followed them so
throughout the three years since his
death they had at last been forced 10
accept the shelter Grandma had grudg-
ingly offered
Teach school. You know ! won't
have that" grandma had said TO Jes-
sy's plan. No. missy. I'll marry you
of In year. Then you can take your
mother home with you. Remember
beggars mustn't be choosers. You
amt quite beggar. You'll get some
tuihE Mucu Tie, vi NuuiSt. but
Amt going TO see my husbands money
wasted rs long as I can help II. even
II had any to spare. which haven't.
II costs such a lot to do things. Why.
Just even half livin' nearly bankrupts
me. Ann Liza has 10 have things.
She's got delicate appetite. and so
notionate She can AFFORD 10 be. be-
cause she can keep ON havin' what she
wants when she comes TO spendln' her
own money. You've got no money TO
spend. 80 you'd better learn economy
every way"
Jessy had been for going away then.
but her mothers timorous fears had
prevailed on her TO stay. Jessy was
not strictly pretty. Her eyes were too
serious. her Hips too severe. She had
good chin. fine aud clean cut and a
lovely neck below IT, Her hair was
fiaxen. her eyes water blue.
Ann Eliza had black eyes and hair
and very high color. Grandma thought
her the prettiest creature In the world
She likewise thought Jessica hardly
passable. Hut now as she faced her
randchIld she saw "A Ipgsirn new and