Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-03-03
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
"HE little room to which Mrs.
Kelly conducted Ann was hard
ly larger than a steamer state

~ larger IMAM STEAMER Sldlc-
u room and was very primitive
as regards its furnishings.
Its a small place and a 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 cheeriIy: I'm sure this
Is very nice. The bed is tempting"
Hesitatingly, with many misgivings,
Mrs. Kelly withdrew. and Ann hurried
ly disrobed and leaped into the bed.
which was white as snow and almost
as cold. 1t was like a 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 ut the ranch, and
yet different-yearS older; and with his
strength, his resolution, something new
was understanding 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 a miners cabin. She
laughed. Am i to meet my death by
freezingT" But at last glow of COM
fort began TO steal over her. delicious
languor, 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 awake?" Ann threw back
the eoverlet to find the room full of
sunshine. MAY 1 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 nlght?'
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 |
couldn't possibly dream it" With a |
OF her own sloth, she sprang
out upon the cold floor and began to
dress with n vigor and celebrity she
did not know she -p9ssessed--.--- -
During breakfast she studied Mrs.
Kelly and began to understand at last
that the little mother had not merely
and dressed the boys and
cooked the breakfast, but had served
rs waitress and maid OF all work, and
now. calm and sweet and self CON
tanned, was presiding over the table
II any dish needed replenishfng, she
sprang up to get 1t, 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
can't afford TO lie abed. When Matt
makes his next strike. sure I'm going
20 hire a girl and sleep till I'm weary
IF Ii, If IT takes n week.
you must let me do something while
| am here" said Ann. LET me pro-
tide a maid for you
"Oh, no; / was only jokin'. Sure,
Tou couldn't hire girl on the hill to do
Besides, the best of them
ire not fit company for you, and in
small hut like this you're cheek by
owl with your help"
Ann had not thought of them as COM
amy, but she gravely replied: Il might
,ring a maid from my cousins house
vt any rate, you must let me help this
IN. |
Iced 1 can"
Mighty little busting the shack needs
N this air. said Mrs. Kelly. Good
uck to me, it's tiny
81 must help or will not stay" in
listed Ann. "At least can amuse the
Louis shot through the door like n
tone from a sling. His eyes were
ancing. Good morning. everybody ,
e shouted. Haven't you breatfasted ,
ct? Why, we've been done ten min
ties. Isn't this bully - this life up
ere? How do you feel this morning?"
Ann laughed to see him so elate. so
igorous. What child you arer' she |
reclaimed in wonder
Raymond followed at a little dis
ance. Good morning, Miss Rupert
iood morning. Nora. Hello, younkers."
nd he gathered a boy under each arm. 7
lie looked very capable and entirely
off contained as he put the lads down
nd addressed himself to Ann. Il sup ,
ose your baggage went to BoZle, but I
re will get that today. And, Mrs. KEEL Z
?. if you need anything to make Miss ,
rupert comfortable Jet US know. To +
he limit OF our resources command I
s."
Ann, with unaccountable lightness of J
pirit, quickly protested. Now, please J
ont make company Of me. 1 am 60 7
lg to earn my living by helping Mrs.
lelly about the house. My bed was !
cry comfortable and my breakfast de- ;
cious. What else do 1 require? One i
eedn't ask how you ara You look to L
e perfectly well again."
Louis stared at his sister and was i
bout to make some revealing remark