Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-08-22
and finding out how we can best get

grandma commanded fretfully.
Ann Eliza came in from the garden
poth her hands full of dewy roses
Here! Take these and fix the parlor
VASES she commanded Jessica.
Jessica shook her head and turned
toward the door Grandma had weak.
ehed sensibly she was on the point of
mumbling out an apology. But as
Ann Eliza cried pettlshly, II wish
youd look at that; | told you what
would come Of setting beggars on
horseback her anger famed up hot
ter than ever.
You do as you're told" she cried
catching Jessica by the shoulders and
trying to shake her. You say you
want to work for Twin; prove it by
waitin' on your betters."
Jessica set her teeth hard, broke
from the quavery hold and rushed
away. At the steps she stopped
smiled bitterly and shook the dust
from her feet. over her shoulder she
called clearly, Mother, meet me at the
DIG gate In an hour; by then | shall
know exactly what we can do"
Ten minutes later she stood I'm the
wakefield yard facing Jimmy, with
her heart beating so it half suffocated
her. She had SO dreaded to tell what
must be told-to ask the help that was
imperative. 1t was not much. only TO
carry her mother and their scant be-
longings to the poorhouse Any shelter
would be better than the Cole roof.
NNTn - nla u.
Jimmy was the only friend within |
walking distance-moreover the single |
person to whom she could bring her |
self to make such appeal. She was. |
In way, bound to make it. She had
promised, when she denied him that
dearer promise, TO call on him If she
found herself in need of him. Now
she was blessing him silently that he
mad not asked anything; had listened
only TO what she cared to tell and
said afterward, with little soothing
touch on her hand: You did right to
come TO me, Jessy. OF course I'll take
you anywhere you may want to CO."
You, you must only send us. Black
Billy can take us in the wagon.
Grandma will be so angry If she knows I
You helped us escape" Jessica had
answered, but at that Jimmy only
smiled {
Very shortly he made her sit down
IN the bench under the big elm and I
vent away whistling, TO reappear, all {
n whiffet, driving spanking pair, |
which drew a double seated vehicle
pick and span. /
Il think we'd better make the trim /
quick one was all he said in an I
wer to Jessys expostulat ton.
Almost before she knew it she was
lifting beside him, bowling along the
turnpike at the teams best pace. As
uickly her mother was gathered I'D. |
nd, the hand luggage properly be- |
towed, Jimmy amazed Jessy by bid |
ing her sit behind adding. II want TO /
Xix TO mammy-and these horses don't !
It me turn my head for any consider
BILE time"
Jessy began to feel desperately lone
she could not even divert herself /
watching the dazzle of the flying II
Jokes as the wheels spun round.
mmy was driving very fast, and :,
'eping TO the turnpike. 1t must be he =,
cant to take them through town 40
at. no doubt, accounted for his choice
rig. She knew he hated a shabby
upon Saturdays and op
urt days. 1t might be he had busi- a.
e"' 'ouiu not "ait-Dut some WI
w she felt that he was unkind to no
Ink OF anything but her extremity. III,
len she sank into a sort Of daze. won -
ring duly how 1t would seem to find s,,,
rself a pauper, duly committed. She old
not thought of that before-of -,
lrse there were legal forms before a.
" could claim the last refuge of the 90,
'titute, and would not the autbori- ~.
get back at grandmal She had a COL
idea that well to do folk had to oo,
'wer for their near kin.
20 doubt that was what Jimmy was n
aking about-he was talking low . !
eagerly to mamma. Yes, he was 90
ming the horses toward the court ~,
Use square. In n wink they drew -
! go H. 'nu Jimmy SprihgIhg down. The
l ont his arms to her. You know tho
re are-aTangements- YOU trust ko1
to make them?" he asked very low. hi;,t,
sssica could only bow her head: c.
ech was beyond her. Jimmy looked ond
ler his eyes tender, yet mischievous. 10 :
want to commit you for life to A.
rhouse Of which 1 am keeper" he con
spered. Mamma is willing. What Ta,,
'ou say?" iA ~,
'othing," Jessica said, but as she o,ho
1t she laid her hand in Jlmmy's
ng clasp, and dropped her long
ed lids to veil n rush of happy TIL
= bree,
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