Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-08-25

Here. rake these huu TX the pufiOF
vases she commanded Jessica.
Jessica shook her hend and turned
toward the door. Grandma had weak
encd scnsibly: she was on the point Of
mumbling out nm apology. But as
Ann Eliza cried pettishly. II wish
you'd look III 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 aud
trying To shake her. You say you
want to work for Twin; prove 1t by
waitin' on your betters."
Jessca 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 81 the
big gate In an hour: by then | shall
know exactly what we can do"
Ten minutes later she stood In the
Wakefield yard facing Jimmy. with
htt titutN tthAAhP FV ~
her. She had SO dreaded 10 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.
There was nobody else she could ask.
Jimmy was the only friend within
walking distance moreover. the single
person To whom she could bring her
self 10 make such appeal. She WAS.
In II way, bound TO make II. She had
promised. when she denied him that
dearer promise. TO call on him II she
found herself In need of him. Now
she was blessing him silently that he
had not asked anything; had listened
only to what she cared 10 tell and
said afterward with little soothing
touch on her hand: You did right TO
come 10 me. Jessy or course I'll take
you anywhere you may want t. 20,
You, YOU must only SEM US. Black
Billy can take us in the wagon.
Grandma will be SO angry II she knows
you helped us escape" Jessica had
answered. but ut that Jimmy only
smiled.
Very shortly he made her sit down
Oh the bench under the big elm and
went away whlstllng. 10 reappear, all
In whiffet. driving II spanking pair.
which drew IL double seated vehicle
spick and span.
II think we'd better make the trip
quick one" was all he said In an
swer TO Jessy's expostulation.
Almost before she knew IL she was
sitting beside him. bowling along the
turnpike ut the teams best pace. AS
quickly her mother was gathered up.
and. the hand luggage properly be
slowed. Jimmy amazed Jessy by bid
ding her sill behind. adding. Il want TO
talk TO maumy and these horses don't
let me turn my head for any consider
able time"
Jessy began 10 feel desperately lone
ly-she could not even divert herself
by watching the dazzle OF the dying
spokes ms the wheels spun round.
Jimmy was driving very fast. and
keeping 10 the turnpike. Ii must be he
meant to take them through town
that. no doubt, accounted for his choice
of n rig She knew he hated sha bby
outfit especially upon Saturdays and
court days. II might lie he had bust
ness that could not wait-but some
how she felt that he WAS unkind TO
think OF anything but her extremity.
Then she sank into sort of daZe, won
derlng duly how II would seem To find
herself pauper duly committed. She
had not thought of that before-of
course there were legal forms before
they could claim the last refuge of the
destitute. and would not the authori-
ties get back at grandma She had n
dim idea that well TO do folk had TO
answer for their near kin
No doubt that was what Jimmy was
speaking ahout-he was talking low
and eagerly To mamma. Yes, lie was
turning the horses toward the court
house square. In wink they drew
up there. and Jimmy. springlng down,
held ont his arms 10 her. You know
there are arrangements will you trust
me to make them he asked very low.
Iessica could only bow her head:
speech was beyond her. Jimmy looked
at her. his eyes tender, yet mischievous.
II want TO commit you for life to Il
poorhouse OF which ! am keeper" he
whispered. Mamma Is willing. What
do you sayf"
Nothing" Jessica said. but as she
said IL she laid her hand in Jimmy's
strong clasp. and dropped her long
dashed lids TO veil rush Of happy