Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-21
What Nan Would
 Have Lost
By JEAN KATE LuDLUM.
scopyrisht. by Joseph B. Rowlaa.,

 with whom she continued correspond ence since leaving school over a year before. Its just dreadful to think of having to live here in the coun- try after the dear, delightful city life; shut away from everyone and with ab- solutely nothing to do but maybe a little housework! Of course l read; but one cannot read all the while; and of course sew; but even the fan ciest of fancy-work pals sometimes. have shut my school books so'recent- ly, there is no need of my opening them again for long, long while; and although the country is beautiful, l am already tired of it because there is nothing to do in 1t! Why, oh. why, Miss Atkinson, did papa lose his money and have to be shut of here be- cause it is cheaper living? Here the winter is only half over and we haven't even horse to grant us a little en- joyment these dull, dreadful days! It's awful. awful, awful, and wish we were back in the dear old home''
 Poor Nan. She was in fit of the bluest blues, and Miss Atkinsons kind heart wag troubled for some way to cheer this one of her favorite pupils. Nan was naturally a bright girl, and passed her school examinations with credit, and for her now to give up to doing nothing should be made out of the question, or all her hard study would go to waste.
 Miss Atkinson wrote at once to Nan. It was busy time for her with her school, but she must help this girl if she could, and she thought she could. There was more than one way to heal a sore heart. And when her letter reached Nan, the girl was surprised at the opening so clearly be- fore her. To follow the studies marked out by Miss Atkinson would occupy g great deal of her time during the long winter days and evenings, and she must give the subject thorough at- tention to succeed. It was almost like going back to the old school days save that this was so novel, the very novelty was at first an incentive to win.
 It's just like Miss Atkinson" she said, moisture about her eyes that proved the kindness of the heart far away was not lost. q might have known she would help me out. She wouldn't be happy if she couldn't do something for one!"
 T can't do much until spring toward this special work, Nan said to herself, pondering the pros and cons of the new idea; "but there is something can do right now! There is no reason why l cannot have chickens 80 we can have the benefit without waiting for sum- mer and my garden!" She laughed 'as the thought made itself clear, and started at once upon 1t. 9Aiff ff,=:ioisT.'
 It would cost very little to purchase three hens - good, laying hens - as Miss Atkinson said, and one rooster; her father would give her the money that would take, but she would not tell him for what she wished it; she would keep her secret until she proved its worth. There was a small barn, rather old and unpaint- ed, with hennery attached at the side where the sun shone warmest, and at the rear warm pigpen. This latter struck her eye at once, and an inspiration all her own, as she said, laughing, came to her.
 The first venture in poultry cost her but two dollars. They were Brahmas and good layers. the man said, when he delivered them to her the day of her purchase. And SO they proved.
 The pig would be harder to get, the same man told her. He was broad hearted farmer, a triHe rough in speech, maybe, but true to the core. He smiled many times upon her with ready good nature as she questioned him, telling him in great secrecy, with a beautiful color in her cheeks and delightful light in her eyes, about her new plans, forming thereby a power. full ally in him. His farm was next theirs. large, prosperous estate, and Miss Nan felt the utmost confidence in him and his advice.
 Just that time of year, he told her. with great gravity, a twinkle in his eyes. 1t was difficult to obtain good animal. If she would wait until spring it would be much better, and he would agree by then to see that she had one of the best pigs to be secured. By fall. he added, young pig would be in perfect condition to butcher, which was of course what she desired?
 Yes. she told him, and laughed to think how wise she was getting, her bright face lifted to his in utter conf. denee, that was what they desired. and if 1t wouldn't be troubling him too much
 Troubling him. he protested quite grufly, a wistful light in the uplIfted eyes bringing a strange softness to his A great deal of trouble 1t would be indeedi As though one couldn't be neighborly upon occasion If one vishcdl
 And there's my Ned.- he added biufny. Nothing in the world to keep him from helping you whenever he may. Miss Nanl He's been through college. Ned has. but it hasn't spoiled him one bit for our plain fife. Just the best fellow a Han ever hadl Hen help you poverfui willing. if you7I let him There's a-nszy things. yoa see. t s woman can't know aboat an