Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-08-07

began to cover their machines and put
their tables in order. Nell staggered
slightly as she took the last of her
work to the timekeeper, who entered
her record in the book. Miss Petit
eyed her sharply as she went back to
her machine.
Unless you are feeling better you
had better not come tomorrow" she
said GROSSLY. II can put on another
girl who will make faster use of the
machine"
II will be all right in the morning"
Nell answered. Miss Petit could not
know that the girl had had no break
fast There had been medicine to buy,
and until pay day came again she
would have to walk to her home and
make dry bread serve for food.
She was slow In preparing for the
street and even Miss Petit had gone
when she stepped into the elevator
The street was dark and lonesome
Most of the places closed at 8, and
there were few persons moving along
the narrow strip Of sidewalk as she
stepped out.
On the corner little knot of people
had gathered about some object of
interest and she peered curiously over
the shoulder of the Office boy in front
Of her. The next moment she was
pushing the men aside.
Miss Petit had slipped upon the
greasy sidewalk and lay moaning and
half unconscious with pain. The girls
had all gone on and bootblack was
trying to make her comfortable until
the attention Of a policeman could be
attracted.
Nell pushed him away and took the
woman's head into her lap, disposing
her so that the wretched ankle was
more comfortable. Then she turned
to the lad who had stuck to her side,
determined to at least share the in
terest with the newcomer.
1T is my forewoman," she said.
run up to the Rotary Addressing
company and ask Mr.. Nelson to come
QUICK
The lads statement that lady was
almost killed and was asking for him
brought Jimmy on the run. White
faced he tore his way through the in
creasing crowd Of curious people to
come to dead stop, when he perceived
the situation.
Its only Miss Petit" he growled
in mingled relief and disappointment
II thought it was YOU"
1--WE must get her home, jimmy
pleaded Nell. "She says she won't go
in an ambulance. Please call a cab"
"The ambulance is plenty good for
her." he growled, though to them the
ambulance was but a shade less dis
graceful than the patrol wagon. did
not she talk to you like you were dog
this afternoon
Get cab for me-" pleaded Nell,
and Jimmy turned away.
1t was not far to Miss Pettit's board
ing place, and Nell hustled about max
ing the tiny hall room more comfort
able. Jimmy stuck dOggedly, too, wait
ing to take Nell home. Miss Petit
sank back on the bed with sigh.
THAT will do very WE'LL" she said
family. 1.-The doctor will bandage my
ankle, and then the girl will put me to
bed You were very good to me, ms
dear"
its all right" said Nell coldly as
she turned to go, but Miss Petit
caught her hand.
"Wait minute" she said. II want
to tell you something. Jimmy here
gave me a letter to hand you some
weeks ago. / wasn't going to have
any flirting in my room, so 1 didn't
give 1t to you. Jimmy is a good boy.
my dear, and here it is"
She sank back upon the pillow as
Jimmy sprang forward. In his excite
ment he had forgotten Miss Petit and
his wrath against her. Now he only
realized that Nell had not received his
letter.
And silence amt polite negativeT
he asked. Nell smiled. Jimmy had
loaned her some Of his paper, and she
recognized the phrase.
"If you want proverbs, Mr.. Nelson"
she said primly, II can give you bet
ter quotatiOn-'Faint heart never won
fair lady, Ask me to my face like
man, an mebbe I'll say Yes"