The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1908-01-17


said"
Well. said Phoebe. as she took
several unnecessary stitches. If
had been going with girl TWO years
and never mentioned anything about
being engaged. I should expect her 20
think my attentions didn't mean any
thing and she vas free 10 80 home
with anybody she liked shouldn't
your"
The young man bushed. Il
guess I've been something OF a fool.
Miss Percival" he said. with an EN-
barrassed laugh I've been expect
ing folks 10 be mind-readers. Thank
you for doing up my wrist"
Phoebe watched him as he went
down the path Il knew Nellie was
feeling bad about something the last
time she was here. she unused. but
l had other company and so she didn't
say anything It's queer what trifes
will come between two people who
really think the world Of each other"
and Phoebe sighed as she recalled the
one romance OF her own life.
The cutting out Of Freddie Westalrs
clothes was done and Phoebe was at
her stitching machine. when Mrs
Gaines. her next neighbor. burst in az
the door and sank into a chair. Do
you know how to put in a stove lin
iug?" she asked breathlessly. John
took mine out and then was called
away and won't De home till noon;
and just before he went he remem-
bered 70 give me a letter he took out
Of the post Office a week agO-and it's
from my sister. and she's coming here
today on the half-past ten train, anu
going on in the afternoon on her way
home from the mountains. and her
son and his wife are with her-and
I I've been canning tomatoes all the
/ week and let everything else go-and
\ I've been working every minute since
/ got the letter cleaning things up. and
I forgot all about the stove
"Tn 90 right back with you"
Y Phoebe said promptly. and the two
Z left the house together
Phoebe was possessed Of "gump-
ton. and the stove lining vas put in
as quickly and as well as John could
have done IL.
Now. Laura. she commanded, you
just run and change your dress and
get ready for your company-'tis most
IL o'clOck-and leave the dinner to
me. III have it all on the table by
y. and run over afterward and wash
UP the dishes"
oh. it is too much"
NO. it isn't" Phoebe interrupted
her. What are neighbors for il not
to be neighborly?"
SO with 6 deep breath Of relief Mrs.
Gaines obeyed. and Phoebe set TO
work on the dinner.
Everything went Of well. and at
halfpast one the dishes were washed
and put away. and Phoebe was back
at her machine.
Just before supper. Mrs Gaines ran
over for a minute 70 tell Phoebe how
grateful she was. Ny company had
10 20 away al three o'clock. she said.
and il it hadn't been for you
should have had to stay in the kitch.
en- most OF the time and hardly seen
my sister az al"
Phoebe hurried her sewing after
. supper. so that BY half-past eight she
was on her way down the road with
: Freddie WestalTs completed garments
: over her arm.
Mrs Westall gave a relieved sigh
az sight OF her I'm 50 glad they're
I finished she exclaimed. Some OIL
the other children dared Freddie to e
S through a thicket OF horse-briers anC
Z blackberry vines this afternoon dowr
r In the pasture. and his only pair o
! knickerDockers was torn 10 tatters
: You couldn't stay and spend the even
ing. could your she asked wistfully a.
q Phoebe rose 70 20 Il can't blam'
b folks for not coming to see me, whei
J. I never get 10 see them: but / do &c
q 90 lonesome-snd my husband is ava
q this evening. too"
e why. T.. be glad to- asserte
Q Phoebe. and The two sat and rookie
and ohatted till Mr. Westall cam
e home at ten o'clock.
After Phoebe was home again an
a. had locked up for the night. ther
4 came a quick knock at the door.
4 Somebody must have been take
suddenly sick and sent for me-" sh
thought as she drew the bolt an
" opened the door
Good evening. Miss Percival." sal
(. a voice which she instantly recognize
i as that Of the groceryman.
Il was going by home" the your
4, man said. and saw your light WIS
n burning. so I thought Id stop and te
~ you that I acted on the hint you gay
me this morning. and everything
4 all right. Nellie has said she'll mari
- me. We thought we'd like you TO kno
u about II FIRST"
he Well. am glad" thought Phoeb
"a. az she fastened the door again ar
went upstairs. He's a likely fello
"A and she's a good girl They'll new
81 be sorry. either Of EN-
1T When Phoebe had put out her lig