Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1908-02-21

train time!" and Mrs. Dodd was LETT
contemplating rapturously the gal
lat array on the bed before her.
Presently she spoke, but 1t was In
an undertone and to herself: i've
half a mind to keep back some OF the
pinning blankets. Folks may not do
so well another year. It's a sort OF
new-broomy this time"
She glanced toward Mrs. Wells, who
was gazing abstractedly out upon the
road. With sudden resolution she
rose, gathered up ten Of the pinning
blankets, and treading softly across
the floor, tucked them away in the
depths of the bureau.
Retracing her steps, she sank into
the rocking chair, rested her fat ell
bows on its broad arms, leaned her
head against the cushion at the back,
and drew q sigh of contentment. But
her repose was but momentary. Her
head popped up.
my sakes alive, Samanthy Wells!"
she exclaimed. IF we aren't neglect
ing our plain, everyday Christian du-
ties. Just because Sereny Dodd's going
to be a director in The Ye Clothed
Me Society! Do you know what we
ought to have done, Samanthy Wells?''
Mrs. Wells turned from the window.
Her startled eyes followed the direc-
ton of Mrs. Dodds, and fell upon the
calfskin-covered bible upon the table.
my stars, Sereny, Our course read
ing!" She took the bible and opened
it.
Again Mrs. Dodd leaned back her
head upon the cushion, and an express
sion of calm benignity crept over her
face.
Fifth chapter of the Acts of the
Apostles" began Mrs. Wells. "'But a
certain man named Ananias with Sap
phira his wife sold a possession, and
=" Her voice trailed off into indis-
tinctness, and she grew very pale.
What you mumbling like that for,
Samanthy?" impatiently demanded
Mrs. Dodd. Cant hear half you say!
Read that out again."
And Mrs. Wells read it out again,
although falteringly: but certain
man named Ananias with Sapphire his
wife sold possession and kept back
part of the price!'" Mrs. Wells
stopped. 20, Sereny," she walled.
kept back part of the price'!"
Mrs. Dodd sat up very straight in
her chair. Bewilderment, then indigna-
ton. showed in her countenance. A
spot of scarlet blazed on each cheek.
why, Samanthyl" she stammered.
"Why, Samanthy Wells! Are you COM
pairing me with Ananias and Sap
phira? Me, Sereny Dodd! Boldwood
Dodds lawful widow, and your faith
full companion, 10, these many years?
Oh, oh, Samanthy!"
The tears were rolling down her
plump cheeks as she ponderously
walked to the bureau, and pulling out
a drawer, disclosed to Mrs. Wells as
tonished eyes ten new pink-and-
white-striped outing flannel babies
pinning blankets" and as she fever
ishly dragged them forth, she con-
tinued:
I'm afraid I'm a wicked old woman,
Samanthy! But really don't think 1t
was more than passing thought!
Truly, l don't believe I'd have done
it,"
She cast an appealing look at Mrs.
Wells, who an instant later precipi-
tated herself upon Mrs. Dodd's am
pie bosom, sobbing wildly:
20, Sereny, Sereny, we're two
wicked old women! Each worse than
the other, for Nephew Peter paid me
enough for those new paper lamplight-
ers to buy cotton for four wash cloths,
and l made four, but hid two to give
away for Christmas presents. That's
why / was so long finishing up that
last one. Oh, but my conscience has
pricked me sore. Sereny!"
Mrs. Dodd stood aghast. Her tears
dried, her color faded, and she spoke
with conviction:
81 knew this work was going to
prove an awful test of character, an
awful test, And little did think who
was going to be the ones proved and
found wanting! My, my, but confess
sion is good for the soul, and repent
ance amt ever too late, specially fore
we've done the deed! You fetch those
wash-cloths, Samanthy Wells, and
we'll do that bundle up now before
we fall by the wayside again!"--From
Youths Companion.