Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-06-13


n queer things that sometimes creep
an sometimes run Eastern we cen .
II was her FIRST reference to Der
old life. but once begun. sic never
paused until ali her queer history had
been related
Il didn't mean to tell It." she ex-
planned in conclusion. "for don't
want nobody 10 know where I came
from. an l hope you won't tell"
How near she came to disclosing
what was OF far more importance TO
herself and these people than oil To-
mah's superstition she never knew. or
that all that saved her was her refer
ence to Old Cy by thar nanle only.
More than that. she had no sus-
picion that this kindly old man. SO
much like him in looks and speech.
was his brother
With the coming OF September how
ever a visitor was announced Aunt
Abby's comm to stay with us a SPELL
Uncle Jud said that day. she's
Mandy's sister. Abigail Bsmis. an she
lives at Christmas Cove. It's shore
town, bout hundred miles from here.
She amt much like MANDY" he added
couhdentiaily TO Chip; shes more
book larned. so you1l have TO mind
your p's and as. If We like. ye can
so with me to the station to meet
her"
And so it came to pass that q few
days later Chip. dressed in her best.
rode 10 the station with Uncle Jud
in the old carryaH. and there met this
visitor
She was not a welcome guest. so
far as Chip was concerned. wonted as
she had now become 20 Uncle Jud
and Aunt Mandy. whose speech. like
her own. was not book laned." and
for this reason Chip felt afraid or
her So much so. in fact. that for
a few days she scarce dared to speak
at all
Her tmidity wore away in due time.
for Aunt Abby-a counterpart OF her
sister-was in no wise awe inspiring.
She saw Chip as she was. and soon
felt an interest in her and her pc
culiar history. or what was known Of
It. She also noted Chips interest IN
books. and guessing more than she
had been told. was not long in form
ing correct conclusions.
What do you intend TO do with
this runaway girl?" she said one day
10 her sister, keep bcr here and let
her grow up In ignorance. or whatg"
wal. we amt thought much about
that" responded Mandy. at least not
yet She amt got no relations To
look arter her, SO far ez We kin larn
She's company for us. m Willin'.
Uncle Jud sets lots OF store by her.
she is with him from morn till night.
and handy at al sorts O. work. This
lis how tbs with as here. an now what
do you say"
For moment Aunt Abby moditated.
You ought TO 90 your duty by her.
she said at last. and she certainly
needs more schooling
I'VE can send her down 20 the Cor
ners when school begins. II you think
we orter," returned her sister. timid-
ly; but We hate 20 lose her now.
We've kinder took TO her. you see"
II hardly think that viii do" an.
swered Aunt Abby. knowing as she
did that the three RS comprised the
fun extent of an education az the Cor
ners. What she needs Is a chance
20 mingle with more people than she
can here and learn the ways Of the
world. as well as books. Her mind
is bright 7 notice she is reading
every chance she can get. and you
know my ideas about education For
her 90 stay here. even with schooling
at the Corners, Is TO let her grow uD
like a hoyden. Now what would you
think If I took her back 90 Christmas
Cove? There Is q better school there.
She viii meet ard minelc with more
people and improve faster"
Il dunno what JudsonU say" re-
turned Aunt Mandy. somewhat sadly.
Hes got so wonted to her he'll be
heart-broke. I'm afraid" And so the
consultation closed.
The matter did not end here for
Aunt Abby. "sot In her way" as
Uncle Jud had often said. yet in real
ity only advocating what she felt was
best for the homeless waif. now began
q persuasive campaign. She enlarged
on Christmas Cove. its excellent
school and capable master its social
advantages and cultured people. who
boosted public library and debat,ne,
society. and especially its summer at
fractions, when a few dozen city peo
pie sojouned there. Its opportuni.
ties for church going also came in for
praise. though If this worthy woman
had known how Chip felt about that
feature, il would have been left I'M
mentioned
The girl needs religious influence
and contact with believers, as well as
schooling" she said later to Aunt
Mandy, and that must be considered
Here she can have none, and viii
grow up "a heather. l certainly think
she ought TO go back with me for
year or two. at least, and then we can
decide what is best"
There's one thing ye amt thought
bout Mandy answered, AN that's
her sense o. obligation From what
she's told me, twas that that made
her run away from whar she was, n
she'd run away from here il she didn't
| foA1 she u-re an--,fpr h,- -.