Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-04-03
LOVES
FAITHFUL
HAVEN.
By MARIA cLIFFwORTH.
Copyrighted. 1909, by Associated
Literary Press.

itors came very seldom. but TO Mrs.
Ferry that was no reason why she
should not keep her carpets covered.
The room was growing dim, for
night fell early. This having TO light
up at half past was great drain on
the oil can. but there are times when
one cannot see even with two pairs of
spcctacles astridc ones nose. She
leaned forward and called:
"Anna Janet"
Anna Jane came scurrying down
stairs, stumbling over the braided rug
at the top of the flight and almost los
ing her balance and tumbllng over the
braided rug at the foot.
'What have you been doing upstairs
all this timer Mrs. Ferry demanded.
looking at her sharply. She had no.
tion that Anna Jane had been crying
"You better go to the postofiice right
away II you're going"
Anna Jane took down her faded old
Jacket and limp hat. "Shall light the
lamp before go?" she asked timidly.
II guess not. amt In such ter
rible hurry as you be to burn up the
last bit of oil there Is in the house.
That's because I have to buy It, may
be-"
She set her old mouth grimly. Anna
Jane hurried into her things without
another word.
There was really nothing to 60 to the
post0flice for. She had gone four days
now In succession without receiving
anything from the hands of the impa-
tlent clerk. Yet. rain or shine, Anna
Jane must make her daily pilgrimage
to the postofIice
1t never occurred to her to rebel
against this or any other task Aunt
Hulda set her. Aunt Hulda had been
very good. she thought to take her In
when she was left little helpless girl
without parents or friends.
She had childish memory Of the
time Aunt Hulda came to get her She
believed Aunt Hulda had favored her
sister Tilly more. for lilly was older
and far prettier
lilly married early and well. When
suddenly remembered Anna Jane and
sent for her to visit her. Anna Jane
went and had the time of her life
Tilly was very good to her. but In
clined to make fun of her old fash
Toned ways of dress and manner.
"Anna Jane" she said, you've got
to do your hair different and wear
something besides that made over
black dress of Aunt Hulda's. I'm GO
ing to get you pink lawn. and when
It's made I'll give you party"
Anna Jane gasped with delight. The
evening Of that party and the first
wearing of the pink lawn was the
most memorable of her life. for that
evening she met him. No man had
ever before paid her any attention.
and her little head was quite turned
He came to call the next evening, and
the next. and the next. OF n sudden he
had grown wonderfully friendly with
the Martins. and lilly understood. She
worked with might and main to make
the match, and when Anna Jane went
home she was engaged.
Anna Jane was to he married from
Aunt Hulda's house. and she set to
work upon her simple trousseau. Aunt
Hulda. grown suddenly generous, help
ed her. and Tilly sent $40 to buy the
wedding dress. Anna Jane lived In n
heavenly dream. He wrote every week.
and she wrote back every week.
Then his letters began to lag, and at
last came silence. Anna Jane wept and
wondered. She could do nothing. Even
Tilly could not for long time find out
what was the trouble. But when she
did she wrote her sister.
Hes married. she ragged. "He mar
ried that Convers girl that was here at
your party. She always wanted him,
and now she's got him. They went to
the Justice n month ago and were mar.
ried on the sly. wouldn't believe 1t
till had It right from her own mouth.
the impudcnt thingr
Poor Anna Jane! She packed away
her wedding things with dazed look
In her eyes that never after left them
Aunt Hulda sighed and sighed.
Gle Setuitu W ittt tuut AMIN Juut
was ali to blame and treated her ac-
cordingiy.
But there were times when the bur-
den pressed more heavily upon her
than at others. and tonight was one OF
them. Her voice trembled as she
stood at the general delivery window
and put the worn question:
"Any mail for Mrs. Hulda Ferry,
please?"
The clerk snatched package OF let
tiers from plgeonhole and thumbed
them hurriedly. Then he shook his
head, and Anna Jane. with fresh hui
initiation upon her. turned away.
The storm had increased. ana In the
faint light the sidewalk was slippery.
A big man with an umbrella, whose
hat brim was turned down and whose
coat collar was turned up saw her.
"Look out" he cried grufliy. He
caught her by the arm and helped her.
Anna Jane dropped her head. with n
gasp Of thanks. He held the umbrel-