Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1910-03-01
A Mission Episode.
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Continued from Ist page.
remembered the newspaper tales OF
that locality and her brothers warn
ing.
IF only she had waited for Mrs.
HOLLYWOOD. For an instant she con-
sidered retreat, then turned to face
he--robber.
"Going mr. the man asked, with
ned toward the glittering sign.
Bette stared, to all appearances
quite deaf and dumb.
They are going to have cake and
coffee" said the man, with a grin.
"Come on: let us 80 in.
This. added to the discomfort of the
afternoon. was too much for Bettie's
patience.
"No." she said, turning upon him like
small fury; Il am not going in there.
Do YOU understand that? And if you
dare speak to me again | will hand
you over TO policeman"
The man chuekled and laid great,
OBTAINING hand upon her arm.
Now, see here. don't be angry" he
was beginning. when, with cry of re-
lief. Bette ran into the road to hail
the green car, which was fast APP
preaching.
As the car turned the corner she had
the satisfaction of seeing a blue coated
officer of the law in earnest converse
ton with the rufEian in the checkered
ulster.
When the rebellious brown hair had
been smoothly coiled into its most be-
coming couture and Miss Robbins had
donned dainty violet gown she be-
gan to feel more charitably inclined
toward the world in general
Perhaps she remarked to the re-
fected face in the glass. Il was bit
hasty with that dreadful man" Her
meditations were interrupted by voices
down in the front hall.
A moment later Jack burst excited
~ into the room.
Hello. there, Bolster he cried. Re
member hearing me tell about my old
college chum. Hal Smith, great ath-
lete. famous football player and fine
fellow? Well. | met him in the res
taurant at noon today, and whom do
you suppose he is? None other than
your great DR.. Henry Huntington
Smith. Hasn't had time to hunt me up
since he came to the city, for he is
very busy man. SO | just made him
premise to come up to dinner tonight,
and when you come down." finished
Jack, with laugh, you can talk over
your mission work with him..
Yes" agreed his sister in a small
voice, my mission work"
She stood for moment at the head
of the stairs, listening to their voices,
when suddenly Bettie's eyes opened
very wide
Where had she heard that deep toned
voice before? 1t was like, oh, horri-
bly, like She descended two or three
steps and looked over the balustrade.
The Rev. DR.. Smith was standing
before the fireplace, his tall, broad
shouldered figure clad irreproachably
in the black of his calling.
Poor Bette collapsed, violet bun
die, on the third top step of the stairs.
The voice still came floating up to
her.
Yes, | have had some odd expert
ences, Jack, but it is all in knowing
the nature of the people you have to
deal with a very unpleasant Incl
dent occurred. however this afternoon.
Ill. a
mission when | saw one of those poor
girls at the door She was evidently
hesitating, undecided whether to en-
ter or to go on in her own way. Some
times a smiling word of encourage
ment or companionship is all that is
needed to help make the decision. so |
invited her to go in with me.
sin moment she was on the de-
fensive. Still | tried to persuade,
when she turned on me veritable
virago-- threatened" said DR.. Smith.
''to hand me over to the police. She
might he continued refectively,
have had a pretty face had it not
been so completely hardened into reck-
leSsneSs.
Miss Bette arose suddenly and came
rustling softly down the stairs. She
stood for moment in the doorway
awaiting her brothers introduction
with downcast eyes.
Il am so pleased to meet you, DR..
Smith," said a meek voice, but the
young minister stood staring and
seemed to have forgotten to speak.
Bette" said Jack impulsively, DIR
Smith has been telling me about that
mission you are interested in, and you
had better not go there any more. My
sister," he explained to his friend
lis very timid.'
Il do not think that l shall go again
Jack, dear" said his sister. 'for l was
so annoyed this afternoon when leav-
ing the mission to come home One
OF the rough men of that locality was
very rude. In fact, | don't doubt that
he was after my purse. for he actually
caught me by the arm, and he had
such a hard. wicked face"
Bette shuddered and then smiled at
the minister.
That settles it, said Jack sternly
You do not go again"
Bette led the way to the dining
room. and paused moment rs her
brothers friend held the curtain aside
for her to pass.
do you think" she asked, looking
up at him with dancing eyes, that
there would be any real danger?"
Il think" said Or Smith. with an
answering smile, that your brother
need have no anxiety upon your be
half, for am quite sure that you are
able to take care of yourself"