The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1910-02-08
JOHN.

wv. R. ROSE. in Cleveland Plain Dealer.

wv. X. ROSE, In Gle
An old woman came around the
corner bearing basket. She was a
little old woman, a shabby old wo-
man whose shoulders were bent and
whose gray hair was carelessly held
back by battered old comb.
The basket was heavy and she
walked slowly. stopping now and
then and changing the burden from
one side to the other
The young man coming towards
her quickened his steps.
Here lie said, "let me help YOU"
The woman darted sharp look at
him and held fast to the handle.
You want to run away with It,"
she abruptly said.
He laughed.
IF l meant to do that" he an
swered. I'm quite sure l wouldn't
be so polite about It,"
She gave him another sharp look
from her keen gray eyes.
THE politest ones are the biggest
rascals," she said.
liz ioubltu again.
I'm sure my dear mother didn't
mean to train me for a rascal when
she tried TO teach me politeness.
The old woman nodded.
That's well said" she muttered.
"You may carry It if you insist"
Il do" said the young man, and he
lightly lifted the burden.
They wallxo1 n littIo ,uay -, ,f1oras
the old woman now and then casting
a quick glance at her companion. He
was we'll built young man, straight
and firm, and his smiling brown eyes
were clear and bright.
Maybe I'm taking you from your
business" the old woman presently
snapped at him.
81 haven't any business"
That's bad"
VERY bad"
She looked around again. His
clothes were neatly brushed, but they
showed the effects of much wear.
Maybe you expect tip?"
He laughed merrily.
I'm sure you don't mean to hurt
my feelings"
Il mean that don't give tips"
That amused him still more.
Neither do l." he said.
She stared at him curiously.
Il wonder IL you know who amp
mo" he answered. az am quite
sure this is the first time we have
met"
Then you look upon me merely as
a shabby and untidy old woman who
Is staggering along the public high
way with n basket much too heavy
for herr"
He shook his head.
That looks like another attempt
to hurt my feelings 1t is no novelty
for me to carry baskets, and I've car
ried no end of pals. I'm reasonably
young and strong, and 1 trust am
reasonably thoughtful Anyway de-
cline to think that there is any novel
ty about this simple act of good will &"
He caught her shrewd glance and
nodded laughingly.
This is my home" said the old
woman.
The young man looked up with
some surprise. 1t was a pretentious
house in an excellent neighborhood
1t was fairly large house in large
lot, and il its shabbiness had been re-
moved by paint it would have ranked
well with the best of the adjoining
dwellings.
The young man pushed open the
iron gate.
Shall leave your basket at the
fro2t door," he asked.
Il never use the front door" she
answered
So he followed her around the
house and placed the basket on the
back porch.
Thank you said the old woman
sharply. Then as If moved by sud
den impulse she took an apple from
the basket and handed it to him
As a tip?" he smilingly asked.
AS an apple" replied the old
woman.
Thank You for the apple" he re-
piled. "Goodby." He lifted his hat
as he turned back toward the street
The old woman darted into the house
"hN PhShAib dSlue WINDOW shade
stared at him as he passed by. She
saw him lift the apple and suddenly
bite into it. and there was something
I'm the act that suggested hunger.
She raped on the glass and when
ne turned she bockoped him back.
The woman met him at the door.
Come in" sho said, II want 10
talk TO YOU
He smilingly obcyed and was usb-
cred into an inner room. a room that
had once been bright and attractive
but now wore faded and dingy look
Sit down and wait moment. %
she said and turned back to the
kitchen.
When she returned sho carried n
tray on which were several slices OF
bread and big piece Of ginger cake.
i am not a sumptuOus provider. %
she said. but this may look good TO
O hungry man"
at looks very good To- me" said
the young man. But how did Won
know ] was huugry2"
81 saw y0u bite the apple"
He flushed nj fbfs