The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-05-18
THE ENCHANTED WOODPuE


Not far from the kitchen door. the
frewOod was cut and corded where
the Pollard twins grandmother could
just step out and get IL easily. chunk
at "a time. when there WAS mo- ono
there TO DO 10 for her. There was one
blk, quite hiGh pile, and from this
1utted toward the door two low smaller
piles and made between them such
a nice playhouse. Tho little pOlarJS
had carpctcd NJ with autumn leaves.
They make the most heavenly
colorcd carpet" NarciSSa Pollard
gave an ccstatic little gasp.
Il know it," her sister Nalora's thin
little hands claspCd in a passion of
admiration, all their blue veins stood
out Il know il, NarcisS1. I feel am
dizzy looking at them. same as when
see the beautiful rag rugs in the
loom that Betsy Smith WcaVes for the
rich Spcncers"
with a crisp sprinkling OF beautiful
duh browns and flaming scarlet. Va
lOra threw herself face downward.
roofing and shifting.
quit. or yOUl dig through to
China" warned her sister. and there's
the youngest child crying"
Valera got up quickly. her eyes with
n solicitOus, almost maternal light.
fixed upon an outstanding block Of
wood.
Don't cry. baby dear" She swoop-
ed down upon il. applying her pima
fore Co the wooden ones imaginary
tears ard etching il TO her with gem
tie hUShin-s.
It's collie" said Narcissa pat him
on the back"
NarciSsa stall1ed away. Valera sank
down among the rustling leaves and
softly grooming. rocked 10 and fro over
the block Of wood. In the course Of
a few moments il was apparently
hushed to sleep and she rose cautious
~, placing n in "A reclining posture.
with loving pats and fond glances.
suddenly the voice of the father of
the household. was raised waVerinElN
in ribald song and round the corner
OF the wood-pile, staggered this young
person.
You've come too soon Narcissa."
objected her sister. You must always
allow me to see the baby"
play / don't" said NarciSSa. I'm
playing I'm like Betsy Smiths hus-
band. I've heen drinking and I'm not
responsible"
"Oh. goody!" There was one thing
about her sister NarCiSSa. Valera liked
especially; she had such good ideas
Come on in. pa" She stepped ont
and essaycd TO assist the drunkard
within. Don't scun up the beautiful
new carpet
mad. bade Narcissa. Who paid for
the Carpet2" she demanded shame
lessly initiating the manner of ,or
BetsNS husband, I'd like TO know
She raised the stick she had been
walking with. a shower Of blows fell.
And as though beneath them. bent
Valera. lower and lower. crying as
poor Betsy Smith might cry for mercy
and shame upon such a husband.
SobS that rendered her specifies and
tears that were genuine. were inter-
rupted 10y the sudden opening of the
kitchen door.
We're only playing Grandmother"
Narcissa shrilled, breathless from her
efforts.
Then what's Valera crying for?"
Grandmother Pollard stepped forward
and caught Valera arm
a tremor shook her little body. "a
checked sob and the tears that trem-
bled upon Der lashes were dashed
away hercel<
II was playing Betsy smith," she
suffered Suiltiiy. and Narcissa was
Him"
Him came home intoxicated" add
ed Narcissa.
What have / told YOU. Narcissa p"
NarCissa could think just thcn OF
so many. many things her dear grand
mother had told her.
To use intoNiCatcd instead of
drunk. when speaking OF people iiko
old Smith-Mr. smith" she answered
politely.
Haven't told YOU to use the sense
you've inherited from your papa and
keep from playing things that throw.
your sister into these tautrumS she
inherits from your mamma %"
NarciSSa nodded. NalOra'S head
dropped shamedlN.
That's the way Betsy Smith must
feel when he beats her" she muir
INJURED.
why can't YOU play somcthiuo
nice? BE the rich Spcnccrs and sir
quiet like YOU were out drivin-."