Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1913-11-14

that honestly confessed itself to be
such, that room. Instead It was q
poverty that skunk away into corners
and hid behind the rankest limitations
Of better things. Everything seemed
to have been purchased at the cheap
est booths at Vanity Fair. There were
few things Of substance. but many
things OF vain and empty show. Had
Gloria been more skilled in reading
the world Alright, every bauble, every
useless ornament would have preached
q sermon. As 1t was. there was for
her in large part only the interes, OF
novelty.
To the right OF Gloria were two win
dOws looking out over the roofs Of
neighborlng houses. Between them
was a SCARED maple dresser. 1t was
Uttered among other things with post
card photographs. business cards. a
calendar with a picture in many col
ors and a bottle Of Florida water d.
rectly in front OF her was the sick
girls bed, a cheap iron affair with
massive furnished brass trimmings,
Beyond 1t was a frail-looking trunk
painted in imitation of leather. The
only things which boldly confessed
themselves to be Just as represented
were two wooden kitchen chairs.
Looking close beside her, Gloria saw
q battered maple washstand and be-
yond 1t a door which led into a closet
under the stairs. She glanced curl
ously at the walls, which boasted come
cheap prints, most OF them showing
by the advertising matter upon them
from which whisky house they had
emanated. Some Of the girls waists
and skirts hung upon nails, but the
clothes which she had taken off the
night before on retiring were upon a
chair beside her trunk.
Il heard you were sick" Mrs. Hayes
said sympathetically, land | want to
know II | can do anything to help
you"
Little Ella viewed them with cold
antagonism. They were not OF her
world and she both feared and hated
them.
"Naw," she growled. Then against
her real wishes something out OF her
old life made her add %grudgingly,
Much obliged"
Mrs. Hayes had worked too long
among such people not to understand,
and she ignored the girls unfriendly
manner by asking; "How do you fee
today"
Rotten
mo wonder; It's so close in here. |
think it would be better for you II
you'd let me open a window. It's mild
out. May IT
Go as fer as yuh like; l don't feel
like fightin'."
A nod from Mrs. Hayes sent Gloria
TO open q window.
"There now" exclaimed the younger
| visitor. You'll feel better"
Gloria" Mrs. Hayes asked, so the
sick woman could not hear. do you
mind staying with her while l go to
the mission for a few minutesI l
want Mrs. Wallace to- come over II
she can; and the doctor. too, as soon
as I can find him"
Certainly, I'll stay" was the prompt
response. What's the matter with
herr"
II can't say until I see the doctor,
because I'm not sure. l want Doctor
Hayes to see her. II l can't get him
I'll get Doctor Norton. You're not
afraid to stay!"
Gloria smiled. What was there to
fear? The girl surely could not be-
come 80 Ill In the short space of time
Mrs. Hayes should be away as to rem
der her inexperienced nurse absolutely
helpless.
"Of course I'm not afraid" she re-
piled. Then impulsively, Besides, I
want to do some good in the world.
I've been too selfish"
mo, dear. not that" her companion
gently demonstrated. "Thoughtless,
perhaps, because you didn't know, but
not selfish" Then she turned to Lit
tie Ella and said In the same quiet
tone: Fl think you'd be happier where
there'd be some one to take care OF
you"
I'm not sick, I'm just tired"
The ignorant fear sickness and dis
guise 1t as long as they can, Sinking
the fight and thereby making 1t all the
harder. Understanding this, Mrs.
Hayes answered lightly;
IF that's the case, | hope you'll en-.
terrain my friend for me until | return.
She's interested In the work at the
mission"
You're on" Little Ella replied with
an air Of resignation as Mrs. Hayes
LETT the room. She rolled over on her
side and closed her eyes. Already she
began to feel bored.
mao mn CONTTNTrEnN