The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1913-12-19

fully
You are noble woman, Aunt Beu-
lah Lee, Francis Day said with deep
feeling, and when say that you are
"a noble woman, Aunt Beulah, I am
only repeating what my mother would
have said if she had been here and
heard your story. Now, let me go to
Nancy"
I'm spang 'fraid ter go. Massa
Frank. Dat chile is delikit and
de surprise would kill her daid."
Break it to her gently. First, take
this and 60 to the store and get whak
you need. Then after Nancy has had
her supper you tell her and then meet
me and let me know when can see
her. II all is well after that why
please God, I'll take you both home
with me!''
"Oh. Massa Frank back to de ole
placer
Yes. MY father Is dead, you know.
and came home. I've been look
ing for Nancy. l heard she was In
Baltimore, but | couldn't get trace
Of her. I've been making q house-to-
house inquiry at least I've been to
most Of the shops. and asking for
news Of either one Of you. and when
you came into the grocery tonight
| was waiting for an opportunity to
ask the busy shopkeeper II he had
any customers who answered your
description. Now, take this and !
will wait for y0u here and help you
tote your bundles"
Aunt Beulah took the money and
numbered away in the direction of the
little grocery, and presently she re-
turned with large basket filled
with packages. She would not allow
Francis to carry the basket.
'Whut would yore nah say tersee dat
yo' doan't know yo' place no better'n
dat, Massa Frank?'' she reproved him.
as they went toward the big house.
She left Feancis Day at the foot
Of the steps while she painted up to
the little room under the roof She
hummed camp meeting song as she
moved around the kitchen, lighting
lamp, stirring the fire to glowing
heat and bringing the teakettle to q
boil.
Presently she entered Nancy's lit
tie room and placed heavily laden
tray on the table. Nancy was curled
in a big chair fast asleep.
A lamp was lighted and the scat
tered music sheets carefully removed.
When Nancy opened her eyes they
fell upon the shining black face of
her servant and the meal spread be-
fore her.
Dear Aunt Beulah!" cried the girl,
delightedly; you are a witch or a
good fairy do believeyou said we
were out of meal-and here you have
placed before me a supper fit for a
queen. Ummmm! How good that
tea smells and beefsteak! and
honey! Aunt Beulah, have you eaten
anything yourself2" she asked sharply.
Use gwine ter eat now, honey" pro-
tested Aunt Beulah, weakly, for the
smell of the viands had whetted her
famished appetite. "Jes' as soon as
wait on yo'
Bring a plate and a cup and sau-
Ger and sit right down there yes, at
the same table with me. Beulah Lee!"
ordered Nancy sternly. Il know
mighty well that you didn't get this
food with the money | gave you!
You're my friend. Beulah; sit down
and eat-well, this once, anyway"
Aunt Beulah protestingly obeyed.
sitting on the edge Of her chair and
drinking eagerly Of the strong tea.
Miss Nancy, honey" she mum
bled. "yo's strong-willed and likely ter
have yo' own wayand yo' doan's
know yo' place jes' like Massa Frank
lax two peas!"
Nancy grew very pale and dropped
her knife and fork
Aunt Beulah," she quavered.
What made you speak of Francis
Day"
Il was t'inkin' erbout him." mutt
tered Beulah doggedly. Il was t'inkin'
II it come out dis-erway dat Massa
Frank want daid, nohow--and he
coined we're to see. US and said his
pah wuz daid an wouldn't objec, NO
noah to yo' and Massa Frank bein'
mah-ied nd-honey. doan yo' look at
me LAX dat"
ii Beulah sprang heavily around the
table and supported Nancy in her
stout arms. The girls white face fell
against the strong shoulder. and her
long dark lashes curled on her
cheek.
such dreams don't come true,
Aunt Beulah!" she sobbed.
Honey, 1t am come true!" said
Aunt Beulah, gently
Half an hour later Aunt Beulah
went downstairs and brought a very
impatient young man up to the little
rooms under the roof
Nancy. her cheeks aglow with hap
piness. swayed uncertainty in the
| doorway, as they came in. Francis