La Junta tribune., 1914-05-02
CHAPTER /.
Miss Polly


morning, Miss Polly did not usual
ly make hurried movements. she spc-
cially prided herself on her repose Of
manner. but today she was hurry
ing--actually hurrying.
Nancy. washing dishes at the sink.
looked up ia surprise. Nancy had
been working In Miss Polly's Kitchen
only two months. but already she
knew that her mistress did not usual
ly hurry.
Nancy"
''Yes. ma'am.' Nancy answered
cheerfully. but she still continued
wiping the pitcher in her hand.
Nancy, Miss Polly's voice was
very stern now-''when I'm talking
to you. wish you to stop your work
and listen to what | have to say"
Nancy flushed miserably, She set
the pitcher down at once. with the
cloth still about IL. thereby nearly
tipping II oyer-which did not add to
her composure.
Eyes. ma'am: will, ma am" she
stammered, rtghting the pitcher. and
turning hastily. Il was only keepin'
on with my work cause you specially
told me this mornin' TO hurry with
my dishes, we know"
Her mistress frowned.
''That will do Nancy did not
ask for explanations. ! asked for
your attention.
Yes. ma'am." Nancy stilei a
sigh. She was wondering II ever In
any way she could please this wo-
man. Nancy had never worked
out" before: but a sick mother sud
denly widowed and left with three
younger children besides Nancy her
self. had forced the girl into doing
something toward their support, and
she had been 30 pleased when she
found a place In the kitchen OF the
great house on the hill Nancy had
come from "Th. Corners" six miles
away. and she knew Miss Polly Har-
rington only as the mistress of the
old Harrington homestead. and one
Of the weai.hiest residents OF the
town. That was two nionths before.
She knew Miss Polly now as n stern.
xcvere-faced woman who frowned II
n knife clattered to the floor. or II a
door banged-but who never thought
tn smile even when knives and doors
were still.
when you've finished your morn
Ing work. Nancy" Miss Polly was
saying now. you may clear the lit
tie room at the head OF the stairs In
the attic. and make up the co, bed.
Sweep the room and clean IL. of
course. after you clear out IN.
trunks and boxes"
Yes. ma'am And whcr. shall I
put the things, please. that take
OUT"
In the from, attic" Miss Polly
sa'Ns@ah'As NflA VII NuDpoNf
may a. we'll tell you now. Nancy.
My niece. Miss Pollyanna Whittier.
is coming TO live with me. She Is
eleven ycarS old. and will sleep In
that room
"a little girl--oominE here. Miss
Harrington oh. wont that be
niee'" cried Nancy. thinking OF the
sunshine her own little sisters mad.
In the home At The Corners"
"Nioe' Well. that isn't exactly
the word should use.' rcloincd Miss
Polly. stiffly. However. I intend
Go make the bcs, OF it. of course.
am good woman. hope: aud |
know my duty"
Nancy colorcd hotiy.
"of course. ma'am: IL vas only
that thought n little Girl here
might might brighten things up
for you" she faitercd.
Thank you" r.joined IN. lady.
dryiy. Il can't say. however. that l
see any imm.diat. need FOR that
But. OF course. you--you'd want
her. your sisters ehiid.'' vcntur~d
Nancy. vaguely feeling that somehow
she must prepare q welcome for thi.
lonely little stranger.
Miss Polly lifted her chin haught.
ily.
well. really. Nancy. Just because
] happened to have . sister ~ho vas
saily enough 10 marry and bring IN.
nscessary chiidren Into . world that
was ALREADY quite fuii enough. can's
- how ! should particularly waas
% have the care Of then myself.
11evsvss. - ! said before. ! hops I
hnow ~ dusy. Sse that yeu eisas
~ corssra. Nancy ~ fiaishs1
oAarply, O. aho lett The ruom.