Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1914-12-31
The Hunts Happy Day
A NEW YEAR STORY.
From Christian Intelligenccr.
BY Ernest Gilmore.

teNe apouA IL, observed MT. Rlcharu
Hunt, as he came in rather noisly. stamp
ing the snow from his boots, but l like
1t. So cold and bracing."
Mrs. Hunt. who was sitting near an open
fire, laughed.
II like the house best such a day as
TINS, she said, shivering a little. II don't
believe Ia be willing to face the cold,
even for the sake of the bracing."
Il think heard you say you were going
to see old Mrs. Helfer today" Mr.. Hunt
remarked, as le seated himself comfort
ably. Have you changed your mind?'
Yes. I've changed my mind. I did tell
you that was going to see her, but III
have to wait until some other day. Poor
old Mrs. Helfer."
rs she sick 2"
Yes"
And l suppose she's very lonely since
her daughter died."
Yes"
Il shouldn't wonder IL she has a con-
tinual struggle to make both ends meet
since that disastrous bank failure?"
I don't believe she does make the ends
meet. ! feel very sorry for her"
But not quite sorry enough for you to
day." teasingly.
Some other day will do az well-will 1t
not she questioned, wondering at his
persistence.
Not &c she needs you today. Come, get
GU your wraps and III go with you"
Why. Richard Hunt. what's got into
you? / thought you never liked to go call
ing, especially at such places"
You thought right, my dear smiling
pleasantly. but can you tell me what
there Is to prevent my turning over a new
leaf on New Years day."
She laughed,
1T would be a good idea" she said.
Wen, then. encourage me In it."
s l will
She arose at once and was soon ready
10 race the storm, with a basket on her
arm.
What's in it"' MIR. Hunt asked, as he
relieved his wife OF the basket.
sugar and spice and everything nice"
she quoted.
a little maid opened the door when they
reached Mrs. Helfer's. To Mrs. Hunts
question as to how the latter was the
child answered:
Shes not very we'll, ma'am," and then,
lowering her voice to a confidential whis-
per, Il guess she's awful lonesome. She's
bin crylng-I saw her"
The weary old face frightened when lit
tie Polly led the callers in, but both Mr..
and Mrs. Hunt were observant and read
between the lines that the dear old
lady was not only sorrowful but troubled.
J wish you a Happy New Year said
Mrs. Hunt, taking the thin old hands in
a close grasp.
Happy New Year" MI. Hunt echoed,
ms greeting as cordial as his wife's.
"Ihank YOU" responded the old lady
warmly, and | wish you both a Happy
New Year"
we mad a fine turkey for dinner today"
sald MI. Hunt, land ] rather think nv
wife brought you a piece uncovering the
BASKET, YES, sure enough, here 1t isl"
NOW Dick said his wife, you've
made Eour speech; sit down, please.n
He sat down with a Sigh, pretending to
feel hurt. He looked so comical that Mrs.
i%ielfer's spirits arose SO far that she
aughed.
i am greatly obliged to you both for
remembering me-" she said. TIN going
10 confess that I've been longing for some
turkey ror a week and now here 1t Is"
The trio chatted pleasantly for n little
While and then Mr.. Hunt arose suddenly.
I've thought of an errand or two" he
sala. You two can have the floor to YOUR
selves until i return. III not be gone
long. de met the small maid in the han.
Polly, he said, Il don't want to PRIV
into Mrs Helfer's affairs, but I'm really
ANXIOUS TO know If she has everything
she needs. She's an old friend, you know.
and a friend of my mothers. Does she
need anything, oily?
Yes, SIR, deed she do: but she didn't
say so. She amt no complainer-that,s
what she amt. She amt had no coffee
Since--Since--'
on, Polly, talk fast. Since wben?.
Since her money took wings am few.
dunno where 1t flew to, but that's what
someone said-it few, an she don't hey
butter no more. ] wanted TO tell the gro
Ger boy we was out, but Mrs. Heller she
say: No, not now. Polly; some other
time
H.I+ 3oo..,+ --
II DOESN'T seem hardly warm enough
in the house, Polly. Do you have plenty or
coal"
That's what we don't. sir" she s,id
with decision. VEIN jess about out
guess by to-morrcr ttll be all gone Miss
l~ieifer's amos Il shakin' with cold some
times. She had two shawls aroun' her
when you rNng the bell, but she took EN-
Off"
Mr.. Hunt had heard nough-ou,t
enough.
Poor, dear old soul!' he said ia him
self, as he went out on his ministerinp
journey.
He kept his promlse-he was not gone
long. He put a bunch of bright carna-
tons INTO the old lady's hand and then no
time To move on"
Poiiy let them out OF the front door Pc
turning to the room, she found the old
lady IN a rapture Of joy. There were tears
In her eyes, but she was srnilin. Tbe
fragrant, rosy carnations were Still in
her hand, On a low char besire her was
the basket the Hunts had brought.
Look, Polly she cried. in a plee that
was like a child's.
And Polly looked and laughed. What she
saw vas a plate of sliced turkey. aainty
biscuit, a print Of butter, a mince pie. a.
frosted plum cake, oranges, grapes. nuts,
raisins and candy.
oh. N.Y. cried Polly, what n fine
New Year We do be havin' after ali,'.
Presently the groccr's boy delivered a
heavily filled basket and a message
Tell yer missus Buck Bowers sed he'd
be here tomorrer morning at s o'cloc,
sure
What for?" asked the amazed Polly
What for?f mockingiy. Why. to bring
the load O. coal, Of course"
"Oh. my gracious. j b'l.cve there's
fairies a~round'--l do So" and after clos
ing the door on the grocer's boy Polly felt
inclined to stand on her head by way of
celebrating the delightful new state Or
things.
She left the basket standing In the hall.
as It was too heavy for her to attempt to
carry, but she could smell the coffee and