The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1914-01-06
Observation-Disclosures.
mrs. PEBBLES BABY

JdnlC0 F66Dl66 WdlCu0u In5lu u odlu-
lily. dolly, If one may use that word.
1t was wonderfully cosy in the old
sitting room. Her favorite low rock
er was drawn up beside the open fire,
and her sisters on the other side.
There were two small low three-legged
stands each covered with crocheted
mat, and on each mat an open work
basket.
On the pink and white rug lay Beau
ty. the Maltese cat. The warm cur
shades. Miss Dtnora was already
asleep, and the little stout wooden
clock on the mantel gave the time as
quarter Of nine, very late hours for
Durham Centre.
For 81 years the two PEBBLES girls.
as they we're still called. had
lived on peacefully in the home
stead, ON their modest allowance,
and the hum of the great world
never even reached them They
took the weekly farm journal
that their father had, and the monthly
magazine their mother had liked best.
And they had never had a quarrel or
a falling out" In all that time. They
held firmly to all family traditions,
and each had the greatest respect
for the other because she was PEBBLES.
Yet tonight Janice, the younger one.
felt vaguely lonesome. It was the
night before Thanksgiving, and she
did wish they had some real home
folks Of their own to visit back and
forth, and eat turkey.
Onora always said they would not
need turkey. SO they always had q
roast pullet Janice watched her sleep
ing for few minutes, and then went
to the window, and peered cautiously
out There was no snow, only great
bare windswept waste OF land under
the cold moonlight. Several lights
glowed over in the Adams house. She
was glad they had that rented at last
1t was the nearest house and 1t was
comforting to even see light near at
night
And all at once she clasped the cur
M
1t must be the cati But no-Beauty
purred on the rug before her and
there were no Others The sound came
again, ind louder. 1t was thin wall
on the night wind, and something in
its cry brought all the womanhood of
Janice UP to what she would have
called the fighting mark. She caught
a shawl from hook by the door, and
went hurriedly out to the porch entry
where the cry had come from. The
door was locked and bolted, but she
opened 1t, and even before 1t gave
way she knew that little hands were
beating 1t feebly
We'll, you poor little bit of a
thing" exclaimed Janice, bending to
lift her visitor. why, you're just q
snow bird, / declare
She brought her in beside the fire,
and undid the long knit wooden COM
forter that was wound about her head,
crossed on her breast, and tied be-
hind her back. About three she was,
very mite Of lassie, with tangled
blonde curis, and frightened blue
eyes, full of tears, and quivering red
face.
Lost" she kept saying, digging
her knuckles into her eyes. "Berties
losted."
mo. you're not, precious" COM
forted Janice, gathering her close to
her heart. Are you hungry. dearie?"
1t appeared she was most half
starved. Janice went out into the cold
buttery, and skinned of some cream
In bowl, then poured on 1t some boil
ing water from the singing tea kettle,
and found some biscuit to break up in
1t.
And all at once she heard Dinora
give a cry of establishment, sitting
bolt upright and staring at the
picture.
Land of rest" where did you get her,
Janice?" she asked.
"On the doorstep, sister; please
don't be nervous bit. She just came
to US, and it's blessing, too. Where
do you live. Bertief"
BERTHE was very busy with her sup
per, but she waved the spoon In a
general fashion. and said she lived
way of on the train
DO you suppose for minute that
she's Astounding? Dinora said
thoughtfully. I've heard of such
things. They leave them around on
doorsteps. We ought to notify the Sc
lectmen."
In Is minutes Janice's whole scheme
of life had been readjusted. since she
had felt those clinging baby arms
around her neck She spoke with firm
ness and dignity. and 1t was the first
time she had ever disagreed with her
sister.
Il think shall keep her. Dinora, my
self"
Keep herr You're out Of your mind.
child" Dinora said placidly. I'VE
couldn't have child cluttering up the
place. Where would she sleep. and
who'd tend herr"
Il would" Alphabetically, but dog
gedly she said it. I'D love to have
her and bring her up properly, too.
She's such little dear, Dinora.'
She's a slightly child, I'll admit"
Dinora put her glasses on to take a
better look. But her staying here
is out of the question. You don't mean
to adopt her. hope, Janice?"
Janice bowed her head. When the
baby girl finished her supper, a strange
silence had fallen between the two sis
ters. 1t was their first disagreement.
Janice undressed the little unwelcome
guest, warmed her bare pink toes be-
fore the fire and wrapped her Ia a
blanket, grooming her of to sleep.
You act perfectly dairy, Janice Pee
bles," Dinors said once, Indignantly.
Il do believe you're getting feeble
minded"
No. I'm not" smiled back little
Miss Janice. happily. Il guess maybe
I've made a mistake all these years,
and should have been married and had
children. / know now why / felt so
lonesome. I'm going to adopt her,
and she shall stay here. too, for It's
my home as much as yours. and Ia
Their left 1t so.''
Then l shall remove my belongings
to the south side of the house, and you
and this child may live on this side"
"Dinora's head was shaking bit ner-
vously, but she was In dead earnest
I'm amazed at you, Janice. and your
selfshness."
Selfishness? laughed Janice. IF
you hadn't kept at me I'd been married
years ago to Jim Springer"
BERTHE sat up suddenly, her face
bright with interest.
Papa? she asked, lisping prettily.
Me BERTHE Springer"
For the land of rest!" murmured
-