The Washington times., 1919-03-26
CHAPTER II.
BROOkHOLLOM.

subdued light fell on a freckled
cheek where dark lashes rested, on
a slim neck and thin shoulders
framed by a mass of short. curly
chestnut hair. - .sr.
Though was still dark, the
mill whistle was blowing for s
o'clock. Like a goblin horn it
sounded ominoUsly through Ruhan-
nah's dream. She stirred in her
sleep: her mother stole across the
room, closed tie window, and went
away carrying the candle with her.
At the whsle blew again: the
child turned over and unclosed her
/ eyes. A brassy light gIimmered be-
F tween leafless apple branches out
side her window Through the
frosty radiance OF sunrise a blue
jay screamed.
Ruhannah cUddled deeper among
the blankets and buried the tip Of
her chilly nose. But the gray eyes
remained wide open and, under the
faded quilt. her little ears were
listening intently.
Presently from the floor below
came the expected summons:
"Ruhannah,"
NOh, please, mother.
It's after r.
u know: I'll be ready in time.s
Its after :. Rue"
I'm so cold, mother dear
- closed your window. You may
bathc and dress down here"
"B-r-r-r' 1 can see my own
breath when l breathe
Come down and dress by the
litchen range" repeated her moth
er. I've warm water all ready
for you
The brassy light behind tho trees
was becoming golden: slim blush
shadows already stretched from
the base of every tree across frozen
fields busted with srow.
Black Cat Enters Room.
As usual, the lank black cat came
walking into the room, its myster-
ious crystsI-green eyes brilliant in
the glowing light
i. .. Listening, the child heard her
father moving heavily about in the
adjoining room.
Then, from below again;
"Ruhannah,"
I'm going to get up, mother"
Rue. Obey me-
I'm up, I'm on my way" She
sprang out amid A tempest Of bed
clothes, hoped ginEcrly across tho
chilly carpet, seized her garments
IN one hand, comb and toothbrush
in the other. ran into the hallway
and pattercd downstairs.
The cat followed leisurcly, twitch-
ing A cOsl-bIacll tail.
Mother. could l have my break
fast first? I'm so hung ry--
Her mother turned from the range
and kissed her as she huddled close
10 il. The sheet OF zinc underneath
warmed her bare feet dehEhtfuIly.
She sighed with satisfaction. looked
wistfully at the coffee pot simmer
ing, shifted at the biscuits and siz-
zling ham.
Gould l have one little taste be-
fore i"
Come. dear. There's the basin
Battle quickly. now"
Ruhannah frowned and cast a
tragic glance upon the tin washtub
on the kitchen floor. Presently she
stole over. tested the water with
her finEer-tip. found it not Unreas-
onably cold. dropped the nichtdress
from her frail- shoulders. and step
ped into the tub with a perlunctory
shiveT a thin. ovcrCrowu child of
fifteen. with pipcstcm limbs and
every rib anatomica1ly apparent.
Her heir. which had been crop
ped 10 SnouIder icncth. seemed to
turn from chestnut 10 bronze fire.
cleaning and cracking unde~ the
"omb which she hastily passed
through it before twisting it up.
Quickly buI thoroughly" said
her mother. Hasten. Rue"
Ruhannah seized soap and sponge.
=aspcd. shut her gray eyes tightly.
and fell 10 SCTuOoinS with the fury
OF despair.
Don't splash. dear
Did YOU warm my towel. moth
er:' biindly stretching out one
thin and dripping arm.
Her mother wrapped her in a big
crash towl from head TO foot
Dresses BY the Fire.
Later. pulling on stockings and
shoes by the range. she managed
20 achieve d buttcred biscuit At the
same time. and was already betray-
ing further designs upon another
one when her mother sent her TO
set tho table n the SittinC-rOm.
ThIth"r Sauntered Ruhannah.
partly dressed. still dressing.
BY tho nickel trimmed stove she
completed her to'let. then hastily
laid the breakfast cloth and ar
ranged the china and plated table
ware and filled the water pitcher
Her father came IN on bis
clutches: she hurried from
the table. syrup jug in one ham.
cruct in the other. and lifted her
face % be kissed. then she brought
hot plates. coffee pot and pIatters
and seated herself at the tabI-
where her father and mother were
waiting in silence.
When she was seated her father
folded his large, pallid. bOny hands.
her mother clasped hers on the edge
Of the table, bowling her head; and
Ruhannah initiated them. Between
her fingers she could see the cat
under the table, and she watched
arch it's back and gently rub
against her chair
For what we arc about To re
coive. make US grateful Eternal
Father This DAY we should go
nIT2rr eN"cpt TO- TGv bounty.
Without pTcsuminE to importune
Thee. may We ask Thee Ia remen-
Der all who awake hungry on this