Medoline Selwyn's Work

see how pleased the Larkums was over their share: I give 'em good measure, I tell you,"

, and I've not got better pay for anything for yea

e give, you

of the blessing the preacher says over us before we g

hat it is more blessed t

Mr. Winthrop might do more for them. Anyway there's no one gives more for the poor in t

mas. He has never been among the poo

ou think, and the

r. I could always remember my lessons at s

I wish there was more rich folks like you

treat myself charitably as well as my poor acquaintances. The dinner bell rang at last, and I went down with some trepidation to meet my guardian. My conscience confronted me with my repeated words of insubordination during the day, commanding me to apologize for my rudeness; but instinct with

hey were on leaving. I think they would have t

rmidable. Indeed, I quite pitied you; for you see

the widow Larkum's baby cooed so

hild of amazing

emark, not very relevantly, about the prospect of our early

t tender-eyed widow and her infant. Is i

ven now acquainted with h

ss for widows. Mrs. Blake seems

hrop, if she was poor and sorrowful. The wheel of fortune m

the retort which fell un

es to that afflicted individual; though the prospect

axman interposed desperately. "I think Mr. Winthrop had better

; she might get entangled wi

unmarried," I murmured below my breat

ly. I believe you would find them more fascinating th

surprised, but very politely handed me a chair. I bowed my thanks, but did not sit down; I stood opposite him with only the study table between us. I was nervo

d or Vanderbilt, I should say your means were limited; but, on the other hand, to measure your

eft after my board and

not take boarders; it has nev

not eat any man's bread without paying for

money wherewith to

iving as well as Esmerelda. My knowledge of French and

that I will not permit my ward to w

omething beside, to help the poor, can you

them has caused this mercenary fit. I am glad to inform you that there is a snug sum l

" I said, rather incoherently; "and then, if there

omise matters. You can name whatever sum you choose for your board, a

if I accepted his terms, would I not still be a debtor to his hospitality? I spoke at last, knowing that his eyes were reading my fac

girl, I believed too much would be an injury. Since, however, you are now a young lady grown and gifted

be my o

ion over the way you spend it, so long as your Mill Roa

meaning. Will it be the

s of hands since then; in fact, it may be lying in the bottom of the sea. I did no

said, desperately. He looked down more gently from his superior hei

ell paid for all you cost me, if we descend to the vulgarity of dollars and cents, in having a bright, original young crea

, just behind me. In my terror I attempted to climb a fence, but fence-climbing was a new accomplishment, and in my ignorance and fright, I dragged myself to the top rail and then fell over in a nerveless heap on the other side. The crowd were too self-absorbed to notice the crouching figure divided from them by a slight rail fence, and went shouting on their way until stopped by the other crowd. I waited until they had got to a safe distance, when I arose and sped swiftly along over the damp grass until another fence intercepted my progress; when fortunately I remembered that just beyond this fence was a low marshy field, with deep pools of water. By some means I again got over the fence, bruising my fingers in the effort. The voices were growing fainter in the distance, and now with calmer pulses, I proceeded on my way to the Blakes'. But a new alarm awaited me; for I recollected Daniel would be at home now, and Tiger, his constant companion, would be somewhere in his vicinity. The dog was a huge creature, capable of tearing me to pieces in a very s

he might have skeered you to death," Daniel said, as he went o

I and not the dog who was to blame," I gasp

he's been offered fifty dollars for him, but

at unusual hour, so I hastened to explain, and asking her would she go with me to the Widow Lark

t for women folks. It's a mercy you tumbled over the fence. My! w

r know, if I can

Tiger and the lantern. They're all afr

d Daniel. He came in presently

ul blow; a leetle more an

ve him a bone and rub the

begged. "I want to ma

hands on him. He don't

nd I idly resolved Tiger should have a good solid dinner t

aused you so much pain," I said, giving him

Daniel sai

d," his mother said.

serted, he gnawed his bone and let me stroke his sh

; and Dan'el, you get the lantern and we'

hard day's work in the mill he would willingly, no doubt, h

el, I insisted on going home alone once we had got beyond the precincts of the Mill Road. I met with no further adventure, and reached my own room in safety, fondly hoping no one in the house was aware of my evening's ramble, and one that I determined should never be repeated.