Part 23 (1/2)
”I don't mind that, if I only had things to do with,” said Katy, who was busy disposing of the provisions which Harry had bought.
As soon as the kettle boiled, she made tea, and prepared a little toast for her mother, who, however, was too sick to take much nourishment.
”Now, Katy, you must eat yourself,” interposed Harry, when all was ready.
”I can't eat,” replied the poor girl, bursting into tears. ”I don't feel hungry.”
”You must eat.”
Just then the children in the trundle bed, disturbed by the unusual bustle in the room, waked, and gazed with wonder at Harry, who had seated himself on the bed.
”Poor Susy!” exclaimed Katy; ”she has waked up. And Tommy, too! They shall have their supper, now.”
They were taken up; and Harry's eyes were gladdened by such a sight as he had never beheld before. The hungry ate; and every mouthful they took swelled the heart of the little almoner of G.o.d's bounty. If the thought of Julia Bryant, languis.h.i.+ng on a bed of sickness, had not marred his satisfaction, he had been perfectly happy. But he was doing a deed that would rejoice her heart; he was doing just what she had done for him; he was doing just what she would have done, if she had been there.
”She hoped he would be a good boy.” His conscience told him he had been a good boy--that he had been true to himself, and true to the n.o.ble example she had set before him.
While the family were still at supper, Harry, lighting another candle, went down cellar to pay his respects to those big logs. He was a stout boy, and accustomed to the use of the axe. By slow degrees he chipped off the logs, until they were used up, and a great pile of serviceable wood was before him. Not content with this, he carried up several large armfuls of it, which he deposited by the fireplace in the room.
”Now, marm, I don't know as I can do anything more for you to-night,”
said he, moving towards the door.
”The Lord knows you have done enough,” replied the poor woman. ”I hope we shall be able to pay you for what you have done.”
”I don't want anything, marm.”
”If we can't pay you, the Lord will reward you.”
”I am paid enough already. I hope you will get better, marm.”
”I hope so. I feel better to-night than I have felt before for a week.”
”Good night, marm! Good night, Katy!” And Harry hurried back to the stable.
”Where have you been, Harry?” asked Abner, when he entered the ostler's room.
”I have been out a little while.”
”I know that. The old man wanted you; and when he couldn't find you, he was mad as thunder.”
”Where is he?” said Harry, somewhat annoyed to find that, while he had been doing his duty in one direction, he had neglected his duty in another.
”In the counting room. You will catch fits for going off.”
Whatever he should catch, he determined to ”face the music,” and left the room to find his employer.
CHAPTER XV
IN WHICH HARRY MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A VERY IMPORTANT PERSONAGE