Part 25 (1/2)

”I never heard o' such a thing,” said Miss Mehitable. She had made her semi-annual trip to the city. The idea of going back again with no preparation was startling--and also expensive.

Ben perceived that if there were to be any initiative here he would have to furnish it.

”You don't expect to open the shop again until you have moved, do you?”

”No,” admitted Miss Upton reluctantly.

”Then you can take your time. Take these flowers upstairs, ask her what size things she wears, and hurry up and catch the train.”

Miss Upton brought her gaze back from its far-away look and she appeared to come to herself. ”Look here, Ben Barry, I'm not goin' to be crazy just because you are. Her clean clothes'll be all ready for her by night. I can buy her a sailor hat right here in the village and maybe a jacket. She's got to go to town with me. The idea of buyin' a lot of clothes and maybe not havin' 'em right.”

”You're perfectly correct, Miss Upton.”

The young man took out his pocket-book and handed his companion a bill.

”This is for your fares,” he said.

Miss Mehitable's troubled brow cleared even while she blushed, seeing that he had read her thoughts.

”I don't know as this is exactly proper, Ben,” she said doubtfully.

”Take my word for it, it is,” he replied. ”Let me be your conscience for a few weeks. I may not see you for a day or two. I have another little job of kidnapping on hand; so I put you on your honor to do your part.”

He was gone, and Miss Upton, placing the st.u.r.dy stems of the apple blossoms in a pitcher of water, carried them upstairs. She tiptoed into the room where Geraldine was in bed, but the girl was awake and gave an exclamation of delight.

”Have you an apple tree, too?” she asked.

”No, Mr. Barry brought these over.”

The girl's face sobered as she buried it in the blooms Miss Upton offered. Miss Mehitable looked admiringly at the golden braids hanging over the pillows.

”Do you feel rested?” she asked.

”Perfectly, and I know I have taken your bed. To-night we will make me a nice nest on the floor.”

Miss Upton smiled. ”Oh, I've got a cot. We'll do all right. Do you s'pose there is any way we could get your clothes from that fiend on the farm?” she added.

Geraldine shrank and shook her head. ”I wouldn't dare try,” she replied.

”Then you and I've got to go to town to-morrow,” said Miss Upton, ”and get you something.”

The girl returned her look seriously and caught her lip under her teeth for a silent s.p.a.ce.

”Yes, I know what you're thinkin',” said Miss Mehitable cheerfully; ”but the queerest thing and the nicest thing happened to me this mornin'. I got some money that I didn't expect. Just in the nick o' time, you see.

We can go to town and--”

Geraldine reached up a hand and took that of her friend, her face growing eager.

”How splendid!” she exclaimed. ”Then we will go and get me the very simplest things I can get along with and we'll keep account of every cent and I will pay it all back to you. Do you know I think this bed of yours is full of courage? At any rate, when I waked up this morning I found all my hopefulness had come back. I feel that I am going to make my living and not be a burden on anyone. It's wonderful to feel that way!”

”Of course you are, child.” Miss Upton patted the hand that grasped hers. ”But first off, you'll have to help me move. I've got a lot o'