And Lois Ann would
while away the long hours by story and song. It seemed to her there was
but one thing to do--and Nella-Rose did it! She fled to the woman whose
name Truedale had barely heard.
It took her three good hours to make the distance to the Hollow and it
was quite dark when she tapped on the door of the little cabin. To all
appearances the place was deserted; but after the second knock a shutter
to the right of the door was pushed open and a long, lean hand appeared
holding a lighted candle, while a deep, rich voice called:
"Who?"
"Jes' Nella-Rose!"
The hand withdrew, the shutter was closed, and in another minute the
door was flung wide and the girl drawn into the warm, comfortable room.
Supper, of a better sort than most hill-women knew, was spread out on a
clean table, and in the cheer and safety Nella-Rose expanded and decided
to take the old woman into her confidence at once and so secure present
comfort until Truedale came back to claim her.
This Lois Ann, in whose sunken eyes eternal youth burned and glowed, was
a mystery in the hills and was never questioned. Long ago she had come,
asked no favours, and settled down to fare as best she could. There was
but one sure passport to her sanctuary. That was--trouble! Once
misfortune overtook one, sex was forgotten, but at other times it was
understood that Miss Lois Ann had small liking or sympathy for men,
while on the other hand she brooded over women and children with the
everlasting strength of maternity.
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