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"But Maggie KNOWS a lot about the Blaisdells," she added, brightening; "so she could tell you lots of things about when they were little, and all that." "Yes. But that isn't er " Mr. Smith hesitated doubtfully, and Mrs. Blaisdell jumped into the pause. "And, really, for that matter, she knows about us NOW, too, better than 'most anybody else.
When he was twenty-seven he was making about nine hundred a year, spending it all as it came, and owed more than five hundred dollars. Then he met Shirley Lord. It was at a dinner given by the Jim Blaisdells, whose guest she was. Mrs. Jim introduced them. "Shirley dear, this is our Davy Quentin. As a special favor to each of you I'm putting you together to-night.
"Well, of course Maggie had to come home right away. None of the rest wanted to take care of him and Maggie had to. Of course, none of the Blaisdells wanted the care of him and he wasn't their father, anyway. Frank was wanting to marry me, and Jim and Flora were in school and wanted to stay there, of course. So Maggie came. Poor girl! It was real hard for her.
"N-no," she admitted reluctantly, "except that that you'd be doing right." "But WOULD I be doing right? And another thing aside from the mortification, dismay, and anger of my good cousins, have you thought what I'd be bringing on you?" "Yes. In less than half a dozen hours after the Blaisdells knew that Mr. John Smith was Stanley G. Fulton, Hillerton would know it.
Oh, yes, I'll admit I still feel like the small boy at the keyhole, at times, perhaps; but I'll forget that when the children begin to dance. And, really, never have I seen a bunch of people whom I thought a little money would do more good to than the Blaisdells here in Hillerton. My only regret is that I didn't know about Miss Maggie Duff, so that she could have had some, too.
He knew, for a fact, that she had refused to accent any of the Blaisdells' legacy. Miss Maggie, however would have none of it. Mr. Smith suspected that Miss Maggie was proud, and that she regarded such a gift as savoring too much of charity. Mr. Smith wished HE could say something to Miss Maggie. Mr. Smith was, indeed, not a little disturbed over the matter.
He made a farewell call upon each of the Blaisdell families, and thanked them heartily for all their kindness in assisting him with his Blaisdell book. The Blaisdells, one and all, said they were very sorry to have him go. Miss Flora frankly wiped her eyes, and told Mr. Smith she could never, never thank him enough for what he had done for her.
"You'll git 'em back, 'Mandy, won't ye?" she repeated, smiling a little and wiping her eyes. "That's a good gal! So't we can tell what time 'tis." Amanda led her into the kitchen, and established her by the window. She shut the door of the denuded sitting-room, and, giving her courage no time to cool, ran across lots to the Blaisdells', the hated money clasped tightly in her hand.
But she told me not to go to the Gaylords or the Pennocks, or any of that crowd, for she wouldn't have them know for the world that we had a relative right here in town that had to take in sewing. I told her they weren't her relations nor the Blaisdells'; they were mine, and they were just as good as her folks any day, and that it was no disgrace to be poor. But, dear me! You know Hattie.
But he didn't do anything worth while with them, so far as I can see, when he was living, so that's why I can't imagine what his will may be. Probably the same old perfunctory charities, however, with the Chicago law firm instead of 'James' as disburser unless, of course, Hattie's expectations are fulfilled, and he divides them among the Blaisdells here."
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