Read Online L. Frank Baum_Aunt Jane 01 by Aunt Jane's Nieces - Free Book Online Page A

passing on, but Beth stopped her.
    "Come into my room," she said, and led the way.
    Martha Phibbs followed reluctantly. Miss Jane might already be awake
and demanding her services, and she could not imagine what the young
lady wanted her for.
    But she entered the room, and Beth went to a box and brought out a
bottle of lotion.
    "Mother has the same trouble that you complain of," she said,
practically, "and here is a remedy that always gives her relief. I
brought it with me in case I should take long tramps, and get sore
feet."
    She gently pushed the old woman into a chair, and then, to Phibbs'
utter amazement, knelt down and unfastened her shoes and drew off her
stockings. A moment later she was rubbing the lotion upon the poor
creature's swollen feet, paying no attention to Martha's horrified
protests.
    "There. Now they're sure to feel better," said Beth, pulling the worn
and darned stockings upon the woman's feet again. "And you must take
this bottle to your room, and use it every night and morning."
    "Bless your dear heart!" cried Phibbs, while tears of gratitude stood
in her faded eyes. "I'm sure I feel twenty years younger, a'ready. But
you shouldn't 'a' done it, miss; indeed you shouldn't."
    "I'm glad to help you," said Beth, rinsing her hands at the wash stand
and drying them upon a towel. "It would be cruel to let you suffer
when I can ease your pain."
    "But what would Miss Jane say?" wailed old Martha, throwing up her
hands in dismay.
    "She'll never know a thing about it. It's our secret, Martha, and I'm
sure if I ever need a friend you'll do as much for me."
    "I'll do anything for you, Miss Elizabeth," was the reply, as the
woman took the bottle of lotion and departed.
    Beth smiled.
    "That was not a bad thought," she said to herself, again starting for
the gardens. "I have made a firm friend and done a kindly action at
the same time—and all while Cousin Louise is fast asleep."
    The housekeeper let her out at the side door, after Beth had pressed
her hand and kissed her good morning.
    "You're looking quite bonny, my dear," said the old woman. "Do you
feel at home, at all, in this strange place?"
    "Not quite, as yet," answered Beth. "But I know I have one good friend
here, and that comforts me."
    She found a path between high hedges, that wandered away through the
grounds, and along this she strolled until she reached a rose arbor
with a comfortable bench.
    Here she seated herself, looking around her curiously. The place
seemed little frequented, but was kept with scrupulous care. Even
at this hour, a little way off could be heard the "click-click!" of
hedge-shears, and Beth noted how neatly the paths were swept, and how
carefully every rose on the arbor was protected.
    Elmhurst was a beautiful place. Beth sighed as she wondered if it
would ever be hers. Then she opened her book and began to work.
    During the next hour the click of the hedge-shears drew nearer, but
the girl did not notice this. In another half hour James himself came
into view, intent upon his monotonous task. Gradually the motionless
form of the girl and the plodding figure of the gardener drew
together, until he stood but two yards distant. Then he paused, looked
toward the arbor, and uttered an exclamation.
    Beth looked up.
    "Good morning," she said, pleasantly.
    James stared at her, but made no reply save a slight inclination of
his head.
    "Am I in your way?" she asked.
    He turned his back to her, then, and began clipping away as before.
Beth sprang up and laid a hand upon his arm, arresting him. Again he
turned to stare at her, and in his eyes was a look almost of fear.
    She drew back.
    "Why won't you speak to me?" enquired the girl, gently. "I'm a
stranger at Elmhurst, but I want to be your friend. Won't you let me?"
    To her amazement James threw up his hands, letting the shears clatter
to the ground, and with a hoarse cry turned and fled up the path as
swiftly as he could go.
    Beth was really puzzled, but as she stood silently looking after