Deborah Camp Read Online Free PDF

the lantern with her to the front foyer. She looked through the side window and released a whoop of excitement. “I don’t believe my eyes! Mrs. Nation! It’s Mrs. Nation!” She lifted the bar and flung open the door with a happy laugh. “Whatever are you doing here? Did the judge come to his senses and release you?”
    “He did not. My bail was paid.”
    “By whom?” Lu asked, taking her turn to embrace the woman.
    “I don’t know. The person didn’t leave her name. Must be a shy admirer of mine, and I’m glad of it.” She wrinkled her nose. “The sheriff arrested a couple of our town drunks and threw them in the cell across from mine. They surely did stink up the place, but I prayed for them, all the same. Just like I always do.” Mrs. Nation flung out her arms and gathered in a great breath. “Ah, but it’s good to be home. I shall raise my voice in song to celebrate.” With that, she marched into the parlor, where her pump organ took up one wall.
    The women followed and joined her in a rousing chorus of “Rock of Ages,” although Reginawould have preferred something more lively from the old days when singing had put supper on her table.
    “Regina, you have such a beautiful voice,” Lu whispered.
    “Thank you. I love to sing, as long as I don’t have to sing alone in front of people. I find that quite unpleasant. Stage fright,” she added in a whisper, and Lu nodded her understanding.
    “How are you faring, Mrs. Beck?” Mrs. Nation asked Lu.
    “Oh, very well. My daughter and I are grateful for your hospitality.”
    “I hear that you’re staying next door with Regina instead of here in my home.”
    “Yes, ma’am. Regina was kind enough to offer me and Annie a room.”
    “Are we full up, Regina?” Mrs. Nation asked.
    “No, ma’am, but I was needing company, what with you being away and all,” Regina said, trying to explain the unusual practice of having them in her home. She thought about telling the truth, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. “When I rented the house it was with the understanding that it might be used for overflow.”
    Mrs. Nation nodded. “True. It’s good of you to be so generous with your home, Regina. With so many saloons open we’ll no doubt need the extra rooms. I see only hard times ahead of us.”
    “At least someone with a good heart came forward to pay your bail,” Bitsy said. “That sure enough is an answered prayer. We didn’t know how in the world we was gonna raise that kind money, Mrs. Nation.” She patted the woman’s shoulder. “But we was sure gonna try.”
    “How many others are here?” Mrs. Nation asked.
    “Three others besides me,” Bitsy said. “They’reall abed. They was worn completely out when they showed up this afternoon. A woman named Joy Edwards and her two children from over by Berryville. A more poorly group you never did see. Their breadwinner has been drinking up the household money and leaving them to hunt through garbage for food.”
    Mrs. Nation shook her head and clucked her tongue. “It’s a pity we can’t all be Christian soldiers.” She sat straight with renewed purpose. “Well, enough of this. I’m as hungry as a miner at the end of a long day. Lu and Bitsy, will you scamper into the kitchen and prepare something for this weary woman?” Mrs. Nation laid a hand over Regina’s. “I want to speak to Regina a few minutes alone and then we’ll join you.”
    “How does ham and eggs sound?” Bitsy asked.
    “Wonderful. Hot milk for me, too. All they serve in that jail is warm water and cold coffee.” She stroked Annie’s soft hair. “What a pretty girl you are. You make your mother proud.”
    “She’s the light of my life,” Lu agreed, taking her daughter’s hand and pulling her toward the kitchen.
    When they were alone, Regina leaned toward Mrs. Nation with unconcealed worry. “Is anything wrong?”
    “No more than usual.” Mrs. Nation twisted around on the piano stool and smiled at Regina.