The Wishing Star Read Online Free Page B

seemed—the evening shadows were tagging the heels of late afternoon.
    Jenny hurried down the lane. Any excuse to go into town was a treat. If she scooted about her task, there’d be time to mosey home, to stare in the shop windows and watch the people.
    For the time being she hastened her steps, passing the saloon, the dry-goods store, the sheriff’s office, and the tiny little log building they called the lawyer’s office.
    Just as she was passing that office, studying it curiously in her usual fashion, the door flew open. She sidestepped to avoid running into the young man who rushed out in front of her.
    â€œOh, beg your pardon, ma’am.” He spun around, then with a laugh he corrected himself. “You’re not ma’am, you’re Jenny, aren’t you? Remember me? I taught school one day for Lemuel.”
    Jenny nodded, “Mr. Cartwright. ’Twas the day Joe Smith wrestled all the big boys and you wouldn’t take him on.”
    â€œThat’d make the newspaper. ‘Substitute teacher wrestles student!’ Seemed wisest not. You think I couldn’t handle him?” The man grinned down at Jenny, and she realized he wasn’t much older than Tom.
    Silently she shook her head. “What does that mean?” he demanded. “Could or couldn’t?” But Jenny just shrugged. She saw only his shiny shoes and the white shirt knotted with a silk tie. Overcome with shyness, she dropped her head, hugged the bundle close, and quickened her steps.
    He kept pace with her. After a moment of silence, he said, “Jenny, you have a good mind. The best reader in the bunch. I hope you get to stay in school.”
    She stopped in the middle of the path, “Oh, yes; but why ever wouldn’t I? Is teacher leaving?”
    â€œNo—” The word was drawn out, hesitant, and Jenny watched his face. He frowned as he studied her. “Do you have books at home to read?”
    â€œOnly one. It’s Pa’s, and he ain’t too keen on me readin’ it. Sometimes when he’s gone, I snitch it. Ma pretends she doesn’t see; otherwise she’d be in trouble with me.”
    â€œIf you’re careful with it, he wouldn’t object.”
    She was shaking her head. “You don’t know Pa. I even wash first. Just as long as he doesn’t smack Ma, I’m willin’ to risk the strap.”
    They walked on in silence until finally he asked, “Where are you going?”
    She raised the bundle. “Ma’s been sewin’ for Mrs. Harper. She says it’s about like one hog scratchin’ another’s back, but she doesn’t mind. It brings in money.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œHe’s nothin’ but a peddler. Mrs. Harper should be doin’ her own duds, not wastin’ money like a fancy lady gettin’ someone else to do her sewin’ for her—”
    â€œMark, you heading for the Harpers’, too?” They both turned and watched the young man approach.
    â€œYes. Michael saw the sheriff leave in a hurry, so he sent me to snoop around. Trust an attorney to have a nose for news.” Jenny hesitated shyly and then walked ahead of the two as they began to talk. Their voices dropped and Jenny quickened her steps.
    â€œJenny,” Mr. Cartwright called. She turned and he stepped forward, saying, “Ah—couldn’t you deliver that dress tomorrow?”
    She shook her head. “Ma’ll skin me. I’m to get the money tonight.”
    He hesitated and shrugged. With an apologetic glance at his companion, he muttered. “Could be just gossip.”
    â€œLike as not.”
    The three of them had just turned up the lane leading to the Harpers’ when a horse cantered toward them. The rider sawed on the reins and said in a low voice, “Go on up, she’ll need all the help she can get, poor soul.” They watched him dig his heels in the horse.
    Cartwright