Virginia told the story of the community that differed little from the story of the whole frontier line of Kansas settlements in the early seventies.
“Do you have hope of help through Mr. Champers?” Jacobs asked. 113
“I don’t know what to hope for from Mr. Champers. He seems kind-hearted,” Virginia replied.
“I hope you will find him a real friend. He is pretty busy with a man from the East today,” Jacobs answered, with a face so neutral in its expression that Virginia wondered what his thought might be.
As she rose to leave the table, Mr. Jacobs said:
“I shall be interested in knowing how you succeed this afternoon. I hope you may not be disappointed. I happen to know that there are funds and goods both on hand. It’s a matter of getting them distributed without prejudice.”
“You are very kind, Mr. Jacobs,” Virginia replied. “It is a desperate case. I feel as if I should be ready to leave the West if I do not get relief for our neighborhood today.”
Jacobs looked at her keenly. “Can you go?” he asked. “I wonder you have waited until now.”
“I’ve never wanted to go before. I wouldn’t now. I could stand it for our household.” The dark eyes flashed with the old Thaine will to do as she pleased. “But it is my sympathy for other people, for our sick, for discouraged men.”
Jacobs smiled kindly and bowed as she left the room.