Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1860-06-29


"There," thought Mr. Mellen, with
grim smile of satisfaction, II think that
will set matters right Madam will find
that am not so easily thwarted. No
Marmaduke Mellen is not to be frightened
by womans' vaporing, or inclined to sub
NIT tamely to petticoat government. I
would give something he thought, chuck
ling inwardly, ''to see how she will take
it when Bridget refuses to obey her, by my
direction. She will begin to find out who
she has to deal with then She doesn't
know Marmaduke Mellen yet p
The next day Mrs. Mellen, at the usual
hour, directed Bridget to serve up dinner.
"I can't ma'am," said the perplexed
hand-maiden.
Cant p repeated Mrs. Mellen, with
Bridget?"
''It's my directions of MASTER" she re-
piled.
"Then he has forbidden your following
my directions
Eyes ma am. He told me he should
not be home until four, and be would send
me away if l took up dinner before that
time"
Indeed" said Mrs. Mellen, coolly; she
is interfering beyond his province How.
ever, you are to obey me, not him. You
must take up the dinner now.'
HE will send me away if do" said
Bridget.
"And I will send you awayif you DON'T"
said her mistress.
"Och, what will l do?" exclaimed Brii-
get, in kludicrous dismay "It's turned
away I've got to be, anyhow, whether I
do it or not,''
"Better obey me, Bridget. If he
should turn you away, you shall be back
again in less than week, and meanwhile,
I will pay you wages; but if l turn you
away it will be for good"
It did not take long for Bridget to see
on which side her bread was buttered.-
Relieved from her embarrassment, she bus
tied about, and at the hour appointed, din
ner was upon the table.
At four o'clock, when Mr.. Mellen re-
turned, nothing was to be seen of the
dinner table This he hailed as good
omen. Locking triumphant at his wife
"You may order up dinner now, Mrs.
Mellen.''
DINNER !" exclaimed his wife, with an
air of surprise. Is it possible that you
have not eaten dinner, at four o'clock"
Have you eaten dinner!" inquired
Mr.. Mellen, in an appalling voice.
Certainly" said his wife, coolly con-
tinuing the work upon which she was en-
gagged. "The table was cleared up two
hours since"
"May l enquire if Bridget served up the
dinner?" asked Mr.. Mellen, with an ON
inous look.
"Of course you may.'' said Mrs. Mel
len. "What objection can have?"
Madam" said Mr.. Mellen, in a voice
Of thunder, enUugh OF this trining Did
Bridget serve up dinner?''
Really" said the mother-inlaw, you
should nod" but here her daughter
interrupted her.
"Good gracious, Mr.. Mellen," she ad-
ded, "you don't suppose / am deaf, do
you? could hear you very distinctly if
you spoke considerably lower. But what
was your question:"
''Did or did not Bridget serve up din
ner?"
"To be sure she did. You don't sup
pose I did it
"At two 'clock?"
Certainly"
Without more ado, Mr. Mellen rang the
bell violently.
Bridget speedily made her appearance.
Bridget said Mr.. Mellen, looking
daggers at his handmaiden, edo you rec
ollect my telling you yesterday that I
should not be at home to day until four?"
"Yes, sir.
"And that dinner was not to be served
until that time?"
eyes, sir.
"Then why" inquired Mr.. Mellen, with
an explosion of anger, "did you dare DISC
bey ~
Because" said Bridget-wbo, fully
confding in the promise Of her mistress,
was quite undaunted-" the misthre.s
tould me to-"
"Then you are to learn that am mas
ter, and that my commands must be
obeyed. dismiss you from my service.
Yes, sir, !" said Bridget, courteseying.
This instant. Do you hear?'
Eyes, sir. My clothes are ell packed,"
returned Bridget, with second courtesey.
Mr.. Mellen was little bewildered by
the composed demeanor of Bridget. He
had anticipated that she would burst into
tears, and, promising amendment, beg to
be taken back.
This be was fully resolved not to grant,
but, with Roman frmness, to carry out
bis sentence to the letter. Of this salts
faction, Bridget's coolness and evident
preparation to meet the consequences of
her disobcdience, deprived him. However,
he had the consolation of knowing that.
on this point at least, he had asserted his
authority.
He glanced g. Mrs MeIlen. She was
working steadily, without any trace of
emotion. seemingly quite unconscious of
what was going on.
Goodbye, ma'am,' said Bridget.
"Oh. goodbye, Bridget" !" she replied,
looking rp with an air of unconcern -
$50 you are going, are your"
Yes, ma am"
Perhaps you would like recommend
ation?"
q shall give none," said MIR. Mellen
hastily.
n