The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1869-05-06

mother is ill?'
"We do our own cooking Anson
replied, with a return of that shalf-
smiling, half-embarrassed expression.
e We cook for ourselves, or do with
out"
The day succeeding the one which
witnessed this conversation, Anson
was at homo busying himself over
some culinary operations, when the
outside door, which stood ajar, was
noiselessly opened, and singularly
attired form presented itself on the
Threshold. 1t was red and green
plaid dress, the checks very large ). a
yellow shawl, and very frowsy and
tumbled white bonnet A red feather,
nearly as long as Anson's arm, stream
ed from one side, and.within the brim
| Topped the immense frill of a cap,
which clung close around the face of
the stranger. The face, what could be
seen of it, was very curious one to
be inside of such q bonnet and cap
just now, as she surveyed Anson and
the kitchen, herself still unseen, the
muscles about her mouth twitched
nervously, and her eyes twinkled with
roguish brightness.
Presently Anson looked that way
Instantly the face took lugubrious
length, and coming into the room, said
insinuatingly, but without looking al
at him:
can would We be hirin' a servant
to-day?" and stood fidgeting with the
fringe of her shawl.
"I believe not" said Anson, color.
ing with some annoyance, perhaps al
the nature of his employment.
Sure, sir, an the lady that sint me
God bless her swate eyes said you'd
be sure to take me on the recommend,
alton which has in my pocket; and
here it is now."
proved to be from Barbie Halstead.-
Anson read it with very lovelike care
fulness, but shook his head.
81 am very sorry, my good girl
but we do not wish to hlre servant.
"Belike your father mayn't objec
whin he sees me" the girl persisted.
Anson looked at the soiled white
bonnet, and the red feather, and re
pressing q smile, wondered what hi
father would say. But he was OF too
kindly nature to be willing to eX
pose even this servant to his father
rough manner. He repeated what HI
had said before, assuring her that i
would be of no use to see his father
The girl stood moment.
eff ye plaze sir, I'll jest see him I
moment. Belize he may take q likin
| to the looks o. me-"
And before he could reply, she hat
crossed the room and stood upon th'
Threshold of the next. Anson fol
lowed presently, curious to see Wha
sort of reception she would get.
ashore, an I'll do more'n I'm wortl
to yes" she was saying, with imocen
emphasis as Anson entered. Sh
talked rapidly, pouring out such
torrent of words, that the old mai
could not, by any possibility, slip on
in among them, and sat regarding he
with an expression of the most ludi
crous astonishment.
This remarkable volatility com
pletely baffled the old mans slowness
He could not say word if lie wishe,
to, and when she concluded at las
with, 81 kin make flap jacks and cor
bread that 'u'd bring the very eyes ou
iv yer head, and make We swalloy
your tongue with deliciousness."
If he had a weakness, it was fo
fap-jacks and corn bread. He coul
only twirl his thumb in delicious awe
and asked her with cunning smile
much she expected to get for doing a.
, them things.
"Siventy-fve cints awake" was tn
prompt reply.
, With still more cunning laugI
!, Joel offered her half the money!
, Greatly to his amazement, she agree
at once, and he found himself, to us
his own expression, Gin for it." T
: add to his chagriR. Anson stood b,
} laughing with intense enjoyment.
) But the girl, without further ado
proceeded to disencumber herself c
: bonnet and shawl, and vanish in th
direction OF the kitchen before any
thing could be said. AS she shut th
door, she stole "a glance at Arson ths
made him start and bite his lips, an
presently he stole kitchenward also.-
She was already at work, handling th
broom like an adept, grumbling in he
rich brogue that the dust had accumu
lated in the corners; for the cxtont c
Anson's and fathers sweeping ha
: been to brush the middle of the room
somewhat to the disadvantage of til
5 rest.
: She did not look up as Anson ell
r tered; but he sat down deliberatel
= and furtively watched her. For som
l time she seemed unconscious of thi
! scrutiny but she presently turned
clasping both little hands upon the to
l of the broom handle, with mixtur
: of bravado and archness, too nature
:, to be mistaken.
: "Well, Anson, what do you think
8 The youg man laughed and locke
7 annoyed at the same breath.
l "Then it is you, Barber" he sale
: :" / was expecting something of tn
sort.
r "Not till l looked at you,' said tn
a girl, roguishly, retreating as he al
preached.
: "Do you think this is quite tn
: thing, Barbie?"
&C Shuro on, 1vlx, o;,,,+ ~ +1,o +b;,,,