Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1872-12-20

SCH, NOW, Master / ON, we snail sec
who wins tic field"
Sine set quietly about the usual morn
ing work of house where only one SER
tant is kept; and when Tom came home
to lunch everything was in its usual good
order. 1t remained 50, and Nellie busicd
herself with her ncedlcworl; until nearly
time for Tom to return to dinner.
Then she arose, put away her work,
and prepared, as she said to herself, to
open the campaign"
First she put Toms slippers where he
always left them. under the sofa. Then
she tossed his shawl upon the piano, and
and his hat on the table. Then she
brought some Of her dresses, and flung
them across the chairs and on the sofa.
Her furs rcposed inTom's own especial
armchair, and her best bcnnet kept Toms
slippers company under the sofa, while
her oWn slippers lay upon the chef
fonier.
And thinking that feminine ingenuity
could make no greater sacrifice that her
Sunday bonnet, she took piece oflcroch-
ct work and sat down
Presently the door opened, and in
walked Tom. lie gave low whistle Of
surprise as he glanced at the unwontcd
disorder, and at Nellie sitting calmly in
the midst with her crochet work, and
| then came into the room.
| /" Havn't been putting to rights,
/ Nellie ?" he asked
/ No, no. Why?" said Nellie look
/ ing up in sweet Inconsistencies.
II thought may be you had been,
that's all, = remarked Tom, dryly as he
looked for place to sit down.
| Nellie quietly pursued her work
Presently Tom said, Paper come
this evening p
g Not yet" answered Nellie.
Tom gave a half sigh.
+" Nellie, met Granger just now, and
he said he would call around this evena
ing
very we'll. Probably he won't
come before dinner. 1t will be ready
soon" said Nellie, working away in de-
mure innocence.
. Hadn't sou better put things to
rights before he comcs? said Tom glanc-
ing uncasily around the room.
"Oh, no. just let 'cm lie, answer
ed Nellie, swectly.
" But they look 30 bad" said Tom.
"Oh, no they don't" said Nellie, as
swcctly as before "A thing looks as
well in one place as another
Toms face rcddoncd.
:" never saw your room lool; like this
before" he said hcsitatingly. ~
shouldn't like to have any one to step
| in"
Why not?' said Nellie. eve
might as we'll keep things handy
What's the use Of having house if you
can't keep things whore you want to y
Toms face got redder and rcddcr. --
lie r ID to look serious, and thea broke
out into a laugh.
= Oh that's your game is itY' he
said Trying to beat me with my own
weapons are you little woman p
9 Well, don't you like the plan y said
Nellie demnrely y
No, by George ] don't!' said Tom
j" Well then, I'll make bargain with
you. As long as you will keep your
things in their place, I'll do the same
with mine, whenever you don't -"
"Oh. ! will p interrupted Tom
q Come Nellie, I'll confess like man
you've beat me this time. Only just put
things right in this awful room, and III
never throw anything down again -
There now, let's kiss and make it up, as
the children say"
Nellie rose, and laughingly held mp
her sweet mouth for kiss Of peace. And
then under the magic influence Of her
def fingers confusion was suddenly ban
ishcd and when Mr. Granger came
round to spend the evening, he decided
that nobody had prettier home than his
friend Tom Carter.
Wise little Nellie having gained pos
session Of the matrimonial field, took
good care to keep it until Tom was quite
cured of his careless habits. Sometimes
he seemed threatened with relapse
but Nellie, instead of scolding, only had
quietly to bring something OF her own
and lay it beside whatever he bad tossed
down, and it was sure to be put away
Immediately, for Tom seldom failed to
take the hint.