The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-13
That Chicken-Pie.

m F there is anything in the world that
IL Mr.. Fitzrobiuson of Columbia street,
Washington, loves more than another, that
thing is chichen-pie. They always have it
Of a Thursday for dinner. A protracted
meeting has been going on in our new
church ever since the dedication. Mrs.
Fitzrobinson said she wanted to have few
of the visiting brethren dine, with the fam
lily some day, and so it was arranged that
they should come on Thursday, Six of
them were invited, and Mrs. Fitzrobinson
said she and her mother would take oyster
pie, and she knew well enough one of the
brethren would take the same, so that the
chiclsen-pie would go around nicely and
leave piece for Peleg. Mr.. Fitzrobinson
felt little dubious on that score, but he
said nothing, trusting to a desperate
chance.
Thursday came, and with it the six
shepherds. The memory of dedication
night still ranked in Fitzrobnson's bosom,
and he felt not kindly toward anything an
innate or inanimate connected with that
church. Well, the chicken pie came on
smoking and savory, awakening pleasant
anticipations in Fitzrobinsons digestion.
With it came an oyster-pie, cutting it in
six pieces, as directed by Mrs. F. He had
a grim presentiment that each particular
piece was whispering maliciously, "I'm
not for you," and the strange concert made
him thoroughly uncomfortable. lie helped
the ladies to oyster-pie, remarking its de-
licious flavor, and throwing in neat COM
pliment to Mrs. F.'s skill in this branch of
culinary art, and then proceeded to serve
the chicken-pie.
Being interrogated on that point, the
Rev. Mr.. Solemface signifed his preference
for chicken-p:e. A look of settled sorrow
crept over Fitzrobinson's massive features
as he parted with the first piece.
81 don't know whether it's fancy of
mine or what, but it seems as though the
oysters this season were better than ever
before. Haven't you observed it, my
dear?" to Mrs f.
Mrs. Fitzrobinson admitted that she had.
"Mr Meek, may help you to some of
the oyster-pie ?' he asked with most win
ming grace.
"Thank you," rejoined the gentleman
blandly, "Tll try bit of the chicken-pie,
if you please"
81 knew it," thought Fitzrobinson, los
ing faith momentarialy. "Just see if
every one of 'em don't take chicken-pie.
] hope Old Testament IL get thigh-bone
crosswise in his windpipe-I do, SO help
me-
"My dear" observed Mrs. F., sweetly,
"you're spilling the gravy on the cloth"
This didn't help Fitzrobinson's mood in
the least. "She's chafin' me, " he thoughts
"confound the luck p
Mr.. Sleek, l take it, you'll try some of
the oyster-pie ?" to that gentleman in any
thing but gentle tone.
A little of the chicken-pie, by your
leave" was the soft reioinder.
Fitzrobinson glared at him, and every
sayory spoonful wrung his heart to the
very core. He felt like pouring the con-
tents Of the gravy-dish over his shining
crest. He gave him the plate back and
turned to the next guest.
"oyster- pic, sir ?" loftily, carving a nice
large piece, and remarking that Washing
ton beats the world for Cherry-stones. i
81 think I'll try small piece, very
small piece, of the chicken.pie," answered
the Rev. Mr.. oilyjohn, with captivating
smile.
~ beg your pardon, did you say oys-
ter" almost rudely. tN
Mrs. Brownsmith, Fitzrobinson's mother
by marriage, whispered in the reverend
gentleman's ear that Fritzrobinson was
little deaf.
"Ah p he CALCULATED, how unfortunatep'
And at the top of his voice to Fitzrobinson,
81 said chicken y
Il wonder who that can be making such
a racket" observed Fitzrobinson sarcastic
ally to his wife, pretending to listen, and
thinking fiercely all the while 81 reckon
the blamed old chicken-slayer thinks Pm
deaf and dumb. | wish l was, and blind
too" Fitzrobinson thought it in his des-
peration.
While Fitzrobinson was helping the Rev.
Mr.. oilyjohn, the gentleman inquired
low tone of Mrs Brownsmith, :" Has he
given attention to religion ?" referring to
Fitzrobinson.
Mrs. Brownsmith was forced to admit