The Portland daily press., 1876-04-24

dining room. But 1 suppose all of them
would either be afraid of the responsibility
or think it beneath them to turn cook;
though they would have plenty of help, and
earn $40 where they now get three"
"Who's here from Greenland?' I asksd,
for knew something of almost every one in
the place.
"Mary Lyford."
''Mary Lyford? A black-eyed. light-footed
girl about 20 years old, with two brothers in
Colorado and her father farmer over toward
Stratham?"
"Yes, the very same.
"Why. she's the prettiest girl in Greenland,
at least thought so two years ago, when L
danced with her at the Thanksgiving party
in the village; and / heard last fall that she
took the prize at the Manchester fair for the
best loaf of bread. But why is she here%
"Oh, you know farmers haven't much
ready money, and I suppose she wanted to
earn something for herself and come to the
beach like the rest of us. You say she took
90 into the dining room and propose to give
cooks place to any one of the girls who
would like il and who feels competent 10 take
it. l must Go something" and loo king at
his watch he went out.
Ten minutes later he came back, clapping
his hands and exclaimed:
"Mary Lyford says she'll try it.''
"Hurrah for Greenland" cried 1. "Isn't
that plucky? By Jove! hope she'll sue
ceed, and l believe she will.''
You mustn't expect much to-day" said
Norton. ''Things are all topsy turvey in the
kitchen and it will take some time to get
them Strengthened out"
Just then a new arrival claimed his atten-
tion, and with a serener face he turned
away.
Dinner was poor that day; supper was
little better. And, in spite of Norton's eau
ton, began to be afraid that Greenland was
going down. But the next marning what a
breakfast We had-juicy steaks, hot potatoes,
delicious rolls and corn bread, griddle cakes
that melted in your mouth, and coffee that
had lost none of its aroma in the making.
Thenceforth every meal was triumph. The
guests praised the cook and hastened to the
table at the first sound of the bell. Norton
was radiant with satisfaction, and was as
pleased as if had been landlord or cook my
self. Several times l sent my compliments
and congratulations to Mary; but she was so
| constantly occupied that 1 never had a
glimpse of her till the night before I was to
leave.
was dancing in the parlor and had just
led a young lady of the Matilda Land stamp
to her mamma, when saw Mary standing
on the piazza. went out shaking her cor
daily by the hand, told her how interested
had been in her success, and how proud I
was to find Greenland girl so accomplished.
She blushed and thanked me and said, in a
modest way. that she was very glad we were
all suited; and then Norton came up and
expressed his entire qualification with what
she had done. As she stood there in a white
pique dress, with a scarlet bow at her throat
and her dark hair neatly arranged, she looked
every inch lady.
'.Do me the favor, Miss Lyford." said I,
"to dance the next cotillion with me-"
"Ah! Mr.. Foster" she replied, looking
archly at Mr.. Norton, 'that isn't expected
of the help"
''The helpp' said, Indignantly. "You
are the queen of the establishment, and I
invite you to dance. and so does Mr.. Nor
ton."
"Certainly do,'' he answered. ''Go and
show the company that you are at home in
| the parlor as well as the Kitchen" So, smil-
| ing and blushing, she too my arm.
Didn't we make sensation when we went
in! Perhaps there was no fellow there with
in better social position," (you know the
| phrase) than I !; and had been quite a IA
vorite with the ladies'. You should have
| seen them when we took our places on the
| floor! Some laughed, some frowned, some
| whispered to their neghbors; but paid not
| the slightest attention to it at all, and Mary
| looked so pretty and went through the dance
| with such grace and dignity that before it
| was over 1 believe all regarded her with ad-
| miration. 1 didn't wait for comments, but
| escorted her out as if she had been the belle
| OF Boston.
"Good night, Miss Lyford," said, when
we reached the hall. 81 am going in the
morning; but 1 shall see you again wnen you
get back to Greenland"
"Good night, Mr.. Foster" she replied. 81
thank you for your Kindness" Then she
added laughing: "Have you any orders for
breakfast?'
| "Why, yes. / should like to remember
you by plate of such mullins as we had yes
| terday."
''You shall have them SIR" she said as she
disappeared in the doorway. And have
| them l did.
Three weeks later Mary came home to
Greenland with more than 800 in her purse
| and farm that was worth thousands.
went TO see her at her fathers house. T
| found her every way excellent and lovely !:
and the end was that at Christmas we were
| married.
| "Gloriousv' exclaimed. "Gve me your
| hand Tom! was afraid you had been
taken in by some Matilda Lane"
| "Doy you think Pm fool ?" said he.
Then told him of my own choice, and l
was still talking when the train stopped at
the Greenland station.
We soon arrived at his hospitable home.
His wife was all he had pictured her; re-
fined, intelligent, handsome woman, who
would develop and grow in attractiveness
every year of her life. After merry even
ing in their pleasant parlor / went to bed
| and dreamed that the millennium. had come,
and that all women were like my blue eyed
girl and Mrs. Tom Foster.