Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1876-05-04

haps was unfortunate in my acquaintance;
but they seemed to me all curls and flounces
and furblows, and | would as soon have
thought of marrying fashion plate, as one
OF those elaborate creatures. | don't object
to style; | like it. But you can see fine
gowns and bonnets any day in Washington
street windows; and my idea of woman
was one whose dress was her least attraction.
''Do you recollect fathers former partner,
Adam Lane? He's a clever old gentleman
and millionaire, and father has the greatest
liking and respect for him. He has two
daughters-one married years ago; and the
other, much younger, father fixed upon as a
desirable wife for me. l rather think the
two families had talked it over together; at
any rate Miss. Matilda came to Greenland for
long summer visit She is an amiable girl:
but SO petted and spoiled that she's good for
nothing g-undeveloped in mind and body.
She looked very gay in the evenings, attired
in Jordon, Marsh & Co.'S latest importation.
But she was always late at breakfast, she
didn't care to ride horseback, she couldn't
take walk without stopping TO rest at every
stone; and once, when l asked her if she had
read the battle of Sedan, she looked up, in
her childish way, and said: No. Mr.. Fos-
ter. Newspapers are so tiresOme. Bless
me! what should l have done with such a
baby?
A year ago this summer was very much
confined at the store; and when August came.
instead of spending the whole month at home,
l thought l would have a change, and went
down for fortnight to the Cliff house, on
It's quiet, pleasant resort, and
you'll always find from fifty to one hundred
people there during the season. The land
lord is a good fellow, and distant relative
Of mine. thought he looked lurried when
went in, and after few minutes he took
me to one side and said
'Tom you've come at an unlucky time |
had a very good cook, that | got from Boston,
at $40 week; but she's high tempered
woman. Last evening she quarreled with
her assistants. this morning the breakfast
was all IN confusion, and now she is packing
her trunk to leave on the next train. In two
or three days can probably get another one
down in her place; but what we're to Go in
the meanwhile, don't know"
''But, Norton," said |, ''isn't there some
one in the house, or near by who can take t?'
81 doubt it. I've half dozen girls from
the vicinity doing upstairs work. of
them from your own town, the best waiter in
the dining room. But 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 $50
where they now get three"
''Who's here from Greenland" | asked. for
| knew something of almost every one in the
place.
''Mary Lyford"
''Mary Lyford? A black-eyed lght-footed
girl, about 20 years old, with two brothers in
Montana and her father farmer over near
Stratham?"
Yes, the very same.
''Why, she's the prettiest girl in Greenland,
1t least thought SO two years ago, when
danced with her at the Thanksgiving party in
he village, and | heard last fall that she took
The prize at the Manchester fair for the best
oaf of bread. But why is she here?"
"Oh, you know farmers haven't much |
'eady money; and | suppose she wanted to
earn something for herself and come to the
Beach, like the rest of us. You say she took |
he premium for her bread. l believe I'll 90 |
nto the dining room and propose to give
cooks place to any one of the girls who |
would like it and who feels competent to
axe it. must do something,' and looking
It his watch he went out.
Ten minutes later he came back, clapping
lis hands and exclaimed:
''Mary Lyford says she'll try it,
''Hurrah for Greenland" cried l. "lsn't
hat plucky? By Jove! hope she'll sue
eed and l believe she will"
''You mustn't expect much today" said
Norton. ''Things are all topsy turvey in the
itchen, and it'll take some time to get them
traightened out"
Just then new arrival claimed his atten-
ion, and with serener face he turned away.
Dinner was poor that day; supper was little
egan to be afraid that Greenland was going
own. But the next morning what break
ast was had-jucy steaks, hot potatoes,
elicious rolls and corn bread, griddle cakes
lat melted in your mouth, and coffee that
ad lost none OF its aroma in the making
'henceforth every meal was triumph. The
uests praised the table, and fastened to the
bile at the first sound of the bell. Norton
as radiant with satisfaction, and was as
ased if had been landlord or cook myself.
everal times | sent my compliments and con-
ratulations to Mary; but she was so con- I
antly occupied that never had glimpse
her till the night before was to leave. /;
[ was dancing in the parlor. and just led
oung lady of the Matilda Lane stamp to her
ANNA, when l saw Mary standing on the t
azza. went out, shaking her cordially t
7 the hand, told her how interested had ,
zen in her success, and how proud l was to '
I'd Greenland girl so accomplished. She l
ushed and thanked me, and said, in mod
t way, she was very glad we were all suit
; and then Norton came up and expressed e
s entire qualification with what she had +
me. AS she stood there in white piuue :
ess, with a scarlet bow at her throat, and =
+ dark hair neatly arranged, she looked Z
cry inch lady. v
''Do me the favor, Miss Lyford,'' said l. v
o dance the next cotillion with me- :,
''Ah. Mr.. Foster" she replied, looking -
chilly at Norton, ''that isn't expected of the Il
lp." g
ssThe heinz I said indirnantlv ssYnn e