The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-10-06

j.
Would you like TO sec her room ?"
"Well, yes, / don't care if | do" said
Walter, who had come home in an excep-
tionally good humor; and taking little
Lulu upon his shoulder, the child growing
with delight, he followed his wife up stairs,
thinking that very probably he might be
able to suggest some improvement. 1t
was his way rather to suggest alterations,
than to speak well Of what was already
done "Don't you think you've looped
the curtains too low?" he queried. "Aud
kn't it rather childish TO tie them with
blue?"
~ thought blue was your fayorte color, -
said Bessy, who had fancied her arrange
ment of the one bay window a MASTER
piece.
eyes; but-you see the hanging basket
in the centre being necessarily composed
of green plants and vines, making the con-
trast unpleasant" "
"True enough" said Bessy, with the
least possible tinge of sarcasm 10 her voice.
81 might have lOoped them with green.
But then, you see, have draped the .toi-
let with blue; and the carpet, happening
to be blue and fawn, perhaps tho contrast
might have been still more unplsasant.
Shall take the basket down." You
know you said your aunt was fond of
plants" sa ~
Perhaps, if she is, she may not like
them in her bed room. However, let the
thing be, he added, graciously. 81 would
loop the curtains foot higher, though. -
"And spoil it all, /" said Bessy, almost
petulently, for she often of late found her
self inclined to "shas" under the constant
succession of mildly irritating. criticisms,
in which her husband indulged
"No-render the effect hundred times
prettier. But no matter. | am man,
and | suppose my opinion goes for moth
ing. Still, | would like to see the curtains
changed"
Little Lulu, meantime, applauded her
mothers handiwork with loud exclama.
tions. "Pitty, pittyl" she cried, pursuing
up her rosy mouth, and clappiug her baby
hands, as she looked from point to point.
Wouldn't blue have looked better upon
the bed?' asked Walter, whose wide CLAN
ces could find no fault in all the other
arrangements.
sit seems to me white is more appro-
priate,' Bessy made answer; "but if you
prefer the blue, l will put it on"
"Most decidedly said Walter, delight
cd with this concession knew the room
wanted something, and that was it. | am
sure you will be better pleased yourself
IT won't be much trouble. You've all day
tomorrow, and particularly want Aunt
Pruc to be pleased. From what | have
said Of you, she will have no ordinary ex-
pectations as to your taste and ability. So,
do me the honor"
1t was always me with lordly Walter
Allison. Bessie looked up in the face of
her tall, handsome, stalwart husband, as
he stood there, 50 kingly in his beauty, the
loyel ly babe still smiling from his shoulder;
one chubby arm encircling his neck; one
dimpled, white-fngered hand hidden in his
luxurious whiskers.
Superb in his royal privilege as dictator
and commander, how could he fathom the
expression of that too pale, yet tender face,
whose sweet serenity his thoughtlcss fault
finding so often clouded? And yet he
was grieved that moment because he so
seldom praised her.
The next day Aunt Prue came pune
tually at seven in the evening. Bessy, the
baby, everything looked charming by gas
light. As to Aunt Prue, Bessy's first
longing was to fall on her bosom, and feel
herself encircled by such an embrace as
she fancied her mother would have given
her; for Bessy' mother had been in heaven
many years.
Aunt Prue was very weary, being unus-
ed to travelling, and declined supper, tax
ing only cup of milk, and retiring i'm
mediately.
"How do you like her? asked Walter.
every much. l am sure l shall love
her dealry, before long"
81 think you will Has she not lovely
face? She is not as beautiful as my
mother was, but she has always seemed
like a mother to me. We must try to
make her visit enjoyable. The only thing
tremble about is the table-the fare.
OF course, you will do the best you can,
but there is knack about these things, |
might almost say genius, which only the
favored few possess. was glad she de.
clined the supper; she is so very particular
about her tea. dread to-morrow's din
ner more than | can tell 1t will be New
Yoar, and We ought to have something
fine"
"Why should you dread it?" asked
Bessy, looking up.
"0h, l am sure you will do your best.
believe you always do your best, he re-
pcated, in a way that intimated quite
plainly "but that best is so poor |"
Bessy smiled, but he did not see her.
"You think | am very particular about
my food, he went on, await till you
taste some of Aunt Prue's dishes, and you
will understand why. Food well cooked
and assimilated has much to do with the
spiritual, as well as the physical being of
man. 1t makes the monster good natured
too. Why, | have tasted bitter cup Of
coffee all day, and likely as not, been cross
to my clerks on account Of it. So YOU
see how much depends on the cuisine.
Now, suppose we make out bill of fare.
The next morning, at breakfast, Walter
made a wry face three times, aud quite as
many excuses for everything that was ser.
we'd. Aunt Prue said nothing, though she
enjoyed her meal. But she took mental
| notes.
Bessy did not look as well by daylight;
an expression of fatigue pervaded her
whole being. The baby had been restless;
Walters way evidently annoyed her. She
had worked too hard at this well arranged
breakfast.
al will go, now, and make up New
Years calls, said Walter, as he rose from
the table. "That win give you, Bessy and
Aunt Prue, good long morning together"
ut isn't possible that you do all the
cooking" said Aunt Prue, as the two wo
men left the dining room, Bessy holding
the heavy baby.