Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-10-15


as possible | excused myself, saying, by
way of apology, that / was not expectin.
Charley, and must prepare dinner in haste
pray don't put yourself to any trouble,
said Mrs. Liston, politely.
at is no trouble at all, | as politely re
Piled, feeling, as went to the kitchen, tha
that small speech was at least fib, for
was almost at my wits end TO know wha
to do. A happy thought struck ME!
Oysters.
a regular dinner was not to be thought
of, but most people were very fond OF
oysters. knew Charley was, and could
prepare them well. They were to be had
opposite, and | was not long in getting
them, either. | bethought myself of hall
a cake, which luckily had That nicely
sliced, in my silver cake basket, would an.
swer for dessert, with some apples which
bought with the oysters. Really, should
not do so badly for an impromptu occa.
sion.
My spirits rose as | set the table, adorn-
ing il with a cluster of fresh chrysanthe-
NUNS, and with what glass and silver ]
possessed, so that it looked very neat and
pretty. That, at least, Mrs. Liston could
not find any fault with, even if she Were
disposed to do 50.
Charley had said hurry, and hurry did.
As speedily as possible had everything
ready on the table and the dessert arranged
ON shelf by the open pantry window, so
that could put it on at once
Tired, flushed, nervous, and doing my
best not TO look cross, | went to the parlor,
where they We're chatting gaIiy, and an
nounced dinner Then that awkward
Charley must put his foot into il, man
fashion, by saying:
''My little wife is a famous cook. i
hope YOU have good appetites."
''Indeed have; travelling always n,akss
me hungry" replied Mr.. Liston, rising.
made some laughing reply, and led the
way TO my little dinner.
''Ah, oysters.-my favontes,' said Mr..
ListOn.
| was glad TO hear that, but my heart
sank when Mrs. Liston declined to take
any, saying she never ate them.
Il am so sorry l said. flushing. ''But
| will pOach you a couple of eggs"
''By no means" she said pleasantly 81
shall Go very well with one of these rolls
and a cup of coffee"
And when insisted, she was obliged to
say she never ate eggs.
was al loss what to propose then, so
| ceased TO press the matter. Meanwhile /
had poured the coffee
| handed the cups, but knew by the
aroma which reached my nostrils, that,
though tolerable, it was not nearly as good
as usual, for in my haste had made it too
weak, was specially mortified at tins, as
prided myself on my good coffee.
Il won't apologize, | thought, proudly.
But my pride fell the next instant, when
Charley, having tasted his, made queer
face, and then tasted again.
why, Lizzie, what ails Your coffee I"
he asked.
Tears of modification rushed to my eyes,
but Liston said kindly:
''Tut, tut, there are worse things than
weak coffee in this big world"
OF course, as had no girl l was obliged
to remove the plates and bring on the des-
sert myself. That, at least, was nice.
But when | went into the pantry barely
suppressed a scream of horror. Mrs.
Deans big gray cat had jumped into the
window, and was contentedly munching
nv cake With frantic haste | dashed her
off and rescued what she had left-only
six thin little slices. They looked so for
lorn in the large basket that | would not
put them on in that way. l consigned
them to a small glass dish and without a
word of apology put them upon the table; /;
for my blood was up now, and l vowed l
would apologize no more.
The apples were nice, and We finished on
them as well as we could.
For my sake Charley tried to appear very
gay, but | saw he was deeply mortified,
and did not pity him half as much as |
might. | think was quite excusable when
| said to him, after that dreadful dinner
was over and our guests were gone:
''Charley, if you ever bring company
again without letting me know first, Ill
never forgive you. And I'll order dinner
from the nearest restaurant, and leave you
the bill to pay"
But that stupid Charley cant see why
it need worry me.