The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-10-30
TRI-WEEKLY EDITIO,

anything. knew, too, that she had means
and servants at her command, while had
neither, and dreaded to receive her in such
Il manner, more than | could tell, many'u
suffering sister will readily comprehend.
What with my hasty dressing, l knew my
checks were flushed, and my hair tumblcd.
But it was too late to wait, SO ran down,
and stood fire during the introduction as
well us could, quite conscious that instead
OF appearing my best l was appearing my
worst, rs even Charley could sec AS soon
ns possible l excused myself, saying, by
way of apology, that was not expecting
Charley, and must prepare dinner in haste.
"Pray don't put yourself to any trouble, I"
said Mrs. Liston, politely.
cit is no trouble at all, " as politely re-
piled, feeling, rs l went to the kitchen, thut
that small speech was ut least tib, for l
was almost at my wits end to know what
to do. A happy thought struck me!
Oysters!
~ 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. bcthought myself of half
cake, which luckily had. That nicely
sliced, in my silver cake basket, would an
swcr 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, atlorn-
ing it with cluster of fresh chrysanthc-
NUNS, and with what glass and silver
possessed, 50 that it looked very neat and
pretty. That, at least, Mrs. Lston could
not find any fault with, even if she were
disposed to do So
Charley had said hurry, and hurry l did.
AS speedily as possible l 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 were chatting gally, and an
nounccd dinner. Then that awkward
Charley must put his foot into it, man
fashion, by saying:
"My little wife is a famous cook.
hope you have good appetitcs."
"Indeed I have; travelling always makes
me hungry, replied Mr.. Liston, rising.
made some laughing reply, and led the
way to my little dinner. '
"Ah, oysters my favorltcs," sad Mr..
Liston.
l was glad to hear that, but my heart
sank when Mrs. Liston declined TO take
any, saying she never ate them.
81 am SO sorry" said, flushing. s'But
L will poach you couple of eggs"
'15y no MEANS" she said pleasantly. 81
shall Go very well with one of these rolls
and cup of coffee"
And when l insisted, she was obliged to
say she never ate eggs.
was at loss what to propose then, so
I ceased to press the matter. Meanwhile
had poured the coffee.
handed the cups, but I knew by the
aroma which reached my nostrils, that,
though tolcrablc, 1t was not nearly as good
as usual, for in my haste I had made it too
weak, was specially mortified at this, rs
pridcd myself on my good coffee.
81 won't apologize, thought, proudly.
But my pride fell the next instant, when
Charley, having tasted his, made a queer
face, and then tasted again.
ttITb,y T ;,,;o ,,l,,t al, -,>,,. - o33
he asked.
Tears Of modification rushed to my eyes,
but Liston said kindly:
''Tut, tut, there arc worse things than
weak coffee In this big world"
Of course, as had no girl was Obliged
to remove the plates and bring on the des7
scrt myself. That, at least, was nlco.
But when went into the pantry I barely
suppressed a scream of horror. Mrs.
Deans big gray cat had jumped into the
window, and was contentcdly munching
my cake. With frantic haste dashed her
off and rescued what she had lcft.-only
six thin little slices. They looked so for
lorn In the large basket that would not
put them on in that way. consigned
them to small glass dish and without a
word OF apology put them upon the table !;
for my blood was up now, and l vowed I
would apologize no more.
The apples were nice, and we finished on
them rs well as we could
For my sake Charley tried to appear very
gay, but l saw he was deeply mortified,
and did not pity him half as much as
might. think I Twas quite cxcusable when
| said to him, after that dreadful dinner
was over and our guests were gonc:
"Charley, If you over bring company
again without letting me know first, I'll
never forgive you. And I'll order dinner
from the nearest restaurant, and leave you
the bill to pay"
But that stupid Charley "can't sec why
1t need worry me"
Good Word for the Pipe. a