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

''Oh, see here, Lizzie, shan't he home
to dinner to-day; there's a lot to do at the
Office, and I'll not come home"
This speech came from my lIege lord,
Charley as he popped his head in at the
front door, after he had started to his
business.
"All right" said l.
The head popped out again, and | added
to myself:
'Mighty glad of it. won't have any
dinner TO get, and l will have a good day to
work up stairs"
So cleared away the breakfast, tidied
up the rooms, and after that took myself off
up stairs.
We had not been keeping house very
long, and | made it rule not to let things
become soiled by using, but to keep them
clean and fresh. But up stairs there were
certain trunks and boxes that needed reno
waiting: some of the summer clothing was
to be packed away, and the winter wear
got out and made ready for use.
| tied a handkerchief over my head to
keep out the dust, pulled trunks and boxes
out Of the closet, and set to work. l was
in the very midst of it when ] heard foot
steps at the front door, and directly 1t
opened. 1t was Charley, | knew, for he
had a latchkey and was accustomed to let
himself in. / jumped to my feet.
Charley, and not a sign of dinner. l
exclaimed. He SAID he couldn't ceme.
What can have brought him."
The sound of voices, as | stood listening,
assured me of what Charley had brought
Visitors, and IN snch a plight. Charley
came running up stairs, with his face IN Il
glow. =,
.'Why, why, little woman, what all
,bis2 | couldn't find you anywhere down
stairs. Isn't it dinner time p
..Yes. Charley, but you said you were
not coming home, and didn't want any
thing for myself"
e.WeIl. II wasn't. But who do you
think met 7"
81 don't know, I'm sure.
..It was Liston and his wife. They were
ON their way to a hotel, but of course l
wouldn't allow that. l just brought EN-
home with me to dinner"
have no doubt there was a spice oi
IRONY in the tone in which | answered,
calmly:
"Yes, see you did. Well, l hope you
also remembered to stop at the butcher
and send in something for them to eat.
oWeIl. declare, little woman, 1 forgot
the butcher. But daresay you can scare
mn something. Only hurry, for they Ve
only an hour or so to spare. They're oil
again this evening"
knew it was of no use to say to man,
ssWby didn't you send me word Ii
wouldn't teach HIM to send it next time
SO only said
"Well, 90 down and entertain them' anc
I'll come as soon as l can change my dress.
Charley obeyed, and l hurriediy dreSseu'
not in the pleasantest mood
They were old friends of Charley ant
Ihad looked forward to meeting them VIII
,,oasura but l knew Mrs Liston wa
aroted as the very pattern of all pat'eri
housekeepers, lever Hurried or put ou' pl
anything. knew, too, that she had had mean AN
neither, ,, and dreaded to receive her IN sue,
man manner, more than could tell many
suffering sister will readily comprehend
Tvh.t with my hasty dressing, knew m; ;
oha.rs were flushed. and my hair turnoieu
d.. !, uos too late to wait, so / ran down
and stood fire during the introau''ion .
well as | could, quite conscious that lns'ea' si'
or appesring my best was appearing III!