The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-09-19
Select Story.
OUT AND AT HOME.

their neghbors, the Joneses, in a friendly
way. Mrs. Harris came over early, bring
ing her crochet work, and the ladies had a
pleasant chat before the gentlemen came in
to supper. They were both from their bust.
ness offices, but just as if there was no such
thing as business cares those worrying ones
which often darken mans brow as he en-
ters the door of his 'ain fireside..
| Your husband is always so jolly and
good natured. 1t must be quite pleasure
to live with him. said Mrs. Jones to Mrs.
Harris as they went to the table.
YES, replied Mrs Harris, with a slight
hesitation, for she remembered-well, GER
tain little things which happened at home
now and then.
| I'm afraid the the tea is not strong
enough remarked Mrs Jones, as she passed
Mr.. Harris his cup. DO you find it agreea-
BILE, Mr.. Harris p
oh, ightful-delightful madam re-
turned Mr.. Harris, with bland smile.
Strong tea is hurtful to the nerves, and
keeps one awake at nights, think
This won't, at all events thought Mrs.
Harris, as she slipped the tssteless fluid in
her cup.
Have bit more Of the steak, Harris? I?
said Mr.. Jones. 'Mollie, seems to me this
is little scorched.'
Yes it is,' admitted Mrs. Jones. L did
not have very good luck with it this time.
am very sorry, too.
'Oh, it is very nce-very nice, indeed,
returned cordial Mr.. Harris. Il think l will
take another bite, Jones. If there is any
thing like, it is steak just bit scorched
Thank you no more of the gravy. These
are very fine biscuits, Mrs. Jones. l believe
l must send my wife over to take lessons o.
you in cooking
Mrs. Harris looked up, in some surprise
and blushed a little, but did not say &
word.
She knew she was a better cook thar
Mrs. Jones and at home Mr.. Harris was no
accustomed to be so very polite.
Mrs. Jones was greatly f1attered. You're
very good, I'm sure she simpered. 4 car
generally cook but it seems to me l alway'
have the very worst luck, when | hay,
company
Mrs. Harris thought Mrs. Jones had me
with bad luck this time. The cake wa
heavy and the preserves had soured ; bu
Mr.. Harris praised everything and declared
he had enjoyed his supper immensely.
1T he would only be as pleasant as that a
homep sighed little Mrs. Harris as she walk
ed through the streets with her husband at
ter they had taken leave. of their friends
But she knew it would be useless to say
word. Coaxing would be lost in this cas-
scolding never accomplished anything
However, her womans wit set to work +
find some way to teach that husband of her
lesson, and after a while the way wa
. found
The next evening supper was ready whe
. Mr.. Harris came home, and it was just a
, near AS could be counterpart of the SUP
! per at Jones that day before. Weak tel
scorched beefsteak, biscuit only moderate
heavy cake and sour preserves. But Mr.
Harris was all calm and serenely uncor
;, scous.
Come, Mamie, George, supper is read.
= and papa has come said, calling the tw
e children, who came boucning in from the
K play.
Hope you got something good. Pm av
ful hungry, Master George exclaimed whi
gentle little Mamie answered him.
j. Use 'shamed of you, George! Mama
" suppers are always good Mamma sa
a. nothing, only poured papa cup of tea.
= 'Humph is this tea or dishwater p W
his remark as he tasted it.
You told Mrs. Jones strong tea hurt yol
said Mrs. Harris, quietly.
Um-well-yes, l did = said Mr.. Harr
somewhat taken aback. But | don't mel
such stuff as this. The steak is burned, Ia
Il isn't fit to eat--such trash 7