The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-07-17

widow. He hasn't done any thing but
his duty, and it isn't worth while to
hooray for him. But We'll have some
mince pies, won't wep"
eyes" said the widow, "but first
must pay my debts. I've borrowed all
over the neighborhood. Call Tommy,
and Press, and Julie, and Lucy, and
We'll all 60 to work. y
All! then there was busy time! Six
people with quart measures, pint meas
ures, bowls, pitchers, 'teacups and turn-
blers, went hurrying up street and down,
and across, and around corners, till the
last spoonful of s'the borrowed" was
returned.
Then the six went to work at the
mince- meat. There was the chopping
of the beef to a powder; the chopping
of the crisp apples, and of the
sticky citron and the creamy
suet; the stoning of raisins; the
grating of emon peel; the grind
ing and measuring of spices and all the
other etceteras. 1t was tedious work !;
but the boarders had mince-pies at din
ner the next day, while, snugly packed
in crooks, was at least a gallon OF sa-
worry mince meat.
Before there was time for another
strait in the widows affairs, board
money began to come in. But never
for one waking hour did she forget the
great relief that was brought to her in
that brand-new basket. Deep down in
her heart was strong, glowing graft
tude towards Mr.. Farmer. And one day
when she and Cousin Hannah were on
her into his store, that she might ex-
press her thanks to hims He was at the
counter, near the door, when they en-
tered.
ssI have come to thank you, Mr.
Farmer" she said directly, "for the
basket of nice groceries you sent me.
1t was very kind of you, and l have
brought you the bill for the plants re-
ceipted."
Groceries l sent you'll" he cried. Il
never sent you any groceries,
He was aghast, and so was Mrs.
Wiley.
"Well," Cousin Hannah snapped out,
eff you didn't send her groceries, you
had ought to-"
"There has been a mistake; some
body has made horrible blunder;" and
he turned and hurried back towards the
stove as though he was going to kill
himself, or somebody else.
"He's in a fidget and perturbation, -
Cousin Hannah commented.
He spoke to delivery who stood
by the stove.
"Do let's go before he eats u.s.
Cousin Hannah said, plucking at Mrs.
Wiley's sleeve. Mr.. Farmer was now
coming back to them.
Mrs. Wiley refused TO run away. 81
want to know all about the mistake, -
she said.
"Those groceries were meant for Mrs.
Wiley, who lives at the head of Pearl
Street." he explained. "You ought to
have known it. The deliverv-clerk made
mistake; he'll call for them. When
will you be at home to deliver them?''
"My sakes!" said Cousin Hannah,
how long do you s'pose things last in
boarding house, at Thanksgiving
time? How much of that basketful is
there left, Cousin Wiley?''
"Only little ginger" family an
swered the frightened woman.
"Send your delivery-wagon around
for it," said Cousin Hannah, getting
hold of Mrs. Wiley's arm.
They went off like Constable and
prisoner. At the door, Cousin Hannah
turned and said
81 advise you to make much of Mrs.
Wiley's receipt of the bill, for in heaven
you are not credited with paying it.
That widows debt stands against you
up there, and will keep on standing
against you, till you stop pouting about
that mistake and are glad of it from the
very bottom of your heart.''
Then the widow added, timidly-
"I'll stop at Mrs. Willey's, and ex-
plain that her goods were delivered to
the wrong house, and it may prevent the
loss of her custom to you.'
The grocer made no reply but worked
away at tidying up the counter. The
coming of Christmas, let us hope, found
him happier man; his wife had re
turned to him; and Mrs. Wiley, at the
head of Pearl, ordered her Chaistmas
groceries from him. And Mrs. Wiley,
at more humble part of Pearl Street.
also gave him an order for Christina.
groceries; and to these last he added
with his compliments, some nice punches
of celery, which were the cause of Cou.
sin Hannah's saying to him, in an in
side
Ell shouldn't wonder, Mr.. Farmer
1shouldn't wonder, at ali, if that old bill
is now receipted in heaven. "-Youth'!
Companion.