American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-08-09

introductions as well as l could, quite
conscious that instead of appearing my
best was appearing my worst, as even
Charley could see.
As soon as possible excused myself,
saying, by way of apology, that 1 was
not expecting Charley, and must pre-
pare dinner in haste.
"Pray, don't put yourself to any
trouble" said Mrs. Liston, politely.
"It is no trouble at all" as politely
replied, feeling as went to the kitchen,
that that small speech was a fib, for 1
was almost at my wits end to know what
to do.
A happy thought struck me!
Oysters!
A regular dinner was not to be
thought of, but most people were fond
of oysters. knew Charley was, and
could prepare them well. They were to
be had opposite, and I was not long in
getting them either. 1 bethought my
self of half cake which luckily had.
That nicely sliced, in my silver cake
basket, would answer for dessert, with
some apples, which 1 bought with the
oysters. Really, I should not do SO
badly for an impromptu occasion. My
spirits rose as set the table, adornino
it with cluster of fresh chry;santhe-
NUNS, and with wha. glass and silver
possessed, 50 that it looked very neat
arcd pretty. That, at least, Mrs. Liston
could not find any fault with,cven if she
were disposed to do SO.
Charley had said hurry, and hurry I
did. As speedily as possible had ev-
cry thing ready OH the table and the
dessert arranged on shelf by the open
pantry window, SO that I 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 gayly,
and announced dinner.
Then that awkward Charley must put
his foot into it, man-fashion, by saying
"My little wife is famous cook. I
hope you have q good appetite"
"Indeed 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 favorites," said
Mr.. Liston.
Twas glad to hear that, but my heart
sank when Mrs. Liston declined to take
any, saying she never ate them.
81 am so sorry" 1 said, flushing.
"But 1 will poach you couple of
eggs"
"By no MEANS" she said, pleasantly.
&c shall do very well with one of these
rolls and cup of Coffee
And when insisted. she was obliged
to say that she never ate eggs.
1 was at a loss what to propose then,
so ceased to press the matter. Mean
while had poured the coffee.
l 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 this, as l
prided myself on my good coffee.
al won't apologize" 1 thought,
proudly.
But my pride fell the next instant,
when Charley, having tasted his, made
a queer face, and then tasted again.
Why, Lizzie, what ais your coffeeP"
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 servant, was
obliged to remove the plates and bring
on the dessert myself. That, at least,
was nice. But when I went into the
pantry barely suppressed scream
of horror. Mrs. Deans big gray cat
had jumped into the window, and was
munching my cake. With
haste dashed her Off and res
cued what she had left. Only six thin
little slices. They looked so forlorn in
the large basket that 1 would not put
them on in that way. consigned them
to a small glass dish, and without a
word of apology put them upon the ia
BILE for my blood was up now aud I
vowed 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 1 saw he was deeply NOR
ti6ed. and I did not pity him half as
much as I might. I think was quite
when said to him, after that
dinner was over and our guests
we're gone:
"Charley, if you ever bring company
again without letting me know first,
III 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 see
why it need worry me-"
The Intelligent Juryman.