Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-11-07
! A Hurried Dinner,

to dinner to-day; there's lot to do at the
office, and iii not come home.'' 0
This speech came from my liege lord,
Charley, as he popped his head in at ths
front door, after he had started to hi
business. se WNa
''All right SAID L. H' tg
The head popped out again, and I added
to myself: 4 Il ,s.f5. ..,
mighty glat of it. 1 won't have any
dinner to get, and will have good day
to work upstairs
So I cleared away the breakfast, tidie6
up the rooms, and after that took myself
off upstairs. si ~ IS
We had not been keeping house very
long, and made it rule MOTTO let thing;
become soIled by using, but to keep then
clean and fresh. But upstairs there were
certain trunks and boxes that needed re-
novating, 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
the dust out, pulled trunks and boxes out
of the closet and set to work. was in
the very midst of it, when I heard foot
steps at the front door. and directly il
opened. 1t was Charley, knew. for hi
had a latch key, and was accustomed te
let himself in. l jumped to my feet. 1At
"Charley, and not a sign of dinner!"
exclaimed. ''He said he wouldn't come
What can have brought him?" i ses.
The sound of voices, as stood listen.
ing. assured me Of what Charley had
brought Visitors, and I in such a
plight! ssse s.1,.is1
Charley came running upstairs, with his
face in glow. -
''Why, why, little woman, what's all
this? I couldn't find you anywhere down
stairs. Isn't it dinner time?" 39oW '5t
"Yes, Charley, but you said you were
not coming home, and didn't want any
thing for myself 4ha ist &eqa,.
"Well, II wasn't. But who do you
think met2''
II don't know, Pm sure.''
ut was Liston and his wife. They
were on their way to a hotel, but of
course 1 wouldn't allow that 1 just
brought them home with me to dlnner.''
have no doubt there was spice Of
irony in the tone IN which answered,
calmly: fs5..s t.
"Yes, 1 see you did. Well. hope you
also remembered to stop at the butchers
and send in something for them to eat.''
''Well, declare, little woman, I forgot
the butcher. But I dare. say you can
scare up something. Only hurry, for
they've only an hour or so to spare. They
are off again this evening" a.4. I'll,
knew 1t was Of no use to say to man,
"Why didn't you send me word?" g.
It would not teach him to send it next
time. So only said: In s5a .s i
swell, go down and entertain them
and I'll come as soon as can change my
Dress"
Charley obeyed, and I hurriedly dressed,
not in the pleasantest mood. qaf.
They were old friends of CharleY's, and
1 had looked forward to meeting them
with pleasure. but knew Mrs. Liston
was quoted as the very pattern of all pat
tern housekeepers, never Hurried or put
out by anything. I knew, too, that she
had means and servants at her command
while had neither, and dreaded to re-
ceive her in such manner more than ]
can tell, but as many a suffering sister
will readily comprehend. - ''4@ ..''..'. I
What with my hasty dressing, knew
my cheeks were flushed and my hair
tumbled. But it was too late to wait, so
l ran down and stood fire during tile in
PRODUCTION as we'll as could, quite con-
scious 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 was not
expecting Charley, and must prepare din
ner in haste. Lii a.se.5ti .,..,5
pray. don't put yourself to any
trouble,'' said Mrs. Liston, politely.
sit is no trouble at all,'' as politely
replied, feeling, as went to the kitchen,
that the small speech was fib, for I was
almost at my wits end to know what to
do.
) A happy thought me! Oysters!
! A regular dinner was not to be Thought
of, but most people were fond of oysters
[ knew Charley was. and I could prepare
them we'll. They were to be had opposite,
and I was not long in getting them either.
[ bethought myself of half cake, which l
luckily had. That nicely sliced in my sill
yer cake basket. would answer for dessert,
with some apples which bought with the
oysters. Really, 1 should not do so badly
for an impromptu occasion. My spirits
rose as set the table, ado ming it with a
cluster of fresh chrysanthemums, and with
what glass and silver possessed, so that
it looked very neat and pretty. That, at
least, Mrs. Liston, could not find any fault
with, even if she we're disposed to do so.
Charley had said hurry, and hurry did.
AS speedily as possible I 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, I went to the par
lor, where they were chatting gaily, and
announced dinner.
Then that awkward Charley must put
his foot into it, man fashion, by saying:
''My little wife is famous cook. hope
you have good appetite" a5-f 4G
Indeed, | have. Travelling always
makes me hungry" replied Mr.. Liston,
rising.
made some laughing reply, and led the
way to nv little dinner. RD4N ,1M
'Ah, oysters!- my favorltes," said Mr..
Liston. t14f
was SO glad to hear that. but my heart