Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1881-11-02

now for the first time
Very well, thank you,' Mrs. Stick
ney cordially replied
You slept late enough, if that's any
sign,' said Mrs. Mazonson, in her
most sepulchral tone.
Il always sleep late, Mrs Mazonson, ,
Florence replied, as she slowly poured
the cream into her coffee.
You can't sleep late on this farm
very WELL the elder lady began again,
her face aolaze. I've been up since
half PAST four she went on, and now
it's half past seven. I've skinned
eighteen pans of milk, washed all the
pans, and made twenty-five pounds of
butter this morning.
You must be very tired Mrs. Stick
ney remarked. looking the irate dame
innocently in the face.
We'll, | guess I'm tired, the house
keeper replied. The girls helped me
all they could, and
'Oh, ma Susan interrupted, flush
ing painfully as she spoke. why
shouldn't we help you, 1 should like
to know?'
At this point Mrs. Stickney made
up her mind that she was going to
like one of the Mazonsons after all.
They got this breakfast, l want you
to understand Mrs. Mazonson finish
ed what she had to say in spite of in
terruptons.
1T is very nice breakfast, Florence
remarked. i don't know when have
enjoyed anything so much
Mr.. Stickney glanced at his wife
There was something in her tone which
reminded him of the barnyard tete-a-
tete. There must certainly be an un-
derstanding between himself and his
wife right away, he thought. 1t
would never do to let things go on in
this style. Mrs. Mazonson must be
rebuked also. Her attitude was Ger.
tainly very Objectionable, and should
be corrected Immediately. Meantime
Mrs. Stickney ate her breakfast with
relish, and passed her cup for some
more coffee. (Which of you ladies'"
indicating the Misses Mazonson,
"made this coffee 2" she asked pleas
antly. "It certainly is delicious"
Neither of 'em made it." Mrs. Ma
zonson answered promptly. "Do you
think I'd trust anybody to make cof-
fee but myself?"
Mrs. Stickney had decided that her
platform should be plainly understood
both by her husband and the Macon
sons. 1t promised to be hard battle
to fight but the young wife had cour-
age enough now for a host of husbands
and a regiment of first wife's relations
"Are you going to be very busy to-
day. Hubert 2" Mrs. Stiekney asked |
her husband, as the meal drew to a
close.
81 have been away so long that my |
days will be occupied for some time to
come," the owner replied.
Perhaps then, Miss Susan or Miss |
Maria would 60 to ride with me this |
morning!" and Florence threw glance
full of sweetness at the Misses Ma
zonson. at is such lovely morning!"
she continued; "and after a little it
will be too warm | fear"
Mrs. Stickney waited moment for |
some kind of a responce, and receiving
none, said, "You would like to ac-
company me, womld you not, Miss
Susan ?"
This young lady was on the point
of replying, but her mother came in
ahead Hubert, she began, Il should
think it was high time you gave your
wife to understand what kind of place
she has come to live in. / don't sup
pose this wife can gad off and leave the
work'-and now Mrs. Mazonson's voice
shook with grief or anger, Florence
didn't know which-'any more than
your first wife, my daughter, Mr..
S:ickney She never left the work un-
Gil it was done.'
Perhaps it she had left it occasional
ly she might be living now,' the second
Mrs. Stickpey coolly suggested A
this crisis Mrs Mazorson sniffled, and
Miss Susan left the table.
Florence will become accustomed to
our ways after while, Mr.. Stickney
responded, with so much consideration
in his tone for tho tyrant at the head Of
the table that his wife felt ashamed of
him. She'll work into it after while,
he added, endeavo voring to appear at his
ease.
That furbelowed white gown looks
like working into it = said Mrs. Mazon-
son, defantly.
i am not afraid to trust my wife to
Il . |
Mr.. Stickney remarked, with tardy
decency.
IF l may be allowed, the young wife
began, with the deliberation of one
making mighty effort for self control,
Il should like to say word AS the
brave little woman surveyed the as
group, there crept into her face
a look that one of the party never for
got. This one was her husband, who
started to lay determined hand on
her arm, but for some inexplicable rea-
son gave it up. When | take my
rightful place as mistress of my hus-
bands house, Mrs. Stickney went on,
then it will be time enough to talk of
my duties. You may consider me a
summer boarder, il you please she
added smilingly, but in whatever light
you may regard me'-and now the
fine eyes struck fire-'please remember
that | am the wife of the proprietor of
this establishment and the owner Of
these acres, and expect to be treated, if
not with kindness, at least with civili-
ty.
Il should like to see you make twen-
ty-live pounds of butter before break
fast ? said Mrs. Mazonson, when she
could recover herself Mr.. Stickney
played with his spoon, and looked
steadily into his coffee cup, but said
not word