West-Jersey pioneer., 1882-07-20

R been planning to go to Nantasket dun
ing the coming month. and would 500
J. be gone If his mother chose to receiv
these people and stay at home, insteaa
of going on visit to his grandfather
on the adjacent farm, as previously ar
ranged, he did not care.
That evening came another letter from
brother Ben
. DEAR SABRA:-Told my friends you't
take them, and they are coming righ'
along. Try to nurse up the squire; he.
very poorly. His wife's good little
soul, but she don't know anything about
sickness. Hendie's a nice little boy, anG
you'll like Amy. I'll try and run out by
and by; but business is very pressing
this Summer
'tWell, I'll have to bake, do up the
window-curtains, and put clean sheets
and slips on the beds, then they may
come any time,' said Mrs. CASTOR. after
moments thought. Like Amy? That's
the daughter, suppose. Likely.
actually dread that girl, l know! I've
seen too many city young ladies'"
Just then. wheels rumbled up and
stopped at the door.
''Sakes alive! the stagem
Yes, and out stepped a pale gentleman,
with little boy in his arms, and two
ladies. Forest had gone; Mrs. CASTOR
stood alone in the doorway.
SIS this Mrs. CASTOR? We are the
Walcotts. Your brother" began the
pale gentleman, breathlessly, putting
down the little boy.
Come right in!n cried Mrs CASTOR.
You're all tuckered out. I'm glad to
see you all, though wasn't quite ready"
she confessed, tipping the cats out of the
chintz rocker, and placing it by the open
window of the sitting-room for Mr. Wal
colt.
1t twasn't exactly the conventional way
of receiving boarders, but the tired peo-
pie thought they never had heard or seen
anything more delightful. AS for Mrs.
CASTOR, she entirely forgot the objection
able girl She only saw four gentle
and rather tired faces, and was immedi-
ately in her element ministering to the
needy. She took the hats and busters,
and brought a pitcher of sparkling water,
and slice of homemade bread and but
ter for little Henderson, that made the
boys eyes shine.
Because supper isn't ready, and chill
dren can't wait when they are hungry"
she said.
She then hustled away, and had
bountiful meal on the table in less than
an hour.
AS soon as supper was over, Mrs. Gas
ton showed her boarders into the parlor,
and then went upstairs to spread the
beds with fresh sheets and pillowslips.
She was rather surprised to find at the
end of the hall three formidable trunks.
where the driver of the stage had de-
posted them, after conducting his pas
sengers to the door. Suddenly the hall
door opened, and Forest put in a laugh
ing face.
whats these, mother? Are these
what the young lady keeps her war-paint
in? BY Georgen' lifting the handle of
one, there amt man in the country
could back them up those stairs"
II don't know what's to be DONE"
said Mrs. CASTOR, helplessly. Let them
be for the present, Forest"
This matter was easily adjusted by Il
suggestion from Mrs. Walcott
well, mother" said Forest that even
ing, having just returned from the viii
lage, have you found the young lady
very formidable? / couldn't get back to
get a peep at her"
BLESS us, / couldn't tell how she looks
to save my life?n replied Mrs. CASTOR:
1--WE been in such stir ever since they
came. But about these trunks, Forest.
Mrs. Walcott says the heaviest one is
full of books, and can be left anywhere
on the ground floor. The others were
lighter, and l got grandpa's man to take
them up. To think of their Juggling half
a ton of books around with them!"
Forests bright face suddenly grew
luminous.
Perhaps that young lady wears green
glasses and is studying medicineF he
laughed Then, seriously, and rapping
the table slnartly with his knife handle,
as he ate a late supper: I'M bet they are
the right kind
"Yes,n said Mrs. CASTOR, looking
pleased, Il forgot you were fond of
books, too"
In spite of serious charges laid upon
herself, Mrs. CASTOR slept past her usual
hour, and rose in hurry. OF course,
she was not yet provided with any do
mestic help, and had commenced her
preparation for breakfast, somewhat
hurried and worried, when the kitchen
door swung open and little figure in
neat print dress and a large gingham
apron entered the door.
at seems that we came upon you un-
expectedIy, Mrs. CASTOR, and you are
unprovided with help" said Amy Wal
colt, so you must let he help you get
breakfast. | am used to all kinds OF
housework. What shall do first?"
We'll said Mrs. CASTOR, more amazed
than she could show, there's everything
to do-coffee to boil, potatoes to put on,
buckwheats-'
II will make the biscuit" said Amy,
rolling up her sleeves deftly, and expos
ing two pretty arms, IF you'll please
tell me where the flour and baking
powder and pans are. And then I'll fry
the eggs she added, sitting flour
handily.
II always make sour milk biscuit; per-
haps you don't know anything about
those" suggested Mrs. CASTOR.
Il guess l can manage them; I've
studied chemistry little, I" replied Amy.
Studied chemistry to learn how to
cookr Mrs CASTOR looked bewildered,
but commenced cutting ham, and then
turned to go to the barn for fresh eggs.
LET Inc go.' cried Amy, clapping her
pan of biscuits in the oven. II haven't