San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1883-07-26

Ieel dJ uOIue' boh htiha NA"
lust at first. She is little peculiar,
Matilda is, but do assure you she
is"
Mr.. Piercyi" uttered asharp warn
ing voice, at this instant, from the
threshold, "is it possible you have not
started vet? And you knowhow par
ticular Bulge and BodleY are as to
you getting to the store at nine pre-
cisely"
Mr.. Percy turned pink all over.
"Yes my dear, yes said he I'm
quite sure to be in time'"
And off he started on gentle trot.
When he was gone, Plume took off
her bonnet and veil, removed her
mantle and gloves, and went into the
kitchen.
Cant I do something to help you,
sister Matilda2" said she pleadingly.
"No, 1 thank you," said she, 81 am
not used to have fine ladies in my
kitchen"
"But if you will lend me an apron"
"No, thank you, Mrs. Oswald
Piercyr' repeated the housewife.
"You will find the newspaper in the
hall. Perhaps the advertising col
umns may interest you"
eve are SISTERS" said the young
widow, with a quivering lip. "Wil
you not call me Plume"
"Oh, no; we are no relations at all
in reality" said Mrs. Abel Piercy,
weighing out ounces of sugar and
pounds of flour with an unerring
hand. Sand really, your name is
such peculiar one. Jane, or Martha,
or Eliza would have been more to my
taste. Perhaps, however," with a
keen, sideIong glance, "you have been
on the stage?"
"No, said Plume, I was teacher
when Oswald married me. But what
did you mean about the advertising
columns to the papers?"
Situations, you know" said Mrs.
Percy, reaching over to the raisin
box. "Bridget, you have been at these
raisins, as sure as I live! There's
half of 'em gone since 1 was here
last"
mo, mum, haven't" sharply re-
sponded Bridget, who was used to
these kitchen skirmishes. "Sure I
never lived in house before where
they counted the raisins and the
Jumps O. coal, and if I don't suit,
mum, it's months warning from to-
day, if yes Place"
"Situations!" repeated Plume, half
afraid of Budgets warlike demeanor,
huff puzzled at her sister-in-law's
words.
"Yes," said Mrs. Abel, tartly, pay
ing no attention to Bridget and her
skillet-"in glove factory, you know,
or fancy store, or even as nursery
governess or attendant to some elderly
invalid. For of course, you know"
with another of those oblique looks
that made poor Plume feel so uncom-
Portable, "You expectto work for your
living. We are not rich enough to
support all our relations. Abel's sala-
ny was reduced last year, and no one
knows how strictly I'have to econo-
maize in order to make both endsmeet.
And strong young woman. like you
ought to be ashamed to sit down on
a sickly man with family, like my
husband, because"
"Stop-oh stop!" said Plume, lift
ing up her hands, as if to ward off
some invicible terror. He said l
was welcome. He told ne"
That's just like Abel" said Mrs.
Piercy, scornfully. He'd take in all
creation if he could. He never stops
to think whether he can afford it or
not"
Il am sorry that l intrude," said
Plume, with dignity. 1T shall not
be for long. l will look at the news
paper at once.
ayes, that's deal the best plan,
assented Mrs. Piercy, ungraciously.
"Of course you won't mention our
little chat to Abel. He might be
vexed; and, after all, Tam only speak
ing for your good.
Plume looked at her with an express
sion of face which somehow made
Mrs. Abel Piercy feel as if she were
shrinking up like withered walnut
in its shell.
Yes, l know" said she. bat you
need not be afraid; l am no tale bear
CT, TO make mischief in any ones
family
Mrs. Percy felt very uncomfortable
after this little conversation was ended.