Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-12-06
BEE.

DEAR OLD MArER.-Shall be down
at Silcotes on the twenty fourth, with
an old college chum, Phil Lambert
(Sir Phillip, ought to say) He's a
capital fellow, but rich and little fas-
tidious perhaps-so have everything
in trim But that warning is unnec-
essary; you are always ready.
Yours affectionately,
BRYAN
That simple note brought consterna-
ton into the quiet country household,
for the cook and maid of all work had
just taken French leave, and it would
be impossible to fill their places on
short notice, for servants did not -four.
ish readily in the quiet little village of
Silcotes.
What shall we dor exclaimed Mrs.
Mascall, glancing round at her three
daughters with an expression of tragic
despair.
Telegraph to Bryan that he must
bring a cook down With him, says
Bee, the youngest, with an irrepressi-
ble smile.
'Nonsensel Tomorrow is the twen-
ty-fourth, and we shall have to all en-
ter the kitchen, and take il turn about,
until l can engage a cook
oh, mother! you know it would
spoil my complexion to bend over the
hot stove. That plan will never do ,
said fair Gertrude, folding her soft,
lily.whlte hands.
And if we do the cooking, who will
entertain Sir Phillip said Mira.
well, you know we cannot get one
now, for love or money sighed the
troubled matron.
Yes, you can. mother mine. Here
is one for love- said brown-haired,
brown eyed Beatrice. 4 will be the
cook until you can get one, and Bry-
ans fastidious friend need never know
it. My name is Matilda Jane, and I'll
prepare the dantiest dishes, and you
can engage boy to stay in the din
ing ROOM
Mrs. Mascall hesitated, but Gertrude
and Mira applauded the plan eagerly,
as it would leave them free to enjoy
the society of the rich young baronet,
and try their destinations on him, for
each, in the secret depths of her own
mind, determined to win, if woman's
charms had any power.
You are making quite sacrifice,
Bee, my dear child, and | do not like
to have you banished in that style
But if 1t is self -banishment, said
Bee, gaily, giving just one regretful
sigh and then entering heartily into
the work before her.
Bryan Mascall came at the appoint
ed time, accompanied by a handsome
man of eight or niue-and.twenty, with
blond hair and moustaches, keen, clear
blue eyes and the winning ease and
grace of one long used to the refined
and cultured circles in society,
The daughters of the house were
faultlessly dressed, and charmingly
cordial, and Mrs. Mascall beamed grs-
ciously; but Bryan glanced round with
a dissatisfied look.
Where is Beer
'She-she-' the mother began, and
then not being in the habit of telling
falsehoods, she broke down.
She has gone on visit to Aunt
Mary said Gertrude smoothly.
Must have been rather sudden' he
said, surprised.
oh, yes. Bee, dear child, is so
flighty,' murmured Mira, turning to
Sir Philip, with a sweet smile and
there the subject dropped.
But,passing through back passage
an hour later, Bryan was astonished to
find d young person, half hidden IN a
huge apron, in his arms; to feel the
fond pressure Of soft arms around his
neck, the touch of velvet cheek to
his. s s rs
'HalIo!' be cried, falling back step.
'Oh, Bryan don't you know me?'
'Beel' he gasped.
No, Matilda Jane, the cook she
corrected, with a soft laugh.
What is the meaning of all this
he inquired sternly.
Don't speak SO loud she said, and
then explained the situation. f.
Hang it alll' I'll have a cook, if l
have to 60 back to town after one.
Here have brought Lambert down to
see you, and then to find you banished
to the kitchen! I've a great mind to
raise q row.
If you do, II will spoil the din
nerl' she cried. in alarm, then disap-
peared in the pantry.
Bryan glowered at the bare wall a
minute; then smile suddenly spread
over his face, and he went back to the
drawing room whistling cheerfully.
The dinner was faultlessly cooked
and served and after it was over and
her mother came out, insisting on
washing the dishes, tired Bee bathed
her face, put on fresh, white gown,
and taking book, sought the solitude
of the shrubbery.
Sha ciimbad IN her favorite aeat in