The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-06-30
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DEAR OLD MATER,-Shall be down at
Sileotes on the twenty-fourth, with an old
college chum, Phil Lambert (Sir Philip,
ought to say. He's a capital fellow, but
rlch and little fastidious perhaps-so have
everything in trim. But that warning is
unnecessary; You are always ready.
Yours affectionately,
BRYAN"
That simple note brought consterna-
ton into the qpiet 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 flour
ish readily in the quiet little village of
Silcotes.
"What shall we doP" exclaimed Mrs.
Mascall, CHANGING round at her three
daughters with an expression of tragic
despair.
Telegraph to Bryan that he must
bring cook down with him." SAYS
Bee, the youngest, with an irrepressible
smile.
Nonsense! Tomorrow is the twenty
fourth, and we shall have to all enter
the kitchen, and take it turn about, I'M
til can engage a cook.
''Oh, mother! you know it would
spoil my complexion to bend over the
hot stove That plan viii never do"
said fair Gertrude, folding her soft, lily
white hands.
And if we do the cooking, who will
entertain Sir Philip" 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,
browu-eyed Beatrice. Il will be the
cook until you can get one, and Bryan s
fastidious friend need never know it
My name is Matilda Jane, and I'll pre-
pare the dantiest dishes, and you can
engage a boy to stay in the dining
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,
dOICluiIHcu ~ VIII, IL NOludu GHdIlnS
had any power,
You are making quite sacrifice,
Bee, my dear child, and l do not like
to have You banished in that style
But it is self-banishment, said Bee,
gaily, giving just one regretful sigh and
then entering heartily into the work be-
fore her.
Bryan Mascall came at the appointed
time, accompanied by handsome man
of eight or Internationally, with blonde
hair and moustaches, keen, clear blue
eyes and the winning ease and grace of
one long used to the refined and cul-
tured circles in society.
The daughters of the house were fault
lessly dressed, and charmingly cordial,
and Mrs. Mascall beamed graciously;
but Bryan glanced round with dissat-
isfied look.
Where is BeeP'
"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 student he
said, surprised.
''Oh, yes. Bee, dear child, is so
fiightv," murmured Mira, turning to
Sir Philip, with sweet smile and there
the subject dropped.
But passing through back passage
an hour later, Bryan was astonished to
find 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.
"HalIoi' he cried, falling back a
step.
''Oh, Bryan don't you know meP'
Beet he gasped
No, Matilda Jane, the cook" she
corrected, with soft laugh.
What is the meaning of all this mys-
tery?" he inquired, sternly.
Don't speak so loud, she said, and
then explained the situation.
Hang it all! I'll have cook, if
have to go back to town after one,
Here | have brought Lambert down tC
see you, and then to find you banished
to the kitchen! I've a great mind tc
raise row.
IF you do, II will spoil the dinnerp
she cried, in alarm, then disappeared in
the pantry.
BRYAN glowered at the bare wall 8
minute; then smile suddenly spread
over his face, and be went back to the
drawing-room whistling cheerfully.
The dinner was faultlessly cooked anc
served and afterit was over and hermoth
er came out, Insisting on washing the
dishes, tired Bee bathed herface, put on
fresh, white gown, and taking q book
sourht the solitude of the shrubbery.
she climbed to her favoritc seat in thu
fork OF an old apple-tree and had beer
there long enough to get rested anG
cool, when gentleman came saunter
inc through the shady sweetness OF The
old orchard.
Bee did not see him in time to rur
away, or even get down from her perct
and sat still and almost breathless
hoping he would pass by without seeing
her.
But he came on straight to that par
ticular tree, a fold of her dress brushing
his sleeve. He glanced up.
Il beg your pardon"
at is granted" she said, frigidly, ap
parently intent on her book.
He stood still.
81 am stranger here; came dow
with my friend, Mr.. Mascan, this morn
ing. You are member of the family
presumed" lifting his hat and speak
ing in the most respectful tone.
Bee raised her sparkling eyes, Sigh
smile curling her fresh red lips.
Il am the cook, sir.
4'Ah, yes! 1t must be delightful t.
| serve SO charming family" leanins
| against low, sweeping bough, ant
looking at her with friendly : yer.
| friendly-eyes, thought Bee, feeling
! trifle warm.
| tlA.o, ,-o,, Iouobipor of fhpu sirp or