Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1883-05-16

wondered if Miss Catherine would offer
her q check apron, too. But Miss
Catherine did no such thing, and
Olympia wrung the chickens necks
and prepared them for the oven, with
rather a cross look shadowing her
pretty face.
"Got 'em in the ovenP" asked Miss
Catherine, sharply. "Then you kin
mix up batch of biscuits while
make the johnny-cake. Lysander allus
must hev two kinds of bread fur din
ner, or he can't eat" she explained
"Humphr thought Olympia. ale
won't get two kinds of bread for din
ner when I'm the mistress here, | can
tell him."
But she turned to the bread-tray
without word.
BY the time the biscuits were in the
oven the waist and front breadths of
Olympia's dress looked considerably
the worse for the mornings campaign
Miss Catherine blew the dinner-horn
at the usual hour, and Lysander ap-
peared punctally at twelve o'clock.
But for some reason or other dinner
was half-hour later than usual, and
when it was finally dished and brought
to the table, the biscuits proved TO be
underdOne and the chickens roasted to
crisp.
"llad bad luck with your biscuits.
didn't you, Catharine?" said her
BROTHER making wry face at the yel-
low streak of saleratus he found on
breaking open one of the leaden Jumps;
but Miss Catherine smiled leniently.
"Olympia had bad luck with her
biscuits she said: "but l think my
bread is as good as usual" and she
passed him square of light, golden
hued corn-bread more tempting than
pound-cake.
Lysander left his biscuit untasted.
but cast glance of compassion at
Olympia.
accidents will happen" he said,
consolingly, though he could not help
noticing Il sullen look on Miss Joncs's
face in spite of the smile she flashed at
him. He noticed also the tumblcd
curls and soiled, untidy dress.
"IIaye some cold mutton, Lysander,"
said his sister, "if you can't eat any of
the chicken. Olympia will learn how
to cook after awhile"
So it was Olympia who burned the
chickens!
Lysander finished his dinner in
silence, though he still made excuses
for all shortcomings.
Olympia changed her soilcd dress
before tea-time, and was beamng with
smiles when Lysander took his seat ut
the table. But the tea had u wishy-
washy taste, the butter-dish was
smcared and untidy, and the apple
sauce was insipid and ilavorlcss. The
biscuits were light and puffy this time
for Miss Catherine had made them her
self.
Lysander had good disposition,
but unpalatable food will disorder the
best-regulated liver and upset the tenn
per of an angel, and Miss Catherine
soon discovered q fresh wrinkle over
her brothers nose.
One morning, Lysander strobe into
the kitchen, where his sister was mix
ing light brcad-for she could not
trust it to Olympia, who had already
spoiled two patches, which had to be
thrown to the pigs.
Catherine" whispered Lysander,
hurriedly, "the minister's folks are
coming up the lane! OF course they'll
spend the day, and do, pray, Catherine,
cook the dinner yourself. Don't let
us be disgraced in their eyes,"
Miss Catherine saw her opportunity
and seized it.
"Cook the dinner myself Dear
me, Lysander, how kin ~ she asked.
1--WE must have turkey, of course, and
mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pies
and steamed batter-pudding, with
lemon-sauce, and cabbage-salad. Be-
sides, who will entertain the visitors
while I'm in the kitchen? Olympia?
"Olympia? Pshaw. She can't do
anything but giggle!' growled Lysan-
der, savagely, much to his sisters
amusement.
an tell you what Lysander," said
Miss Catherine, reilectively, 81 must
have same help, and if you'll Just
saddle the mare and lead her around
for Huldah Rush, Pm sure she'll
come"
And Lysander hastened to do his
sisters bidding.
Dinner was on the table at precisely
twelve o'clock, and the Rev. Mr.. Shep-
herd and his family testified to the ex-
cellence of the richly-browned turkey,
juicy and unctious, the mashed pota-
toes and gravy, the golden-hued pies,
and the yellow batter pudding, with its
rich sauce-to say nothing of light,
ilaky rolls and fresh butter.
And when, after dinner, Lysander
stepped into the dining-room for
pitcher of water, he could not help
observing the contrast between HUI
dah's satin-smooth braids and snowy