The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-11-21

kitchen.
Cannot l do something to helI
you, sister Matilda p said she plead
ingly.
Mrs. Abel Piercy looked, with
cold, blue eyes and lips primly com
pressed, at the fair face, which was
younger and fresher than ever with.
| cut the jet black sirclet Of the bon.
net, at the slight, graceful figure be.
fore her.
No, I thank you said she, 4 am
| not used to having fine ladies in my
kitchen
But if you will lend me an apron
No, l thank you, Mrs. Oswald
Piercy, replied the housewife, you
will find the newspapers in the hall.
Perhaps the advertising columns
may interest you
We are sisters said the widow,
with quivering lip. will you not
call me Plume?'
oh, no, we're no relations at all
in reality said Mrs. Abel Piercy,
weighing out ounces of sugar and
pounds of -four with an unerring
hand. And really. your name is
such a peculiar one. Jane or Mar
tha, or Eliza would have been more
to my taste. Perhaps, however,
with 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 adver-
tising columns of the papers p she
asked.
Situations, you know said Mrs.
Piercy, reaching over to the raisin
box. Bridget, you have been at
these raisins, as sure as | live !
There's half of them gone since /
was here last
No, mum, / haven'tr sharply re-
sponded Bridget, who was used to
these kitchen skirmishes. Sure l
never lived in house before where
they counted the raisins and the
Jumps O. coal, and if / don't suit,
mum, it's a months warning from
to-day, if yez plaze.'
Situations ? repeated Plume, half
afraid of Bridget's warlike demeanor,
half puzzled at her sister in laws
words.
Yes said Mrs. Abel. tartly, pay
ing no attention to Bridget. in
glove factory, you know, or fancy
store, or even as nursery governess
or attendant to some elderly in
valid
For, of course. you know with
of those oblique looks that
made poor Plume feel SO uncomfort-
able, you expect to work for your
living. We are not rich enough to
all our relations.
'Abel's salary was reduced last
year, and no one knows how strictly
have to economise in order to
make both ends meet. And strong
young woman like you ought to be |
ashamed to sit down on a sickly |
man with a family, like my husband
because
Stop, oh, stopr said Plume, lift
ing up her hand, as If to ward off
some invisible terror. He said l
was welcome. He told me-
That's Just like Abel said Mrs.
Piercy, scornfully. He'd take in all |
creation if he could. He never stops |
% think whether he can afford it or
lot.'
4 am sorry that l intrude,' said
Plume, with dignity. 1T shall not
De for long. l will look at the news
papers at once
Yes that's deal the best plan,
Mrs. Piercy, ungraciously.
OF course you won't mention our
title chat to Abel He might be
,exed, and after all, am only
speaking for your good.
Plume looked at her with an ex-
PRESTON of face which somehow
made Mrs. Abel Piercy feel as if she
vas shrinking up like a withered
walnut in the shell.
Yes, | know said she. But you
iced not be afraid, l am no talebear-
II, to make mischief in any ones
amily.'
Mrs. Piercy felt very uncomforta-
,le after this little conversation was
.nded.
How she did look at me- thought
he. But | only spoke the truth,
.fter all. We can't be burdened
With her support, let Abel talk as he
,leases. And no matter what she
avs, believe she has been an ac-
ress. No one but an actress could
ver put on such royal ways as
hat
Half an hour afterwards, when the
'ell rang, and some one inquired for
frs. Oswald Piercy, Mrs. Abel nod
led her head to the cake she was
aking out of the oven.
Company already said she, and
entleman company, as / livel well,
this is the way she intends TO go
n, the sooner she suits herself with
situation the better
Mrs. Piercy had been secretly
nxious for an opportunity of quar-
cling with her sister in law. Here
t was at last; and when the old
entleman with the glossy broad
10th suit was gone, she bounced
nto the parlor, with red spot on
ither cheek bone, like signals of
Tar.
so you have been receiving COM
'any, Mrs. Oswald ? she said.
Yes Plume innocently answer
'GentIeman company, too,' cried
irs. Piercy. =,
1T was Mr.. Van Orden, my ,
usband's lawyer exclaimed
'lume.
Oh. dare cay = said Mrs. Piercy. ,
All that sounds very well. but /
ave the character of my house to ,
ook to. and II
He is coming back with q car
iage,' hurriedly spoke Plume. III
m to 90 to his wife's house at once. /
frs. Van Orden is willing to give I