Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-08-30

rich and little fastidi0us 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 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 doP" exclaimed Mrs.
Mascall, glancing round at her three
daughters with an expression of tragic
despair.
Telegraph to Bryan that he must
bring q 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, un-
til l can engage 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
white hands.
land if we do the CO o,king, who will
entertain Sir Philip" said Mira.
"Well, you knov We cannot get one
now. for love Or money" sighed the
troubled matron.
Eyes. you can, mother mine. Here
is one for love-" said brown-haired,
brown-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 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 fascinations on him, for each,
in the secret depths of her own mind,
determined to win, if woman's charms
had any powera
"You are making quite sacrifice,
Bee, my dear child, and I do not like
to have you banished in that style"
But il is elf-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-
isfed 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 sudden!' he
said, surprised.
"Oh, yes. Bee, dear child, is sc
fighty," murmured Mira, turning tc
Sir Philip, with sweet smile and there
the SUBJECT dropped.
But passing through a back passage
an hour later, Bryan was astonished tt
find young person, half hidden in
huge apron, in his arms; to feel thu
fond pressure of soft arms around hi
neck, the touch of a velvet cheek tt
his.
"Hallor' he cried, falling back 1
step. -,
, "Oh, Bryan don't you know me?"
''Been' he gasped.
mo, Matilda Jane, the cook" sh
r corrected, with soft laugh.
"What is the meaning of all this mys
tery?' he inquired, sternly.
''Don't speak so loud" she said, an
then explained the situation.
> Hang it all! I'll have cook, if
have to 60 back to town after one
Here have brought Lambert down t
see you, and then to find YOU banishe
i to the kitchen! I've great mind t
= raise a row"
l. eff you do, II will spoil the dinner!
she cried, in alarm, then disappeared i
the pantry.
Bryan glowered at the bare wall
!, minute; then smile suddenly sprea
; over his face, and he went back to til
i drawing-room whistling cheerfully.
The dinner was faultlessly cooked an
served and afterit was over and hermotf
er came out, insisting on washing th
% dishes, tired Bee bathed herface, put on
s. fresh, white gown, and taking boot
sought the solitude of the shrubbery.
She climbed to her favoritc seat in tt
fork of an old apple-tree and had bee
there long enough to get rested an
cool, when gentleman came saunte
ing through the shady sweetness OF tx
old orchard.
Bee did not see him in time to ru
away, or even get down from her perc
and sat still and almost breathles
hoping he would pass by without seem
her.
But he came on straight to that pa
ticular tree, a fold of her dress brushin
his sleeve. He glanced up.
II beg your pardon.
; ''It is granted" she said, frigidly, a
|. parently intent on her book.
He stood still.
- II am stranger here; came dow
= with my friend, Mr.. Mascall, this NOR
inc. You are a member of the famil