Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-08-02

| lhR Nol't, dJ liilo llnldllt, iiohh 'ii'
threshold, "is it possible that you
haven't started yetY And you know
how particular Bulge and Bodley are
as to your getting to the store at nine
precisely"
Mr.. Piercy turned pink all over.
"Yes, my dcar-yes," said he, I'm
quite sure 10 be in timer
And off he started on gentle trOt
When he was gone, Plume took off
her bonnet and veil, removed her man
tie and gloves, and went into the
kitchen.
Cannot do something to help you,
Sister Matilda:" said she, pleadingly
Mrs Abel Piercy looked, with cold
blue eyes and lips primly compressed,
at the fair face, which was younger
and freSher than ever without the Jet
black circlet of the bonnet, and the
slight graceful figure before her.
NO, thank you" said She. Il am
not used TO have fine ladies In my
kitchen"
But if you Will lend me an apron !"
"No. thank you, Mrs. Oswald Pier
cy?" repeated the housewife. you
will find the newspaper in the hall
Perhaps the advertising columns may
interest you"
We are sisters" said the young
widow, with quiyering lip. "Win
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 flour with an unerring
hand And really, your name is such
a very peculiar one. Jane. or Martha,
or Eliza, would have been more 10 my
taste. Perhaps, however" with
keen, sidelong glance, you have been
on the STAGE"
NO" said Plume. Il was a teacher
when Oswald married me. But what
did YOU mean about the advertising
columns Of the paper 2"
Situations, you know" said Mrs.
Piercy. reaching over to the raisin-box.
Bridget, You have been at these
raisins, as true rs live, There's half
of 'em gone since was here last.
NO, mum, l haven't sharply re-
! sponded Bridget. who was used to
these kitchen skirmBhes. sure
never lived in house before where
they counted the raisins and the humps
o coal, and il | don't suit. mum, it's
a months warning from to-day. il
yes plaze"
"situations"' repeated Plume. half
afraid Of Bridgets warIIke dcmeanor.
half puzzled at her sistcr-in-law's
words.
yes, said Mrs. Abel, tartly, paying
no attention TO Bridget and her skillet
in gloye-factory. you know, or a
fancy store or even As nursery COVER
ness or sktendant to some elderly in
valid. For Of course, you know" with
another Of those oblique looks that
made Plume feel 80 uncomfortable.
you expect 10 work for your living.
We are not rich enough to support all
our relations. Abel's salary was re-
duced last year. and no one knows
how strictly | have to economic in
order 10 make both ends meet. And n
strong young woman like you ought not
to sit down on a sickly man with
| family, like my husband, because
"Stop-oh, stop" said Plume. lifting
up her hand, as If to ward of some in
visible terror. "Hc said | was vel
come. lie told me"
That's just like Abel" said Mrs
Piercy. scornfully. He'd take in all
creation If he could He never stops
to think whether he can afford It or
not"
81 am sorry that intrude." said
Plume, with dignity. ut shall not be
for long. l will look at the newspaper
at once"
"Yes, that's a deal the best plan"
assented Mrs. Piercy. ungraciously.
"Of course you won't mention our
little chat to Abel. lie might be
vexed; and, after all, I'm only speak
ing for your good"
Plume looked at her with an express
sion of face which somehow made Mrs.
Abel Piercy feel as If she were shrink
ing up like a withered walnut in its
shell.
"Yes. | know" said she. but YOU
need not be afraid; / am no tale-bear-
er, to make mischief in any ones fam