St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1884-11-08

ringing of the dinner bell.
'Oyster soup burned again" he
growled. letting his spoon drop into the
dish with splash.
Il think it is very NICE" said Josie.
''And the beef roasted. when | told
cook especially to have it boiled"
''Dear me-" said Mrs. Mayburne,
''where is the ditference.''
difference, ma'am = difference"
barked Philo. "enough difference to
spoil my dinner, that's all"
And. pushing back his chair, he
strode away from the table.
Mrs. Mayburne stayed to finish her
meal and then sauntered into the
parlor, where her spouse sat glaring at
the fire.
Where are my slippers, Mrs. May
burne?'
''On the rug, close to your feet. my
dear"
81 don't want the slippers with the
foN's head on. want the slippers with
the roSebuds and leaves. It's very
strange a man can't take any comfort
in his own house,
Josie rang the bell and ordered
''rosebuds and leaves" but the next
rock TO split upon was the newspaper.
where's my paper? What's the
reason man can never find a paper
when he wants it?'
..liere it is, Philo. folded neatly
under the books she responded.
..And what is it under the books for.
Why isn't it left where l can find it"'
If YOU had looked around my
dear
.'But don't want to look around"
And Mr.. Mayburne unfolded the
sheet and began to read his brows still
OminouSly contracted, while Josie sat
smiling beside him, herpurpose shaping
itself more and more definitely in her
mind at every moment that the clock
measured of with silvery tick.
The next evening Mr.. Mavburne
came home rampant as usual. The
Sitting-rOom was dark and chilly as he
stumbled in.
mo light?" he demanded, queru-
lousy.
whats the use of lisht?" pettishly
asked his wife. who was reclining on
the sofa, under an embroidered afghan.
The lire has gone out half an hour
ago
The fire outr Philo stood aghast.
Z" But why didn't you have it kindled
up againP"
''Everything goes wrong" grumbled
Josie. with a peevish elevation of her
.'rhe kindlings we're wet
and the chimney smoked. and --'
'.Well, well. my dear" said Philo.
driven to the unwonted task of conso-
lation, Il dare say it will be all right"
''Al wrong, more likely" fretted
Josie. ''It Is SO trying: and dinner isn't
ready, although it's half past six, and
the fruit hash come for dessert, and
I'm SO discouraged.'
"We'll do without the fruit, then"
There's no other dessert"
''My dear Josie, it isn't best to let
little things fret vour'
'.I'll discharge the cook tomorrow,
said Josie, acrimoniously.
20, no, dear! l wouldn't do that;
she understands her business remark
ably well'
.sShe burned the oysters yesterday"
''Only scorched 'em, that was all.
"She is always be hindhand with the
meals"
''On the contrary. my dear Josie. she
is generally the soul of punctuality.
Where is my dressing gown"
Il am sure don't know" said Josie.
spiritlessly. THAT chambermaid makes
a rule of putting things just where no
body can ind them"
10, here it is, back of the door,
said Philo, lust where she always
hangs it."
Then why didn't you look there be-
fore you asked?" demanded the wife.
Mr. Mayburne found it convenient not
to hear. but poked the fire diligently.
There you 90. scattering ashes all
over the velvet rug" said Josie,
tartly.
MIR. Mayburne checked himself, and
sat down shivering, in a rocking
chair.
Il wish you would stop creaking that
chair" groaned his wife; ''my poor
nerves are all in quiver. Why don't
they send up dinner:?'
s:There's the bell now," said Philo,
jumping up with alacrity; ''come
81 don't think care for any dinner,
now that | have been kept waiting SO
long," said Mrs Mayburne.
..Now. my dear Josie, don't be un-
| dare say they've got
very nice for us"
The beefsteak was cold, the potatoes
vater-soaked and the turnips dried like
while the bread was new
md heavy. Mr. Mayburne opened his
lips to complain. but Josie was before
hand with him.
"My goodness gracious" she ejacu-
ated, with uplifted hands and eyes.
Such a dinner. Take me away, Philo;
can't eat a mouthful"
just a little bit of the steak, dear
Is very juicy"
'.Not a particle"' said Josie. en-
ohatically. Sarah. tell the cook she
may go to morrow"
''My dear. my dear. pray consider"
There's a chicken coming with
bread sauce" suggested Sarah, with
eyes.
''Chicken and bread sauce-the very
.hink detest of all othersr' exclaimed
Josie.
81 am sure its very nice,' said Philo;
''see how savory it looks. Let me give
you wing and a little slice of the
oreastr
- \