Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-02-21
g. FROSTBURG, MD, FEBRUARY 21. 1856
SELECT STORY.
HATTIE'S MISTAKE.

"Ah", said old Mrs. Prodgitt,
"thlngs have changed since my day
When was girl, folks used to
stay at home and help their mothers
do the housework, and piece bed
quilts, and embroider lace wells, in
stead of running about IN all the
dirty streets and narrow lanes in Gre
ation!'
Mrs. Prodgitt did not take kindly
to modern civilization.
She had come up from Owl Brook
to visit her Cousin Mary Ann, who
had married Ebenezsr Hardy a
quarter of century ago, and settled
down in New York and as she ex-
pressed herself, "things seemed to be
turned topsyturvy."
"But, Cousin Prody," said saucy
Hattie Hardy, who was equipping
herself with basket, bag, parasol and
waterproof cloak, sit is a work of
mercy and charity that we are en-
gagged in"
"Nonsense." irritably cried Mrs.
Prodgitt. 81 think you've all gone
crazy together! l am surprised at
you, Mary Ann, to let the child 60
tramping over the city by herself. In
my day it was not considered respect
able"
"You say, truly, that times have
changed since then,' mildly uttered
Mrs. Hardy, who was knitting feecy,
white wool by the fire. "Be sure,
Hattie, that you come home early.
The new minister is to be here to-
night to tea, and Betsey cannot be
trusted with the new set of moss rose
china"
81 wonder what he is like?" said
Hattie, as she tied the deep blue
strings Of her hat into a coquettish
bow under her round chin. II do
hope he is young and handsome"
"My dear..' demonstrated Mrs.
Prodgitt.
"Of course" added Hattie, "we
know that old Mr.. Puzzleton was a
perfect saint, but one don't like saints
with red noses, spectacles and three
layers of double chin!''
Mrs. Prodsitt looked as if she ex-
pected that Hattie would be struck
by lightning for that heretical re-
mark.
"Harriet!" was all that she could
utter.
While Mrs. Hardy, more accustom-
ed to the audacious speeches of her
pretty daughter, went on in her pur-
ring, sing-song tones:
'Don't forget that. poor widow in
Cob Lane, Hattie. And if you 60 to
Milo Reneau's | think it would be
we'll to speak word in season tc
that great lazy son of his who is al
ways buying lottery tickets and does
nothing to support the old folks"
"Oh, yes l am glad you mention.
ed that" sald Hattie, penciling an
entry on her little tablets. "Mem-
to give Jonas Renau piece of my
MUD. Dear MIR. Puzzleton always
said that that young man was {
dreadful stumbling-block."
"And l think" went on Mrs
Hardy, "that the Gray sisters Cal
find work for Alice Jennings now i
she is still unemployed"
"The-which ?" said Mrs Prodgitt
"The Gray sisters explained Mrs
Hardy. "One of our church organ
izations."
Mrs. Prodgitt glared.
SIS there any end to the folly ant
nonsense of the present genera
ton ?"
81 suppose" laughed Hattie, "tha
in your day, Cousin Prodigy, nobody
went slumming?"
event - where" gasped Mrs
Prodgitt.
"Slumming," distinctly repeated
Hattie.
"She means visiting the poor and
seeking out cases of destitution," ex
planned Mrs. Hardy. "Hattie, my
child, | do wish you wouldn't tall
slang"
Hattie disappeared with a little
breeze of laughter, while Mrs
| PrOdoitt resettled her snectaclaS anC