The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1885-10-03
SUSAN SMART, BUTTONHOLE MAKER
BY MARY GAY HUMPHREYS.

1t was remarkable after this how
many things each found could not be
done alone. During his long widower-
hood Henderson Pennant had learned
to be very useful with a needle and
thread in CatcLinga button and taking
A stitch in a glove. Now he carried
them to Susan with an appealing air
OF helplessness. If Mr.. Pennant were
going out Susan would trip after him
lightly to get him to drop letter IN a
box. When Mr.. Pennant had cold
she made him a hot lemonade, which
was really the most agreeable task she
ever performed When Susan nervous
w coughed, Henderson Pennant de
clared she had cold and insisted on
carrying her work to the shop him
self, while Susan watched him with a
smiling face, and even waved her hand
to him as he crossed the street.
~ never could have imagined men
were so convenient" she said to her
self.
"Te-hen said Mary Jane from her
window, pOking Timpson IN the ribs.
"'They re sparkin an they don't know
it."
Wont you be kind enough Mr.. Pen
nant, to tell me how many times 81
goes in 6O0Y' Susanlifted her worried
face from the paper as her neighbor
entered to beg a little hot water.
I'm so bad at figures. We worked
ten hours to-day, and Pvemade sixty
seven button holes. We've a sort OF
curiosity to know how long it takes to
make a button-hOle."
Certainly 1t viii give me great
pleasure to cipher it for you. Multi
phcation is a vexation, division is as
bad; in fact, it's worse, and especially
for women" With his head on one
side and an eye shut, Henderson Pen
nant gave his mind to the problem.
II thank you, sir, Pm so glad to
know. But isn't it wonderful you can
divide up such little thing as a min
ute that way"
1T is, in truth. But if they had
only come out even it would have been
easier. There Is q satisfaction in
round numbers. 1t seems to belong to
our deepest feelings. But" continued
the good man, wiping his brow, 'sup-
pose to clear our brains we should go
to the theater this evening, or are
your principles againstit? Iwouldn' t
like to urge it in that case"
81 hadn't thought about it, but |
don't think they are, " answered Susan,
meditatiyely.
Susan could scarcely tie on her bon
net straight in her agitation. 1t was
a glorious evening. They laughed I'M
til they cried and cried until they
sobbed at the appointed places, walk
ing home with swollen faces, and sides
elbow-punctued In a sort OF ecstay.
This evenings entertainment lasted
some days.
at has occurred to me, my friend, y
SAID Mr.. Pennant, that our mutual
sympathy increased our application
and enjoyment
Indeed it did, sir. I'm sure it was
a comfort to me to nudge you when
liked anything in particular, and to
have you nudge back"
"Then we will repeat the enjoy.
ment at intervals if you like"
20, | should be so pleased, but ]
couldn't think of troublingyou. But, -
Susan hesitated, I'D like to go often
II you'd let me pay my own way"
Henderson Pennant was shocked.
His chivalrous ideas about women
forbid their handling OF money. But
Susan stanchly held her own. The
days thus became even more varied
and interesting
One evening Mr.. Pennant came into
Susans bright and coy room holding
glove in his hand Susan took il
from him COmposedly.
''GOu must have a new pair, Mr.
Pennant. Last time | thought the
kid was getting tender"
Without waiting to be invited, Mr.
Pennant seated himself on the other
side OF Susan work table. There was
the calmness OF habit about his move
ments. In fact, they often spent their
evenings thus, he reading aloud while
she worked. Susan thought Mr.. Pen
nant read .'iust beautiful" He usu
ally preferred Dicks Works" Al
though Susan did not understand
much that he read, the clear, resonant
voice, particularly OF enunciation
and the long high-sounding words
made a delightful accompaniment tc
her swiftly flying needle
He laid down the book after reading
some minutes.
This is Il very profound remark
Susan listened as he read it again
"Man in his Journey toward theillim
liable Is lighted on his perilous way by
the observation-disclosures ofthe domestic
hearth, and sustained by the Trailer
hand OF woman How beautiful and
truen'
Yes" said Susan. Eve noticed
that these why little women otter
have the strongest hands. | haven't
much OF grip myself, but in button
holes you don { need it"
Susan looked up, but her neighbol
was silently gazing into the fire Their
she remembered the hearth and got
up 70 brush away the ashes.
The beacon light OF the domestic
hearth, he repeated.
Susan picked up some kindling and
threw It on the Goals.
Il ike a bit OF a blaze myself. and
was lucky IN getting some nice fat
pine"
The flames sprang up and set the
room aglow.
A rap at the door was followed by
Mary Jane.
Laws, Susan Smart, | thought the
room was afire. Good evening. Mr.
Pennant. | didn't see you afore."
Mary Jane seated herself with easy
familiarity in Susan's chair. Susan
didn't mind the chair, but she really
telt that, in consideration OF Mr.. Pen.