Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-01-16
WHILE A-SLUMMING.

.Ah,' said Mrs. Prodgitt, ''things have
changed since my day! When [ was a
girl, folks used to stay at home and help
their mothers do the housework, and
piece bed quilts, and embroider lace wells
instead of running about in all the dirty
streets and narrow lanes in creation!'
Mrs. Prodgitt did rot take kindly to
modern civilization.
She had come up from Owl Brook to
visit her cousin Mary Ann, who had mar
RED Ebenezer Hardy a quarter of CEN
fury ago and settled down in New York:
and, as she expressed herself, 'things
seemed to be all turned topsyturvy."
'sBut, Cousin Prodigy" said saucy
Hattie Hardy, who was equipping her
self with basket, bag, parasol and water
proof cloak, sit is work of mercy and
charity that we are engaged in"
"Nonsenser' irritably cried Mrs. Prod
gift II think you've all gone crazy to-
getherl I'm surprised at you, Mary Ann,
to let the child go tramping all over the
Gty by herself. In my day it wasn't
considered respectable"
aYou say truly that times have changed
since then" mildly uttered Mrs. Hardy.
who was knitting heecy wool by the fire.
sBe sure, Hattie, that you come early.
The new minister is to be here tonight
TO tea, and Betsy can't be trusted with
the new set OF moss-rose china"
,1,l,o@ 10 1,1x< .,o.1 lot
tie, as she tied the deep blue strings OF
her hat into coquettish bow under her
chin II do hope he's young and hand
some"
"My dearr' demonstrated Mrs. Prod
gift.
'SOf course" added Hattie, tive knew
that old Mr.. Puzzleton was perfect
saint; but one don't like saints with red
noses and spectacles and three layers of
double chinr'
Mrs. Prodgitt looked as if she expected
that Hattie would be struck by light
ming on the spot for that heretical re-
mark.
"Harrietr' was all that she could
utter.
While Mrs. Hardy, more accustomed
to the audacious speeches of her pretty
daughter, went on in her purring, sing
song tones:
'.Don't forget the widow in Cob lane,
Hattie. And if you go to Milo Reneau's,
i think it would be well to speak a word
in season to that great lazy son of his,
who is always buying lottery tickets, and
does nothing to support the old folks. -
'Oh, yes! I'm glad you mentioned
that" said Hattie, penciling an entry on
her little tablets. 'Mem-to give Jo-
mas piece of my mind" Dear Mr..
Puzzleton always said that that young
man was fearful stumbling blockw
"And think" went on Mrs. Hardy,
shat the Gray sisters can find work for
Alice Jennings now, if she is still unem-
ployed."
1.-THE which," said Mrs Prodgitt
"The Gray sisters" explained Mrs.
Hardy. ''One of our church organiza-
tons"
Mrs. Prodgitt glared.
lis there any end to the folly and
nonsense of the present generation ~
said she.
II suppose" laughed Hattie, ''that in
your days, cousin Prodigy, nobody went
slrmmingg'
sWent-where? said Mrs .Prodgitt.
Swimming" distinctly repeated Hat
lie.
"She means visiting the poor and
<,y1f <,f classification
planned Mrs. Hardy. Hattie my child
I do wish you wouldn't talk slangr'
Hattie disappeared with little breeze
~ laughter, while Mrs. Prodgitt reset
Ned her spectacles and uttered deep
Groan.
Mark my word Mary Ann" said she,
Ihat girl will come to no good"
Hattie does not mean any harm,
cousin Prodgitt," mildly pleaded Mrs.
Hardy, as she knitted on.
While Hattie on her GRAND of mercy,
uent from house to house in the dark
lanes and crowded tenement districts,
having an ounce of green tea here and a
I! 1scture there, bottle of beef, wine and
fun by sick bed. a little rose-scented
nuR IN poor old woman's hand, q pic
me book on the pillow OF some little
I'D, wooden toy in the grasp OF a
eton-hke infant, gentle edmonton
= ear Of willful factory girl, and q
20 q comfort to encourage despair
: widow.
y conld be gay and fippant enough
0onin Prodigy" teaaed her, but,
- oeemsd b h2ve ssumed par.
Q dignity and sweelnesa.
y Reneou's - H. LII honpe
ehs ezesd rsziun11y 4