St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-06-16

came at al. Groceries and articles O
that kind never returned; and, at last
John said he couldn't stand it. /
was too expensive to live near her
Then, when we had company she new
er failed to pop in for something, jus
to satisfy her curiosity. Altogether, i
was too annoying for us and we moved
I'm almost ashamed to tell you all this
but you'll soon find out that | haven
told you half"
'1'm very glad you did tell me
Cora. l know now on what ground
to meet her. l think shall be able te
manage her."
"Id like to know how laughed
Cora Wells. cit more than | coull
do, Pm sure"
Oh, won't tell you just now. But
if succeed, I'll let you know the lie.
suit.
"All right. I'll give you month. 81
"Well, Til report. Now let us look
at the carpets" And the two ladies
were soon deep in the comparison OF
Brussels and Wilton, which the oblig-
ing clerk displayed to the best advan-
| tage.
In due time, Mrs. Holden was costly
settled in her new home. While she
was moving, she had several glimpses
of Mrs. Gordon at the double pump, on
ner own side of the fence-a tall,
sandy-haired woman, with pale blue
eyes, sharp nose, and slovenly
dress-and heard her scolding in a
loud key to three or four sandy-haired
children.
Even without Cora's warning. she
would have impressed Mrs. Holden as
a very undesirable neighbor, and being
tormented with her was quite out of
the question. But Mary Holden had
faith in the plan she meant to try if
need required.
She had been settled several days,
and had already received one or two
calls from across the street-her house
was q corner one-before Mrs. Gordon
came over.
She popped in then by the back
door. just after Harry, Mrs. Holden's
SON, had finished his supper and gone
out
''How d We do?' she began, nodding
familiarly. my names Gordon; 1
live next door. thought I'd just run
in, neighborly-l Ike, and see how you
like it up here -
Very much, so far, thank you," re-
turned Mrs. Holden, putting down the
plates she was cleaning, walk into
the sitting-room, please, Mrs. Cor
DON"
"Oh, no" said the visitor, helping
herself to a chair 'Tll jest sit right |
down here minute. You go on with
your work. didn't come IN to hin.
DER
"But I prefer not to entertain call
ers in my Kitchen said Mrs. Holden,
mildly but firmly. my work can
wait"
'oh, well, any thing to oblige."
And the visitor, who had taken a
keen glance around the kitchen,
umped up and followed Mrs. Holden
nto her coy sitting-room, where her
sharp gaze quickly took in every detail,
rom the figure in the carpet to the
leat ork-basket, upon which, half
'pen, lay the last number Of fash
enable magazine. Catching it up and
urning over the leaves, Mrs. Gordon
emarked:
so you take the magazine, do
oup''
Il consider no lady's home complete
Without it. Do you take itP" asked
FRS. Holden. I
La! no." replied the caller, laying !
ne book down. II don't see no use
ayin' out money for what you can
,st as well get without. The last lady {
lat lived here took it, and I always got ,
ers. was wondering, to-day, if you /
'ok it, SOS | could go on with the So
es. It's a mighty nice book, amt \
pr r
Very nice, indeed" returned Mrs.
olden, making firm resolve that her q
ensured magazines should not cross
e fence, to come back ruined. n
Don't keep no girl, do yeP' asked S
RS. Gordon, setting out on another t
ack.
No. don't need help when l am a
ell. There are only two of u.s.
Young feller's your son, l v
ckonp' tt
Yes, madam" "
You must be widow, Is'posee" !
Yes, these five years.
Don't do your own washing, do G.
up" pursued the visitor. calmly.
Mrs. Holden laid down the bit Of 81
ochet work she had picked up, and
'king her caller quietly in the eye, "
g answered: mo. madam; nor nv h
ming, either. hire part of my sew al
done. and do the rest myself. I
forty-six, and Harryis twenty-five. to
9 paid cash for this house, and mean
keep it We attend the Episcopal sa
urch, and pay our debts promptly. y
y thing else you would like to know, y
s. Gordon?" az
The woman looked astonished, and at
swered: La! no. / never was
nd to ask questions, like some folks. m
rnr%p. -~~-