The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-06-15

I'D like to know how" laughed
Cora Wells. '.lt's more than could
do. I'm sure"
oh. won't tell you just now. But.
if succeed, I'll let you know the re-
suit"
'All right. I'll give you a month. -
"Well. I'll 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 tho fence-a tall.
sandy-haired woman. with pale blue
eyes, a sharp nose. AMI 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 rs
a very undesirable neighbor, and being
tormented with her was quito 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 a corner one-Lefore Mrs Gordon
came over.
She popped in then ky the back
door. just after Harry. Mrs. Holden's
son. had finished his supper and gone
out
slow d ye do?" she began. nodding
Familiarity. "My names Gordon; l
live next door. Thought I'd just run
in. neighborly-l Ike. and see how you
like it up here"
Every much. so far. thank you," re-
turned Mrs. Holden. putting down the
plates she was cleaning. ''Walk into
the sitting-room. please. Mrs. Cor
dom"
"Oh. no." said the visitor. helping
herself to a chair. "l'll Jest sit right
down here minute. You go OH with
Your work. didn't come IN to him
der"
''But prefer not to entertain call
ers in my Kitchen" said Mrs. Holden,
mildly but firmly. MY work can
wait"
''Oh. well, any thing to obligc."
And the visitor, who had taken a
keen glance around the kitchen.
jumped up and followed Mrs. Holden
into her coy sitting-room, where her
sharp gaze quickly took in every detail.
from the figure in the CARPET to the
neat work-basket upon which. half
open, lay the last number of q fash
ionable magazine. Catching it up and
turning over the leaves. Mrs. Gordon
80 you take the magazine. do
you'"
Il consider no lady's home complete
without it. Do You take it," asked
Mrs Holden.
la! no." replied the caller. laying
the book down. Il don't see no use
payin' out money for what you can
jest as we'll get without. The last lady
that lived here took il, and always got
hers. Twas wondering. to-day. if you
took it, SOS / could go on with the So
ries. It's mighty nice book. amt
it?"
Every nice. indeed" returned Mrs.
Holden. making firm resolve that her
treasured magazines should not cross
the fence. to come back ruined.
Don't keep no girl, do YEP" asked
Mrs. Gordon. setting out on another
track.
No. don't need help when l am
well. There are only two of u.s."
Young fcller's your son, l
reckon?'
"Ycs. madam"
'You must be widow. Is'posc?"
''Yes. these five years"
Don't do your own washing. do
you?" pursued the visitor. calmly.
Mrs. Holden laid down the bit of
crochet work she had picked up. and
looking her caller quietly in the eye.
she answered.: '.No. madam; nor my
ironing. either. hire part of my sew
ing done. and do the rest myself. l
am forty-six, and H.rryis Twenty-Five.
We paid cash for this house, and mean
to keep il. We attend the Episcopal
and pay our debts promptly.
Any thing else you would like to know,
Mrs. Gordon?'