Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-11
CHAPTER xI.

In Mr. Strangfeld's yard brisk business was doing. On stages round the skeleton hulls workmen were sending up clang of saw and hammer. He walked sedately about, his hands clasped behind him, pausing often, and challenging the mems work with eyes which they had good reason to believe could see through an oak plank. He rebuked no jest, he was deaf to songs; but if ever hint of scamping showed itself, in front of the sinner he stopped, and stared at him, inn movable, with face of wood, which method of correction was as effectual as storming in immediate efficacy, and in the long run more prodigal in good results.
 Indoors, in the same sitting room in which we have sat with Mr. and Mrs. Strangfeld, know, in that age had short sleeves, and 8 waist just under the bosom, and brave breast opening for the divulgence of sweet secrets. This was gown that Jenny herself had made and toiled at with love and smiles and many 8 soft whisper; for it was to be put aside to furnish, with other work of her pretty fingers, her wifely equipment when Cuthbert should take her home.
 But as she sat over it now she would leave her needle in the stuff, while her chin sank into the hollow of her hand, and her dreamy eyes looked out through the open window upon the people in the market place.
 There was trouble enough to sadden her.
 First of all, her father had not spoken to her that morning; with sullen aversion of head he had declined her kiss, and with an iron manner turned from her.
 Then her mother was peevish and short, irritated by the alarmed curiosity which Jenny refused to gratify, and wagging her head at her for an obstinate wench.
 In pensive posture was she musing when her mother came actively into the room, with skirt tucked up for kitchen work, and face red with scolding and serious cooking.
 To milder natures than Mrs. Strangfeld's and truly mild was hers-has the general servant" or maid of all work, as that age termed the Thing, proved steady vexation; and there was no more obliging, idle, willing, neglectful, fearful and ignorant slut in Grey stone than the Polly Baggs who ''did" Gn several senses) for the Strangfelds
 'sThere's no trusting the creature a mo- mentp cried Mrs. Strangfeld, leaving the door open that her voice might carry to the kitchen, and making Jenny a mere excuse for parenthetical attack on Polly. twill you believe ita-the knives are not yet cleaned; the slattern hath left your fathers new boots all night in the scullery; and not a bedroom touched"
 "Stin dreamingr' she exclaimed to Jenny. ''What with Polly's sinful idleness and thy moping face and dreadful swooning, ] SCAIC0 AuOW WAACA o1A OA An0 AS upT1kuuS Tell me now, Jenny, .if-wel, well, say yes if am right, then. Was it not MT. Shaw whom you cried out about in the bedroomp' The girl turned her pretty eyes upon her mother, and answered under her breath, ''Why should it be MT. Shaw, mothera" "Nay, nay, it was-I see it in your facel" | called Mrs. Strangfeld, with a little burst of l triumph Jenny was silent. ''Tell me it was-ten me it was I shall not be angry, Jenny"
 "Now, Jenny," continued Mrs. Strang- field, leaning forward in her eagerness, ''tell me in two little words, what is there between thee and him"
 l ''Mother, told father last night that you and he shall be answered, but not by me7'
 ''By whom, then, Jennyf' said Mrs. Strang- field, coaxingly. ''See, my dear, am not angry; do But want the truth. Your father is in a bad way because of your stubborn ness. MT. Shaw is pleasing young gentle man, and the Lord forbid that I should quarrel with man of his quality for-for-" Here was a long pause, and then insinuat- ingly, "Now wilt thou not help me, Jenny T'
 "Mother, mother, is it fair to press me in this way2" responded Jenny, with bewild. cred look. vet with something like spirit uuivering in her mouth. "Neither you nor father will bide. He has not heard me, and
 yet he judges. How cold and hard was he
 to me this morningl Oh, mother, have e
 secret-it will make him angry, and fear
 him! have not courage to tell it myself
 but it shall be told you. Oh, be sure, mother
 you shall know 1t.