Wichita eagle., 1889-09-18
ELFRIDA'S FIRST PLACE.

Old Mrs. Galway sat sorrowfully at her
west window watching the apple gathering.
Above the hills hung soft, yellow mist; the
great chestnut tree in the lane was turning
TO bouquet Of rustling gold; the asters and
dahlias along the garden walk were blossom
Ing in gaudy profusion.
ITS the first year." said Mrs Galway,
shat l haven't been able to help 'em barrel
up the red sweets and the yaller pippins.
And I'm helpless with the rheumatics Oh,
dear, dear, to think it should come to thisl
What's that noisel I'll bet a carroway seed
its the cat among the milk pansl And it's
time the kettle was over for tea, and Sarah
Sopers forgot to come and see TO it,"
She looked piteously up at the clock, but
Just as she was about to lift up her voice in
shrin summons footstep creaked heavily on
the door step.
Its me-" said Sarah So9er, a gray haired,
sharp featured spinster, who lived in the
house whose yellow gable end was just visi-
bic through the maple trees beyond. "I'm a
little late, on account O. stoppin' TO buy
paper O. hair pins and two cards o. buttons
of peddler that came along"
Il thought you never was coming" said
Mrs. Galway petulantly.
Sarah looked sharply at her.
Il tell you what, Mrs. Galway" said she.
''you made a great mistake when you set
your face against Zenas' fuarryin' that pretty
factory girl two yesr agol II you'd a nice,
stirrin' daughter-in-law now
Instead of depending on other folks TO
come and help me-yes," said Mrs. Galway.
"I'n beginning TO think so myself But if
you have nOthin' better TO do, Sarah Soper,
than 70 remind people Of their shortcomings
you'd better go back home again"
And there wasn't nothin' against Fanny
Walters as ever l herd on" refectively
went on Sarah Soper. as she set a match TO
the shavinGs and kindling wood in the cook
ing stove, except her good looks. Yes, Al
mira Galway, you made a mistake there.
Zenas amt never been the same man since"
Mrs. Galway moved uneasily in her chair
''Where is Zenas, anyhow questioned the
merciless catechist, as she settled the shining
tin tea kettle in its place, and slid the damp
ers to let the smoke go up chimney.
''Gone to town." CURLY answered Mrs,
Galway
''Eh-what forr'
''To get hired girl"
Sarah Soper opened her mouth and eyes.
well, never!" said she You come to
that--you, as always said nothin would in
duce you TO keep gul!"
That was before had the inflammatory
rheumatic" sighed Mrs Galway. "There
amt no law against folks changing their
minds, as l know on l can't be dependent
on neighbors all the time
Miss Soper chuckled softly
1.-The idee of Zenas Galway in one O. them
Intelligent offices!" said she. Il would like
to be hid away there and hear how he man
sges it,"
Il guess Zenas can manage as well as any
body!' sharply retorted Mrs. Galway.
But she was nettled nevertheless, and more
than once, while Sarah Soper was cutting the
bread, bringing the butter from down cellar
aud opening jar Of preserved blackberrieS
for tea, she said to herself:
Il most wish | hadn't made such fuss
over Eenas' notion for Fanny Waltersr'
While these domestic preparations were
going on in the Galway farm house, Zenas,
the son and heir OF the establishment, was sit
ting in despairing attitude on a hard, I'M
painted settee IN Mr.. Cummings 'Headquar-
tiers for Domestic Aid interviewing long
succession Of hopeless incapables, of different
ages and nationalties.
Pretty hard to suit, amt youl" said Mr.
Cummings, lifting his specialized eyes above
the line Of bis ledger at last.
Its no use" said Galway. in a detected
way; Il don't think my mother would have
one of these women in the house."
well, look here said Mr. Cummings, /
''here's gal Just come in Mebbv you can /
come to terms with her"
But" spoke a soft voice, 81 wanted place I
as companion
well, this is a place as companion" said |
MIR. Cummings, doggedly, ito an old lady up 4
country-on!y she'll expect you TO do the 1
houseworkn
A silence followed; apparently the candi- /
date was considering.
You've been comm arter this companion .
place for q week, urged Cummings; and .
you amt had chance Vet, nor the ghost Of .
one. Comet better take what you can get"
A slight figure came out from behind the .
curtained rail and confronted Galway. She .
was pretty, fair haired girl. with timid, .
hazel eyes, and cheek flushed with nervous :
excitement.
What wages do you giver asked she.
Eight dollars" answered ZenaS.
I'm come" she decided, after brief hesi-
tation. II must get some sort of situa-
ton"
But must take yen home at once" said
the young man. My wagon Is waiting down
below
Il must so home after my clothes said
the girl IN be back here in half an hour.
WaitI7
And she vanished
Now, said Mr.. Cummings, turning over
8 new leaf IN bis ledger Il call that stroke
o. business for both Of YOU They all want 10
be companion, or secretary. or sonethin' o
that sort 1t sounds more high toned, YOU
know. But, arter all, good honest houseworkis
the thing"
Mr.. Cummings here paused 70 talk with a
stout young man, who desired s position as
porter IN a stOra
ZezaS Galway SAT staring at the checkered
SIS they moved slowly along with the wester-
Tag sun. And little Elfrids Hewitt ded
swiftly down narrow street. up winding
stair 70 a Close little apartment, where Law
p4'a. young convalescent trying TO while
away the weary hours with sewing cut let
beads on silkeu gimp for the nearest fancy
store she looked Up, her bright eyes al IN
Qu.ry.
"Wellin she said, eagerly.
i've gotta place. darling, at lsstIn