Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-09-05

I'm beginning to think 20 myself. But II
you have nothin' better to do, Sarah Soper,
than to remind people Of their shortcomings
you'd better 20 hack home again"
'And there want nothin' against Fanny
Walters as ever I heerd on" reHectively
went on Sarah soper. as she set . match to
the shavings and kindling wood In the cook
ing stove. except her good looks Yes, Al
mira Galway. you made q mistake there
Zenas amt never been the same man since"
Mrs. Galway moved unessily In her chair
Where is Zenas, anyhow questioned the
merciess catechist. a. she settled the shining
tin tea kettle in Its place, and slid the damp
ers to let the smoke 60 up chimney.
"Gone to town." CURLY answered Mrs
Galway
"Eh-what forr'
ITO get a hired girl"
Sarah Soper opened her mouth and eyes
"Well, neverl" said she "You come to
that-you. as always said nothin' would In
duce you to keep girl!''
That was before had the inflammatory
rheumatic" sighed Mrs Galway. There
amt no law against folks changing their
minds, AS know on can't be dependent
on neighbors all the time"
Miss Soper chuckled softly
1.-The idee Of Zcnas Galway in one o them
Intelligent offices," said she II would like
to be hid away there and hear how he man
ages it''
II guess Zenas can manage as well a. 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
and opening Jar Of preserved blackberries
for tea, she said to herself:
~ most wish I hadn't made such fuss
over Zenas notion for Fanny Walters!'
While these domestic preparations were
going on in the Galway farm house., Zenas,
the son and heir of the establishment, was nit
ting in despairing attitude on Q hard, IN
painted settee IN Mr. Cummings "Headquar-
tiers for Domestic Aid" interviewing n long
succession Of hopeless incapables, Of different
ages and nationalities
Pretty hard to suit, amt your said Mr.
Cummings, lifting his specialized eyes above
the line OF his ledger at last.
Its nc USE said Galway In a detected
way; II don't think my mother would have
one Of these women in the house"
well, look here" said Mr. Cummings,
'here, gal just come in. Mebby you can
come to terms with her."
as companion"
"Well, this Is place as companion said
Mr.. Cummings doggedly. ito an old lady up
country-only she'll expect you TO do tbs
housework-"
A silence followed; apparently the candi-
date was considering
You've been comm arter this companion
place for week, urged Cummings; land
you amt had a chance yet 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 a 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.
"Il come" she decided after q brief best
tation- II must get some sort Of situa-
ton"
But must take you home at once" said
the young man. MY wagon Is waiting down
below"
II must 20 home after my Clothes" said
the girl "I1I be back here in half an hour
Waltz"
And she vanished
Now" said Mr.. Cummings, turning over
new leaf in his ledger, II call that stroke
q business for both Of you. They all want to
be companion, or secretary, or somethin' o
that sort. 1t sounds more high toned, you
know. But, arter all, good honest homework
the thing!r
Mr.. Cummings here paused to talk yith .
scout young man. who desired position -
porter in store.
ZeEas Galway sat staring at the checkered
reflection Of the window panes on the door.
- they moved slowly along with the wester-
Ing sun. And little Elfrida Hewitt ned
swiftly down narrow street, up q winding
stair to a close little apartment, where lay .
pale. young convalescent trying to while
away the weary hours with sewing cut jet
beads on silken gimp for the nearest fancy
store. She looked up. her bright eyes all in
quiry.
"Wellr she said, eagerly.
1--WE got place. darling, at last!"
The invalid drew q long breath.
ITS only IS a n,nth," pursued Elfrida;
'but I'll send every cent Of IL to you, dear,
until you're well enough to get back to the
store. And ats quite small family-only
one lady. And I'll try % hard to suit herr
But. Frida-oh, dear little Frida what
shall do without your cried the pallid CON
valescent. clasping her thin hands
1--WE mustn't think Of that" said Elfrida,
resolutely- You're going to get we'll, and
then we shall both do splendidly kiss me,
dear I've got to pack my little bag. for the
the carriage Is waiting at the 'HeadQuar-
terS'-
The carriagel They must be very grand
people," said the elder sister. "But you
haven't told me the address, FridA~
Elfrida stopped packing and regarded her
sister with eyes Of puzzled amusement
II forgot to ask it. said she. but III send
it by mail 1t will all be right, dear Nov
one more kiss Good-by!"
And Efrida ran away, blinded BY the
tears she was too brave 30 shed in her sisters
presence.
is it very wicked, wonder she asked
herself, ITO let her think I'm going to b
companion to a sick ladyI But something
had to be done, or we both should have
starved
1t was twilight when Zenas Galway -
sisted his companion to alight At the door OF
the farmhouse under the following maple
boughA
NY mother is sitting there BY the win
dow Aid be- Go and speak 70 her; he
can't come 70 yoa She haa no ~ of hss
hmhar
Elfrida Hewitt advanced boldly 10 the
kind faced little old woman In the cuahioued
arm chair.
Ma 0alvay held out her hand vftA .
smilA
WHO are your said BE. p,sasantly.
Il am the new giri
I'm glad to - ycu. my DIR. Whist b
pour nAmer
.Hfrida Hoxita"
0Kh~N - -, A~R