Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-11-26
HOUSE 10 LIT.

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We have got to novel sighed Sell.
ma Spencer. The wind rustled in the
leancss poplar treea, the muslin curtains
tapped IN the draught. Ola Dorcas,
the colored servant, went on sprinkl,ng
the pillow cases on the pine table in the
corner. s1
I've seen it coming this long time,
said Selma. The landlord has been as
good and conslderlte as possible
De Ian lords an old harpy!' said
Dorcas. Lan'lo allays is
mo. he's not. persisted Selma. we
owe him eight months rent already, and
do not know how he is ever to get his
money. | would offer him the piano
and The carved rosewood parlor set, il |
thought they would possess any value
in his cycs--in part payment, mean.
Dorcas rolled mp the coffee colored
whites of her eyes.
Dat piano as was Miss Adelaide 8
when first she came from Baltimo'
boarding school SAID she. Dat lubly
lunichnlc rs was made to order in An
nnplis. No, Miss Lina-not wiv dis
chiles consent.
And she rolled thin old damask ia.
BILE cloth very light and packed it into
the basket with emphasis.
Mamma must know nothing Of this,
Dorcas, said Selma, sadly.
dunno how you Sc gwine to keep it
from her. Miss Lima
1T can be done Dorcas. I've thought
1t all OUT said the girl. She must be
made to suppose that she's going to
spend few days with my employers at
Newport
Has dey done asked her, Miss ?
No. You goose! don't suppose that
they even know I've got a mother. |
am only typewriter and stenographer
in their eyes, and render my services at
so much Il day. Mrs. Plinlimmon is
known all through New York as fe-
male philanthropist, but while she's
helping poor immi grants out of the
slums and rectifying the slopshop ques
ton, she don't appreciate that well
dressed southern lady may be in sore
straits. But she'll make as cook fig
urehead as any other.
Miss Lima said Dmcas, after brief
silence, during which she rolled and
sp'inkled, patted and folded with un.
ceasing vigilance.
we'll"
1 knows whar could git four dol.
lars week for laundress, or five for
cook. Tin'k O. dat, Miss Lima
Do you want to leave us, Dorcas.
The old woman uttered subdued
groan.
Lord knows it amt dat, Miss Lima.
Lord knows it's honor enough to work
for d. old Spencers. But It's money
we uns wants AN ebery cent o de ole
woman's wages, dey'll come back to ole
mlssus and MISS Lima
The long lashes dropped over Selma
Spencer lovely hazel eyes. It's OF no
use, Dorcas, said she. We've got to
bend before the storm. Hush Do you
hear that tapping"
Somebody knockln at de do Why
on arf don't dey ring de bell? {?
No said Selma, dctalning her as she
was about to answer the summons, its
the agent putting up the "To Let
But whateyer happens, Dorcas, don't let
mamma know
She rose, ard taking up her hat and
gloves, went up the wide, gloomy old
staircase. Dorcas looked after her and
shook her turbaned head.
'Meks believe she's pow'ful brave !
muttered she. Thinks ole Dorcas dun
no she's cryln' dis berry minute! Why
didn't she marry Mars George Berkeley
when he axed her an sabe herscf all
this trouble:'
Up 10 the dim4y lighted sitting room
Mrs, Spencer sat. a faded belle of the
ollen days. The piano was open, the
window was full of carefully tended
plants II pink shaded lamp burned OH
the table. and Mrs. Spencer herself was
engaged in crewel work with slow, Ian
guild fingers.
You are later than usual to night.
Selma said she. fretfully. Perhaps
your idea of dutiful daughter is diff
erent from mine, but | think any
amount of Shakespeare and drawing
classes oughtn't to take so much of your
time away from your mother.
I stopped to give Dorcas orders in
the kitchen, mamma Selma cheeilully
answered But m all ready now.
What shall l read to you until the tea
comes up
,Wnll' slili the nnn1 Lady, Erhlv I'D