The Portland daily press., 1891-09-21
THEY poNNEp SERVANTS, CAPS.
TWO Pretty Daughters Of a Well
Known Literary Man Help their
Father.
[New YORK Trlbune.l

A well known literary man who had
been the recipient Of not little atten-
ton during a brief stay in London, re-
ceived not long ago a letter from one Of
his English friends announcing his ar
rival in America and proposing himself
for visit of a few hours, including one
night. Although delighted at the pros
pect of seeing man whom he much adj
mired, Mr.. l. was greatly puzzled in
regard to the entertainment and accom-
mediation of his visitor, as their modest
household boosted of only one servant,
and he wished to ask few friends to
meet the distinguished author at dinner.
His eldest daughters laughingly took
matters in their own hands, telling him
to invite the guests and they would
guarantee satisfaction" The shy re-
cluse, having unbounded faith in his
womankind, did as he was hidden, invit-
ed half dozen choice spirits to his little
country house and retired to his den and
his books with perfect equanimity.
"We make only one stipulation, papa"
said the girl, "and that is that Meta (the
third daughter) shall be the only one
ready to receive your grand English
friend, and that you will not mention
the rest of u.s." Mr.. L. readily agreed
to everything, and, absorbed in his be-
loved books, was quite oblivious to all
arrangements until Meta, looking as
pretty as picture, In the freshest Of
ginghams, announced that she was ready
to drive him to the station to meet the
honored guest. On their return with
the stranger the door was opened by
tidy looking maid in the neatest of caps
and aprons, at whom the old gentleman
hardly glanced as he ushered his guest
into the house, merely thinking that his
daughters had picked up rather nice
looking girl.
The modest little guest room was
most attractive with fresh muslin and
punches of roses, and, fairly luxurious
with ample and comfortable washing
arrangements and abundant drapery.
The neat looking maid brought can of
hot water to the door and announced
the dinner hour. SLOW delightful all
this republican simplicity is, and how
comfortablew murmured the traveller to
himself. "It is just as I imagined l.
would live, and what q pretty girl his
daughter isl"
A gentle knock hurried his toilet.
DINNER is served, SIR" said q sweet
voice, and he followed the attractive
looking Abigail to the little drawing
room, where his host introduced him to
the half dozen clever men who had been
assembled in his honor. An involuntary
exclamation of delight escaped the lips
of the convives as they entered the dining
room at the exquisite arrangement of the
table. The center was completely COW
cred with soft, green moss, out of which
grew quantities of tiny woodland flowers.
Blocks of sparkling ice held TASKS Of
Rhenish wine in their followed out CEN
tiers, and candles screened with rose col
ored shades gave charming and sufi-
Gent light. The attractive hostess in the
simplest of white gowns presided with
pretty dignity, and two deft maids,
dressed alike with dainty freshness, served
the well cooked dinner.
The entertainment was altogether a
decided social success, and the English
man was profuse In his expressions Of
delight. The next morning he took his
departure, being driven to the station
by Meta, neatly attired IN cheviots and
serge. His establishment would haye
been great could he have beheld the
scene that followed, when the demure
maid servants danced around the old
gentleman with their caps borne aloft
on the end of broomsticks In triumph.
"You wicked hussies," said their
father, trying in vain to look angry, but
failing signally. GLOW could you play
me such trickl never recognized you
until dinner was announced, and then II
was too late to do anything but SUBMIT
'But we wanted the whole thing to
be success" pleaded the quondam serv-
ants, "and it was impossible to arrange
it otherwise"
"Well, I forgive you," said their
parent, laughing in spite of himself.
"But mind, I shall meyer allow such a
performance again. ~