Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-08-21

news OF their mothers dangerous illness,
and mamma at once gave them all per-
mission 10 go home. We supposed we
could get a woman who sometimes does
extra work for us. but she was engaged
for the day, 50 we are obliged to do the
best we can, ourselves.
~Can not you allow me to assist youG~
asked Tom politely. Il was brought up
on farm, and have often washed dishes
and made myself generally useful about
the kitchen.
~Youln exclaimed Adele, in such an
astonished tone that Tom could not for
bear laughing.
"Yes. certainly; why not?r he in.
quired.
"Oh, don't know-only thought
you never did anything" stammered
Adele; then endeavoring to seem at ease,
she said hurriedly, . Yes, if you will help,
please take this heavy tea kettle into the
kitchen and set it ON the stove.
Tom seized the kettle, and throwing
open the door leading to the kitchen was
crossing the room toward the stove, when
his progress was arrested by the sudden
appearance of Ida from the store room
beyond. If Adele looked slovenly and
disheveled, what shall be said of Ida An
old dress, slippers run down at the heel
and burst out at q sides, no collar OF
rufile, very little hair instead of the mag.
nificent tresses he had so often admired,
and what there was hanging uncombed
about her face, no wonder Tom started
in blank astonishment.
A heavy frown took the place of the
usual smile, as she curtly bade him good
morning. Tom muttered an apology fol
his intrusion as he deposited his burden
ON the stove and turned to retrace his
steps, just as Violet entered from the
dining room. She did not see him, but
addressing Ida, said:
run away now, Ida dear, and dress
before callers come for you. have
already sent Adele up stairs, and will
finish the dishes now / have done my
sweeping.
"You have been long enough about it,
hope, muttered Ida ungraciously, but
nevertheless availing herself of her sis.
ter's offer with much alacrity. Here
are the dish towels Violet, she said,
extending several greasy, blackened ar.
ticles to the young girl.
Tom had been meditating an escape;
not an easy affair, as the sisters stood
directly in his path; but at the word dish
towels he involuntarily stopped and
glanced around. "No wonder my grand.
mother cautioned me-" was his first
thought as the soiled towels met his
sight, and he hastily approved the look
of disgust which crossed Violet's face as
she quietly laid those aside, and, open.
ing drawer, took from it a plentiful
supply, soft, dry, and clean.
Ida and Adele h both disappeared,
and Tom ventured to renew his offer OF
assistance to Violet, who started little
as she for the first time noticed his pres
ence.
"0h, very WELL said Violet, smiling
and bIushing little as she met his gaze.
IF you are really SO much in need OF
employment, VIII try to provide some
for you. Suppose you set these dishes on
the lower shelf Of the closet, as wash
them-then / can arrange them after
they are all done.
Tom obeyed, ard was rewarded by
being allowed 10 bring hod of coal from
the cellar, and do various other little er.
rands, all the while he was noticing the
neatness and dispatch with which Violet
worked, and was especially observant OF
the clean. dry, dish towels, and the skill
with which, when done using them, she
washed and scalded and hung them tc
dry.
He declined the invitation to dinner,
given by Mrs. Renshaw, when she came
and found him assisting Violet, and
made his way directly to Harry's office.
II have made my choice at last,
Harry!" he announced 1T is one that
would suit even my grandmother"
might / inquire who is the fortunate
damsel?" asked Harry, laying down his
book and how are you SO sure of your
revered relatives approval?"
Tom told his mornings experience,
concluding with . If she will only accept
me, shall be the happiest man alive,
and all owing to my dear old grand
mothers advice