The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1891-10-03

mission TO go home. We supposed we
could get woman who sometimes does
extra work for us, but she was engaged
for the day, so we are obliged to do the
best we can, ourselves
"Can not you allow me to assist you 2n
asked Tom politely. II was brought up
on farm, and have often washed dishes
and made myself generally useful about
the kitchen.
"Youl" exclaimed Adele, in such an
astonished tone that Tom could not for
bear laughing y
"Yes, certainly; why not2n he in
quired.
"Oh, don't know-only thought
you never did anything" stammered
Adele; then endeavoring to seem at ease,
she said hurriedly, eyes, If you viii help,
please take this heavy tea kettle into the
kitchen and set it on the stove.
Tom seized the kettle, and throwing
open tile door leading to the kitchen was
crossing theroom toward the stove, when
his progress was arrested by the sudden
appearance Of IDA from the store room
beyond IL Adele looked slovenly and
disheveled, what shall besaid of Ida An
old dress, slippers run down at the heel
and burst out at Il Q sides, no collar or
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 t,ok the place of the
usual smile, as she cl.rtly bade him good
morning. Tom mu..ered an apology for
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 old 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 1 have done my
sweeping.
"You have been long enough about it,
hope, muttered Ida ungraciously, but
nevertheless avail z 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 au escape;
not an easy affair, as the sisters s.oai
directly in his path; but at the word Isl
towels he involuntarily stopped and
glanced around. No wonder my grand
mother cautioned me- was his first
thought as the soiled towels met hi;
sight, and he hastily approved the look
of disgust which crossed Violet's face az
she quietly laid those aside, and, opev-
ing drawer, took from it plentiful
supply, soft, dry, and clean.
Ida and Adele II both disuppoarc
and Tom ventured to renew his offer
assistance to Violet, who started H. +,
as she for the first time noticed his =
ence.
"Oh, very well, said Violet, smili01.
and blushing little as she met his gaze
IF you are really so much in need o.
employment, will try to provide some
for you. Suppose you set these dishes m
the. lower shelf of the closet, IS was,
them-then I can arrange them aftc
they are all done.
Tom obeyed ard was rewarded H.
being allowed to bring hod of coal froi3
the cellar, and do various other little er.
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
dry.
He declined the invitation to dinner.
given by Mrs. Renshaw wien she can
and found him assisting Violet. an
made his way directl- to lIarry's Office.
Il have made my choice at last
IIarry" he announced: =" 1t is one thu
would suit even my grandmother"
might I inquire who is the fortuna
damsel2" asked Hurry, laying down j
book "and how are you so sure of your
revered relatives approval?"
Tom told his mornings experience.
concluding with "I If she will only accep
me- shall be the happiest man alive.
and all owing to my dear old grand
lnother's advice.