The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-02-25
THAT HIRED GIRL.

w
her west window watching the apple
gathering. Above the hills hung a
SOFT yellow mist; the great chestnut
tree in the lane was turning to a bou-
uuet of rustling gold; the asters and
dahlias along the garden walk were
blooming in gaudy profusion.
Its the first year" said Mrs Gal
way. that l haven't been able to help
EN- barrel up tho red sweets and tho
yellow pippins. And I'm helpless
with the rheumatics. 0, dear, dear.
to think it should come to this!
What's that noise9 I'll bet a CARO-
way seed it's the cat among the milk
pans And It's time the kettle was
over for tea and Sarah Soper's forgot
to como and see to it,"
She looked piteously up at the
clock but just as she was about to
lift up her voice in shrill summons u
footstep creakod heavily on the door
step.
Its me- ~ said Sarah Soper. a gray
haired. sharp-featured spinster, who
lived in the house, the yellow gable
end Of which was just visible through
the maple trees beyond.
Il thought you never was coming"
said Mrs Galway, petulantly.
Sarah looked sharply at her.
Il tell you what, Mrs. Galway
said she, you made a great mistake
when you set your face against Zenas'
marryin' that pretty factory girl two
years ago! If you'd q nice. stirrin'
daughter-in-law now
Instead OF depending on other
folks to come and help me-yes, said
Mrs. Galway, I'm beginning to think
so myself But if you have nothin'
better to do Sarah Soper than to re-
mind people of their shortcomings
you'd better go home again.
Where is Zenas, anyhow" ques-
toned the merclless catechist as she
settled the shining tin teakettle in its
place and slid the hampers to let the
smoke go up the chimney. --.
Gone to town." CURLY answered
Mrs. Galway.
"Eh-what for?'' -. .a
ITO get {, hired girl" -...r
80 Sarah -Soper opened her mouth and
eyes.
The idee of Zenas Galway in one
o them intelligent Offices" said she.
Il would like to be hid away there
and hear how he manages it!''
Il guess Zenas can manage as we'll
as anybody" sharply retorted Mrs.
Galway.
While the domestic preparations
were going on in the Galway farm
mouse Zenas, the son and heir of the
establishment was sitting in a de-
spairing attitude on hard, implanted
settee in Mr. Cummings ''Headquar-
ters for Domestic Aid,' interviewing
a long succession of hopeless incapa-
bles OF different ages and nation
alites
pretty hard to suit amt you?'
said Mr.: Cummings. lifting his spec
tacled eyes above the line of his ledg.
er at last
lit no use, said Galway in a de-
Jected way; Il don't think my mother
would have one Of these women in the
house"
We'll, look here" said Mr.. Cum
mlngs; there's a gal just come in.
Mebby you can come to terms with
her."
A slight figure came out from be-
mind the curtained rail and confronted
t1alWay She was q pretty. fair
haired girl with timid. hazel eyes and
"a cheek flushed with nervous excite
ment.
What wages do you give9' asked
she.
Eight dollars" answered Zena,.
"Iu come" she decided after q
brief hesitation. Il must get some sort
of situation.
but [ must take you home al
once, said the young man. NV
wagon is waiting down below.
Il must go home after my clothes, >
said the girl. III be back here in
half an hour. Waltz"
And she vanished.
Now said Mr.. Cummings turning
over new leaf in his ledger. II cal
that a stroke O. business for both O.
you They all want TO oe companion,
or secretary, or somethin' o. that sort.
1t sounds more high-toned. you know
But after all, good honest housework's
the thing" .....- ....,...
Zenas Galway sat staring at the
checkered reflection of the window
panes on the floor as they moved slow.
ly along with the westering sun. Ant
little Elfrida Hewitt fed swiftly dowr
a narrow street. up winding stat,
to close little apartment where Ia,
a pale young convalescent trying t.
while away the weary hours,with sew.
ing cut jet beads on silken gimp TO,
the nearest fancy store She looked
sup her bright eyes all inquiry.
'Well?'' she said. eagerly.
1--we. got place, darling. at lastr
The invalid drew long breath.
Its only So month"; pursued
Elfrida; but I'll send every cent of i,
to you. dear, until you're we'll enough
to get back to the store. And IT..
quite small family only one lady.
And I'll try so hard to suit herp"
but Frida-oh. dear little Frida!-