The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1893-04-05

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pavement he found none.
What an ashman's duty was he did not
know, but he had his invalid's interests
at stake, and must do his best for him,
so he descended the areaway and rang
the bell. In moment girl in a mob
cap, big apron, and rubber gloves,
opened the door.
"Beg pardon, am sure" said Jack,
bowing, "but do you wish your ash
barrel emptied2"
He spoke in the most elegant manner,
but he was covered with ashes as with
garment; his mnstache was whitened,
lis hands begrimed ,, cinders adhered to
his hair aud his face'was dirty.
The maiden before'him was not quito
free from marks of kitchen labor. 1t
was Emily, who had been washing the
pots and kettles for the, first time in Jher
| life.
"What beautiful manner he, has, {"
she thought; she must be( some one in
reduced circumstances.
And she smiled upon him:
"You are the--the lash gentleman, 1
supposed" she queried.
az call in that capacity" said Jack.
"Then if it is not too much trouble,
the ash can stands In this little place
under the front steps, "'said Emily.
"No trouble whatever," said Jack,
diving into the place indicated; "I'n
bring it back when it issemptied."
''You are too kind, "isaid Emily, un-
aware of the pot-black' on her chin.
"Not at al, - said Jack of the Gin
ders, and they'bowed as if they were
dancing the lanciers.
:, In moment Jack had dumped tthe
ashes, and returnedwith the can.
He was greetedw wTth great puff OF
smoke, and Emily, bkshing and cough.
ing, came out into the area for air.
"Beg pardon" sud Jack; "but the
house is not on tireF"
al hope not" saidR Emily; ''the fire
went out, and Pm trying to kindle it,
but it smokes So"
"Perhaps it is they damper," said
Jack; 'Tll look, if you'd don't mind"
''I shall be grateful gasped Emily.
"It is the damper, said Jack, sand
these things in the ovens; now if 81 may
have bit of paper andisome woodn
He found them himself, made a fire,
opened the windows aud waited until
the smoke vanished from the hitchen,
and then shut the windows.
"What wonderful ashInan, ," Emily
thought.
"What an elegantIgirl bo be a cook, u
Jack said to himself.
ut is kind of you," said! Emily5 $50
stupid of me. But l did not know
about the dampers; neveqmade Ia fire
before, but the servants have itaken
French leave"
"OhI" said Jack to himself. "The
young lady of theNhouse doing amateur
kitchen housework. might, have, known
it. And she thinks me the ashman, "
and he sighed. "Good-daY," he said,
bowling.
Before Emilyicould replyia head was
original ashman.
GAN here you air, sir9" hetsaid. can
sure, the medicine the doctor did be
givin' me has made me a new man, an
I'm forever obliged. Aud sorry am
you've spoiled the fine clothes you have
on ye. And you'll find your boy-suckle
in the doctors shop. I've trounced the
rascal that was goin' off wild it to a
Jelly. I'll drive down, sir, and never
forget your kindness. May you be
Mayor OF New York yet"
"Oh, you are welcome" said Jack,
aud now Emily was staring at him.
"Not the ashmanl" she was sayingun-
der her breath, and Jack, laughing, an
swered her glance.
sMy first ash-cart, as this was your
first fire." he said. "The driver was i'll,
and took his place. Itlhas been great
fun, though rather dirty work. May
introduce myself"
He took card from his pocket and
presented it.
Iam Miss Montgomery, "lsaid Emily
'and l think my father mustknowyours
very well, if you are Mr.. William Spin
ner's son. They are in the same busi-
ness"
So it proved. For special occasions
who can say what the etiquette may bel
Emily said to herself that it would be
simply humane TO help this martyr to his
kindly sympathies out of his coat oI
ashes, and sent him to her brother
room to find clothes brush and wast
basin.
When he met her again she wor,
neither mob cap nor apron, but was at
tired in pretty morning dress, and he
hair curled bewitchingly on her fore
head.
And. since this was the son of he.
fathers old friend, it seemed but hos
pitable to ask him TO lunch. MammI
would not be at home, she was quit
alone. Il was awfully improper -bu
2 this latter point never occurred to Emily