The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1893-11-24
NANCY'S WAGES.
How Uncle Peter Came to Know
Her True Worth


Twelve o'clock and the washing
amt out yet,' said Nancy Norton, with
a frightened glance at the clock But
I've had such n sight q setbaclIs! III
have TO wait a spell now till the hired
men have bad their dinner"
She blew the horn at the back door,
then made all haste TO set the plenti-
ful. if plain. meal on the table, which
feat she had barely accomplished be-
fore Uncle Peter and three stalwart
helpers appeared on the scene
Nancy does make y No. l pies,
said Hiram Jenifer, reaching for IA sec
ond slice.
Il don't mind if drink another cup
o. coffee" observed Noah johnson,
with plenty of sugar, Nancy, please.
While Hezekiah Hopper made
plunge at the butter with his own knife,
remarking, sotto voce: That To his
taste there want no butter like June
butter, an it didn't come but once
year."
mo hot bread" said Uncle Peter,
with a comprehensive glance around the
board. nor riz biscuit-eh, Nancy
Il couldn't manage il to-day" with n
conscience-stricllen look. With the
wasEin' and all"
..Nancy's yesterdays breads good
enough for me!' observed Hiram phiio-
sophically.
..For my part said Uncle Peter, Il
don't see how these women folks con-
trive To put IL the time, pottering
around all day, ADDING next to
nothin'.''
'Oh. now, that amt fair spoke up
Noah johnson, good-naturedly- 'Tain't
= m IA
four men"
The color had risen in two round
spots TO Nancy's checks; quick retort
hovered on her lips, when Uncle Peter
interrupted the unspoken words
''Oh, 10y the way" said he, I'D most
forgotten To say anything about It, but
brother Sans girls to be here to-day
Brother Sans girl?'
Why. yes-your cousin Mamie from
Bridgcport-your Uncle Sam wells gal,
that's To teach the district school here
Sam. he was inquirin' round for place,
an | calculated we could board her
here. so told him to send her on. Hes
willin' TO pay five dollars month, and
that counts up!'
Nancy looked at her uncle with
startled eyes
But there amt no room for her TO
sleep in said she.
She can have your room, and you
can take the little corner chamber in
the garret One person more or less
in the family don't make no difference,
and five dollars is five dollars. Have
some more of the dried peach sass,
Johnson"
Nancy said not a word.
OF what avail was II TO remind Tn
IL. L. l.
was cold in winter and hot in summer,
that the roof leaked, and the rats
played high carnival there?
She only helped Hiram janifer TO a
cucumber pickle, and repienished the
coffee pot for the third time
There's a gal, now-Brother Sans
darter" reflectively observed Mr.. Nor
ton, as he sprin}led pepper and vinegar
over his summer beets-'as is worth
her salt. Arnin' twenty dollars a
month at teachin'. II Nancy could
make money like that. But Nancy
hadn't never no faculty.'
Il never had Il chancc," cried Nancy,
with rising color and tear-brimmed
eyes. I've been kept hard at work
since was a child, and and
There, there, don't get excited"'
said Uncle Peter, waving his hand IN
patronizing manner Gals Is queer
creeturs. You can't so much Us speak
To 'em, but they fly off at tangent
Get things ready for Sans gal, that's
all | ask OF you-and mind you have
some fried chickens for supper. Iii
Jeuifer hasn't had a bite of fried
chicken since he's been here. And look
after the young gosiin's that's comm
outen the shell down TO the barn-I
suspicion there's a weasel aboard some
where-apd mind the calves don't get
into the corn l RELY must mend that
gate pin some o. these days. Come,
boys, if you're sure you can't worry
down no more vittleS"-
1t was not until the four men had
shutfled off 10 the barnyard To look
after Uncle Peters latest investment in
a new Durham COW, ere they returned
to the bayfield,, that Nancy sank weari-
ly down into patch-cushioned rocker
and burst into tears.
why, what's the matter, Nancy?
You're Nancy Norton, aren't your
A sweet, CHEEKY voice sounded in her
cara light hand touched her shoulder
Nancy jumped to her feet.
Are you Uncle Sans daughter?" she
cried.
why, of course l am! Nancy Nor
ton, just like yourself Named after
our dear old grandmother-only they
call me Mamie"
A smouldering feeling of resentment
had possessed Nancy's heart toward
this unknown relation; but it was all
dispersed now in the light of those clear
hazel eyes-the sunshine of that win
ming smile.
Nothing is the matter" said she,
except the washin' Is behind to-day,
and I'm clean discouraged and tired
out"
where's the girl?''
I'm the girl" Nancy answered.
Then III be girl. too" Mamie
laughed out, taking off her gloves and
unfastening her piquant little cape.
You go and hang out the clothes and
I'll see about clearing off this table.
Because I'm TO board here, father
says, and you and l are to be great
friends
Nancy looked wistfully at her.
kiss me, won't you,' said she.
''Oh, yes, I'd so like to be friends with
you! l haven't never had no girl
friends"
The three hired men were overcome
with embarrassment, when, on arriving
in time for the fried chicken and hot
waffies that evening, they found them
selves confronted with such a daintily
dressed, smiling young lady.
Uncle Peter evinced transformations
approval OF his new niece, and 1t re-
quired all Nancy's hearty affection for
the newcomer to preserve her from the
stings of jealousy.
Il don't see," said Uncle Peter, why
Nancy can't earn money like you do"
How much do you pay her?' asked
Mamie, lifting her eyes To his face.
ME? Pay Nancy? Why, her board
and clothes, to be sure. Its all shes
worth"