The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-01-14

| uQu leI lucul iiuNC lO IL was ways "
tedious operation. So I went up stairs,
got out my keys, opened the press, and
began work. 1t was more than year
since most of it had been cleaned, and |
looked over everything, determined to
have it all done, and well done, in readi-
ness for our next dinner party, The ar
ticles which needed polishing l put down
on the floor. for there was neither table
nor chair in the room, nothing but the
press.
"If you please, ma'am,' said a soft
voice at my elbow, @here is a letter the
postman has just brought.
1t was Eliza l must say that for half
minute I felt vexed to think that, nc
doubt hearing me stirring about, she had
followed me in here True, had never
told any of the servants not to come into
that room, for l had not thought it worth
while. However, here Eliza was and |
saw her gaze wander, very naturally, to
the open press with its well filled shelves
and the accumulation on the floor,
80 ma am, what beautiful things y she
said admiringly.
"Yes, are they not?" l said, "Dr. Les
ter is very proud of his silver, for most of
it has been long time in his family. [
want you and Sarah to clean the plate to-
day. I will put what requires cleaning
outside the door, and you can come and
fetch il"
Eliza went out With could not help
fancying-just the slightest shade of un-
willingness in her manner, and carefully
locked the door, after leaving some Of the
things outside. In due time they were
brought up stairs again brilliantly polished
and ! put them all away, feeling rather
heroic for resisting the temptation to call
in Eliza TO help me. Had it not been for
my pledged word to my husband I GER
tainly should have done so.
Two days afterward, late in the after
noon, Eliza came to me in my bedroom
with glowing face and handed me gen.
tleman's card: "Rev Wentworth Altar
dyce, Oakwood Vicarage"
sits my dear master-my dear late
master, I mean, ma 'am," she said, looking
quite overjoyed "He was in London,
and he called to see how 1 was getting on;
and he would like to speak to you, ma'am
if you are not engaged y
l went down to the drawing room will
ingly enough. Eliza had often told me
about this Mr.. Allardyce, who had been
very kind to her, and was really glad to
see any one who was interested in so excel
lent servant.
The clergyman was handsome man of
about thirty-fve, with dark vivacious eyes
and a pleasant smile. He was got up IN
the most correct style of High Church
costume with long straight coat, button
less waistcoat, round collar, cross sus-
pended to his watch chain, and fiat felt
hat.
'Mrs. Lester, believe" he said, com
ing forward most courteously. II trust
you will not think | have taken liberty
in calling to see domestic who served me
faithfully for three years, and in whom
shall always take sincere interest"
II am very glad to see you, Mr.. Altar
dyce," 1 said
"And ] assure you it gives me great
pleasure to make the acquaintance of a
lady of whom | have heard so much.
Eliza often writes to me, and is eloquent
in her praises of you and her gratitude for
your kindness"
"She is very good girl l said.
siShe is good girl-a thoroughly good
girl-conscientiou and sincere he an
swered, as if he felt pleased at my praise.
Gas an inmate of my house she was ad-
mirable in every particular. | also had
the pleasure of preparing her for her con-
frmation. That being the case, | was
paturully anxious not to lose sight of her
when she came to London
"She has often spoken of you to me,
AIr. Allardyce. She often praises your
beautiful garden and the pretty meadows
near your vicarage.. We poor Londoners
envy you your privileges. T"
"Yet this is a delightful part of London, .
he said, with glance out of the window.
"0h, yes, we like it very well. Only
the Summer is coming on, and we natur-
ally yearn for the country. The parks are
a poor substitute for it,
MY garden is beginning to look very
pretty now You and DIR. Lester must
really run down to 0akwood-it is only an
hours journey from town-and gather
strawberries for yourselves, and taste our
country cream. I can promise you these
simple pleasures at least, and a game Of
tennis. I sAould like you to see my roses.
'sThank you; you are very kind
SIS Dr. Lester at home? I hope l shall
have the pleasure or making his acquaint-
ance before l leave.
81 expect him in every minute. He
said when he went out that he should not
be long"
81 understand he has very large prac-
tice?"
every. And he is particularly busy
just now"
ga most enviable profession. his" 4" re-
marked Mr.. Allardyce, gazing round the