Birmingham age-herald., 1895-02-21
BEES ROMANCE.

perhaps so haye everything in trim. But that warning Is unnecessary. You arc always ready. Yours affectionately, BRYAN That simple note brought consternation into the quiet country household, for thJ cook and housemaid had just taken French leave, and 1t would be impossible to fllt their places on short notice, for servants did not flourish in the little village of Sil- cotes
 What shall we do9" exclaimed Mrs. Mascall, glancing round at her three daughters with an expression of tragic de- spair.
 Two shall have to all enter the kitchen. and take 1t turn about until can engage 8 cook"
 "Ob, mother, you know it would spoil my complexion to bend over the hot stove. That plan will never do, :" said fair Ger trude
 Well, you know, we cannot get cook now for love or money" sighed the trou- bled matron.
 Yes you can, mother mine. Here is one for love,' said brown haired, brown eyed Beatrice. 1T will be the cook until you can get one, and Bryan's fastidious friend need never know it. My name is Matilda. D
 Mrs. Mascall hesitated but Gertrude and Myra applauded the plan eagerly, as it would leave them free to enjoy the so- ciety of the rich young baronet and try their destinations on him.
 Bryan Mascall came at the appointed time, accompanied by handsome man of eight or nine and twenty, with blond hair and mustache keen, clear blue eyes, and the winning ease and grace of one long used to refined and cultured society. The daughters of tho house were fault lessly dressed and charmingly cordial, and Mrs. Mascall beamed graciously, but Bryan glanced round with dissatisfied look
 Where is BeeP'
 .1She has gone on visit to Aunt Mary" said Gertrude.
 But, passing through back passage an hour later, Bryan was astQnished to find a young person. half bidden in huge apron, in his aims, to feel the fond pres sure of soft arms aorund his neck
 "Hellol' he cried, falling back step. 'sOh, Bryap, don't you know me9'
 "Beel'' ho gasped.
 'tNo Matilda, the cook, :" she corrected, with a soft laugh.
 And then she explained.
 The dinner was faultlessly cooked and served, and after 1t was over and her mother came out, insisting on washing the dishes, tired Bee bathed her face, put on a fresh white gown, and taking book sought her favorite seat in the fork of an old apple tree.
 She had been there long enough to get rested and cool when a gentleman cane sauntering through the. old orchard.
 He came straight to that particular tree, q am stfdffgdr here; oarie down with my friend, Mir. Mascall, this morning. You are member of the family, pre- sumep" lifting his hat and speaking in the most respectful tone.
 1T am the cook, sir"
 ''Ah, yesi It must be delightful to serve so charming family" leahing against low bough and looking at her with friend ly-very friendly-eyes, thought Bee, feel ing tri1e warm.
 Just as I thought. Ready to flirt with mistress or maid, d,'' said Bee to herself May have an applef"
 ''If you like them So green."
 Encouraged by her friendliness, he drew nearer, and their acquaintance progressed rapidly. That meeting was only the be- ginning
 A week passed, and every day the visit or managed to see the cook, for Bee still filled that position, and though indignant
  telltale blush out of her face when shb mot his frank, admitting eyes or check thrill of strange pleasure when she heard his voice.
 At length cook was secured, and with little, nervous laugh Bee said she would .'return bome.' II will come this evening and be intro duced at the tea table,, she said and went away to her favorite haunt.
 She felt sorely troubled It was her duty to betray Sir Philip, but she shrank from the task and finally decided to keep silent Just as she had arrived at that conclusion he made his appearance.
 ''So your situation has been taken from you?" he said, with grave concern.
 "Yes.'
 What will you do, obildP"
 ''Try to find another"
 1T can offer you one if you will accept it, speaking slowly and doubtfully and coming quito close to her
 You are kind" she murmure1 "What will have to dor"
 You will not have to cook. Shall l give you a list of your dutiesP"
 ''If you please" trembling at her own daring "Thcn the first and most important duty will be to love me as dearly and truly as l do you"
 Sir Philip, how dare you?'sshe cried out.
 Hush, Bee, unti havo finished" ''Beei You know me, then?"
 ''Yes,' he said, and boldly took her hand
 Now, how long bavo you known?" she faltcred
 Bryan told mo tho first day. Now, may go on and'-
 II am angry, and wish you would go away
 They met Bryan at the orchard gate, and lo came near buc0ipQ them both in