Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1896-11-11

StSS t@<-AS3
- Y But that warning il
unnecessary; you are always ready.
Yours affectionately, ROYAL DENT"
That simple little note brought con.
sternation into the Dent household,
for the cook and maid.of-all-work had
inst taken French leave, and it would
be impossible to fill her place on short
notice, for servants did not flourish
readily in the quiet little village.
"What shall We do?" exclaimed
Mrs. Dent, glsncing around at her
three daughters with an expression OF
tragic despair.
Telegraph to Royal that he must
bring cook down with him." said
Ange, the youngest, with an irrepses-
sible smile.
'.NonsenseI Tomorrow is the
twenty.fourth. and we will have to all
enter the kitchen, and take it turn
about, until can engage cook"
"Oh, motherl you know it would
spoil my complexion to bend over the
hot stove. That plan viii never do. 7"
said fair Gertrude, folding her soft,
Iily-white hands.
'.And if We do the cooking, who will
entertain Mr.. Estwald?" said Mira.
"Wen, you know we cannot get one
now, rlove or money, sighed the
troubled matron.
.'Yes, You can, mother mine. Here
is one for love-" said brown-haired,
brown.eyed Ange. 'I will be the cook
until you can get one, and Royals
fastidious friend need never know it.
My name is Polly Ann, and I'll pre-.
pare the daintiest dishes, and you can
engage boy to stay in the dining
room"
Mrs. Dent hesitated, bnt Gertrude
and Mira applauded the plan eagerly,
as it would leave them free to enjoy
the society of rich Mr.. Estwald, and
try their destinations on him, for each.
in the secret depths of her own mind,
determined to win him, if woman's
charms had any power.
"You are making quite sacrifice
Ange, my dear child, and do not like
to have You bansshed in that style"
"But it is self-banishment," said
Arge, gaily, giving just one regretful
sigh, and then entering heartily into
the work before her.
Royal came at the appointed time,
accompanied by q handsome man
of eight or nine and twenty, with
blonde hair and moustache, keen,
clear blue eyes, and the winning ease
and grace of one long used to the re.
fined and cultured circles of society.
The Misses Dent were faultlessly
dressed, and charmingly cordial, and
Mrs. Dent beamed graciously; but
Royal glanced around with q dissatis-
fed look.
"Where is Ange?"
"She-she-" the mother began,
and then not being in the habit of tell
ing fslsehoods. she broke down.
''She has gone on visit TO Aunt
Mary's," said Gertrude, smoothly.
"Must have been rather sudden ]!
he said, surprised.
sob, yes. Ange, dear child, is SC
fiighty," murmured Mira, turning to
Mr.. Estwald with = sweet smile, and
there the subject dropped.
But passing through the back entry
an hour later, Royal was astonished to
find young person, half hid in q
huge cook apron, in his arms; to feel
the fond pressure of soft arms around
his neck, the touch of a velvet cheek
to his.
"Halloo!" he cried, falling back q
ooh, Royal, don't you know me2'
"Ange!" he gasped.
"No-Polly Ann, the cook" she
corrected, with soft laugh.
"What is the meaning of all this
mystery7" he inquired sternly.
"Don't speak SO loud," she said,
and then explained the situation.
"Hang it all! I'll have cook, if ]
have to go back to town after one.
Here brought Estwald down to see
you, and then find you banished to the
kitchen! I've a great mind TO raise G
row."a
eff you do, II will spoil the din.
ner !" she cried, in alarm, then disap-
peared in the pantry.
Royal glowered at tho bare wall fol
minute; then smile suddenly
spread over his face, and he went bach
to the parlor, whistling cheerfully.
The dinner was faultlesslY cooked
and served and after it was over, and
her mother came out. insisting or
washing the dishes, Ange bathed he1
face, put on fresh, white gown, and
taking book, sought the solitude OF
the orchard.
She climbed to her fayorite seat in
the fork of an old apple tree, and had
been there long enough to get rested
and cool, when a gentleman came
sauntering through the shady sweet
ness of the old orchard.
Ange did not see him in time to rur
away, or even get down from hel
perch, and sat still and almost breath
less, hoping he would pass by without
seeing her.
But he came on straight to that par
ticular tree, fold of her dress brush.
ing his sleeve. he glanced up. and
said ouickly:
81 beg your pardon.
SIT is granted" she said, frigidly,
apparently intent on her book.
He stood still.
"I am stranger here; came down
with my friend, Royal Dent, this
morning. You are member of the
family, I presumed" lifting his hat,
and speaking in the most respectful
tone.
Ange raised her sparkling eyes. 9
slight smile curling her fresh, red
lips.
81 am the cook, sir"
"Ab, yesl 1t must be delightful &C
serve 60 charming family" leaning
against a low, sweeping bough, and