The Newtown bee., 1897-05-21

jelly tamblers, the other the door that
 led into Miss Polly's presence.
 "Julia," called her aunt's voice,
 sharply. "Ain't you found that sage
 box yet?"
 Julia made wry face, but yielding to the inevitable came forth reluctantly,
 bearing the unneeded sage box with her. She gave Miss Polly rather ungracious ''good morning." and colored deeply when the keen-witted old lady chose to inquire meaningly if they favored their crullers with sage. II don't see any, thing else you kin be goin' to use it for, Mis- Frayle," she added, disagreeably.
 Mrs Frayle made no answer. Her un- developed imaginative powers had been exhausted by the subterfuge that had liberated Julia from her awkward ha- ven of refuge. She was unequal to further flight of fancy at that moment, and stood looking toolishly at her visi- tor, who had drawn a chair close to the stove, and was helping herself greedily from the big earthen dish that stood on its broad apron.
 Sage tea is good for the nerves" said Julia Frayle, quickly and distinctly. Aunt Liza an I thought we'd need some by and by, so I'm going to make it," The sight of her good aunt stand ing like culprit before their unwel- come guest exasperated her. She had spoken impulsively, but felt no regret at having done so when the words were said, though she knew that Polly An derson, so used to dealing in sharp-edged ambiguities herself, would not fail to understand her. The little involuntary sniff that the latter gave proved that her conclusion was a correct one, though Miss Polly responded only by meaning less "Ohw
 "Them nuts need turning, Aunt 'Liza," said the girl, breaking the awk ward pause. ''Give me the fork min ute."
 The dish was nearly empty now, and Julia did not gain in the good graces of Miss Polly when, after replenishing it. she set it upon distant table, with significant thump intended to indicate that this supply was not to be tempered with.
 Mrs Frayle regarded Julia helplessly She was a peace-loving woman, so av- erse to giving pain that she seldom pei mitted herself to utter reproof however much one might be needed. JuIia's rude speech made her feel very uncomfort- able, and concerned as to it's ultimate as well.
 II want to know what you think of my root beer, Miss Polly," said she ner- Vously with view to propitiating the offended old woman. 'sIt's the best | ,ver made, think, don't you, JulyieP"
 Julia was spearing the crullers with r n aroused expression of countenance. I dunno's do," she answered, shortly, hen, relenting as she saw her auntss roubled face, she added, ssYou always nake it better'n any body else. I'll run own cellar after it if you'll watch these. They're about ready to come out"
 II declare, Mis- Frayle, Pm surprised t you," began Miss Polly, before Julia t ad fairly gotten out of hearing, and [ icking up the cruller that Mrs Frayle ( ad just dropped from the end of her l ork. "You let that gal run right over ( ou. She sasses people right an left, g n seems to think she's got a right to. v ,on't you s'pose I'm bright enough to ' se through her sage tea for nerves? I IF int quite fool yit, if I am poor, a .iendless old woman" la Her voice quivered, but 1t was with nger, not of sadness at the picture she f ad evolved of her lonely age. The E sded eyes were dangerously bright. D
 T nd the heels of her heavy shoes struck q ,e floor in series of very energetic ps as she rocked back and forth ex- here ain't wanted, Mis- Frayle,n shsl