The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-07-08
RISING SUN, CECIL COUNTY, MD, FRIDAY, JULY s. 1885,

mistress, and occasionally the two roles
clash" she said, without trace of en-
barrassment in her manner.
Mrs. Darlington's thoughts were
many and varied as she slowly slipped
her tea and ate cake. Among other
things, she thought of the packages
which she had SO far kept successfully
concealed under her cape. Had she been
forced TO earn her own living, she would
no doubt have made an excellent Jug
gler; for it certainly requires dexterity
to drink tea, and still keep spectators
ignorant of the fact that one has a
bundle under each arm.
Mrs. Madison talked easily and we'll.
If she had IL fault it was that she in
dulged in personalities about her hus-
band, but that is to be excused in one
who is still bride.
"He is a dear fellow" she said, land
so ambitious. just now he is study ing
the violin. hope his practice does no.
annoy YOU"
"Not in the least" replied Mrs. Dar-
lington.
At last she rose to go, forgetting her
parcels for the first time.
AS she got up, the sugar slipped from
under her arm and fell, the bag bursting
as it struck the floor.
Mrs. Darlington looked from her
hostess to the sugar, and back again in
confusion. "Oh, am so SORRY" she be-
gan.
pray don't apologize" interrupted
the other brightly. ut is really not
worth thinking about, though l know
such accidents are very embarrassing"
"You see," began Mrs. Darlington
again, trying to think of a good reason
for making call with a package OF
sugar under her arm, 81 did not intend
to come here when | started out.
meant to take the sugar to one of my
poor families, but the day was so love-
ly, and-er-I had put off coming here
so long that"
81 shall take the sugar up carefully
and give it to the woman who comes
to do my sweeping for me. It's an i'll
wind that blows nobody good, you
know, so please think no more about :"
and Mrs. Madison resolutely talked of
something else, until the door closed
upon her caller.
well, my DEAR" said Mr.. Darling
ton that evening at dinner, did you call
our young neighbors to account to-
day? John told me when inquired for
you that he had left you at Mrs. Madi-
sons"
"Yes, went there" said his wife.
What happened when you made your
complaint? Did she promise to make
him hang up de fiddle?'"
Il did not make any complaint"
After brief struggle with her pride,
Mrs. Darlington told him the whole
story, and at her pathetic rendering of
the sugar incident, he laughed till the
tears rolled down his cheeks.
When Mrs. Madison returned Mrs.
Darlington's call, it CHANGED that Mrs.
Mason was also there. Mrs. Madison's
costume left nothing to be desired, and
her manner was easy and gracious,
though she naturally followed the con-
versation instead of directing the choice
OF topics as she had in her OWE home.
She accepted the ministrations of
Mrs. Dar9ington's servants with the
same grace she had shown when open
Ing the door for and serving tea to that
lady.
When she had taken leave, after stay
ing just the proper length of time, Mrs.
Mason turned to her friend.
MY DEAR" she said, sis that the wom-
an you told me had horsehair furniture
and wax flowers in her parior?"
Il was mistaken" said Mrs. Darling
ton, faintly.-Housewife.