The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1898-06-22

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soon put her guest at ease. She evident
| ly considered the call a social affair, and
it became harder each moment for the
other to undeceive her.
After a short time, Mrs. Madison ex-
cused herself and went out of the room.
Left to herself. Mrs. Darlington looked
about her. The room seemed to be par
| lor, library and music room combined.
There was piano, music rack, a
perfectly appointed tea table, several
cozy chairs, and at her side was an i'm
mense bookcase.
She glanced at its contents. All the
works of standard writer's, the best
poetry and the latest fiction were there.
| The carpet was soft, thick moquette,
with light flowers trailing over a deli
cate ground, the pictures, though few,
showed taste in selection, and the cur
tains at the windows were real lace.
Moreover, the whole arrangement of
the room produced a dainty and har-
monizing effect which Mrs. Darlington
had often studied in vain to produce in
her rooms.
Mrs. Madison reappeared in the cur
tanned doorway, holding steaming ket-
tie of FURNISHED copper, which she car
ried to the tea table, where she pro-
ceeded to make tea, which she served
to her guest in frail cup and saucer.
"You must pardon my leaving you,
but you see, am maid as we'll as
mistress, and occasionally the two roles
clash" she said, without a 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
ger; 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 well.
If she bad a 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 dear fellow" she said, "and
SO ambitious. just now he is studying
the violin. hope his practice does not
annoy you"
Not in the least" replied Mrs. Oar
lington.
At last she rose to go, forgetting Ter
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. 1T is really not
worth thinking about, though l know
such accidents are very embarrassing"
"You see," began Mrs. Darlington
again, trying to think of good reason
for making a calf with package of
sugar under her arm, 81 did not intend
to come here when l started out. l
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 it."
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 VIXEN Inquired for
you that he had left you at Mrs. Madi-
sons"
Eyes, I went there" said his wife.
what happened when you made your
complaint? Did she promise to make
him hang up de- fiddler"
81 did not make any complaint"
After brief strugg.e 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 Glanced 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 lninistrations of
Mrs. Darlington's servants with the
same grace she had shown when open
ing the door for and serving tea to that
lady.
When she had takel 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 Der parlor?"
81 was mistaken said Mrs. Darling
ton, aintly.-Housewife.
DIR. johnson Enappreciative.
Engiishmen are so unappreciative.
| 4 4 I'll