The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-05-07

camped with lot of money, not to speak
OF a brand new Partisan ball gown! I've
just seen her-Mrs. Hughes, l mean-and
her face was a studyn'
Nell paused to laugh, and Betty Lowell
looked up from the dainty toque she wa:
trimming to ask amusedly:
"Wasn't she awfully angry? Why, il
was only last week she called here and eX'
tolled here to the skies-farther If possible
Luckily she offers high wages, so she can
easily find another
"Ah, there's where the cream OF the joke
comes in Don't you know she is enter
tanning Major Lormer-the Major Lorimer
at dinner tonight? He is passing through
w God thrope on his way to the Carews for
the regimental ball Mrs. Hughes is an
old friend-so she says-so he's staying "a
couple of days with them. She's got all
the eatables in the house for the meals, and
can't get any one to cook them! Isn't it
rich?'
Betty rose suddenly, to the great detri-
ment of the toque, a lovely rose flush rising
in her pretty cheeks, her eyes sparkling
''Nell, I've an idea.' she said solemnly.
"l'm going to cook that dinner if perish
in the attempt"
Betty. are you quite mad?' incredu
lousy. "What will Mrs. Hughes think!
And il any one saw you you'd never hear
~, . = L, IL
he knew"
81 don't care" Betty said stoutly 81
want the money, Mrs. Hughes wants her
dinner decently cooked. Why shouldn't
we mutually oblige each other? Besides,
it would buy me new gown for the ball.
My pink orepop is too disgracefuliy shabby
for anythipg!'
An hour later saw her hard at work in
Mrs Hughes we'll arranged kitchen, order
ing, making mixing as fast as her little
hands could 90, Her harrassed employer
had seized upon her offer with avidity, and
the maids falling into the spirit OF the
thing, all hsde fair to go smoothly.
Betty had not overrated her capabilities
Each dish was sent up perfectly cooked,
garni shed and served piping hot, and she
gave herself no rest till the tiny cups Of
black coffee had been safely dispatched up
stairs and her evenings work was done.
She had scarcely slipped out of her big
apron aud sleeves when Mrs Hug hes her
self came rustlpg downstairs, with beam
ing smile on her fat face.
Miss Lowell, you're genius, " she cried
fussily. "The dinner was perfect
Tomorrow nights it too much to expect:
l could wire to town, of course -
''Do you mean you'd like me to come
again?' Betty asked good naturally. 81
am quite willing to do so. After all, it is
mutual convenience"
According, though sorely against Nell's
will, Betty again presented herself at the
court, but earlier in the Afternoon. Find
ing herself destitute of parsley, and no
one shout to fetch it, she decided to be her
own messenger and, running hastily round
corner of the spacious kitchen garden,
she collded heavily with some one at the
other side.
GOOD heavens! II hope l haven't
hurt your mans deep voice asked con-
oernedly And Betty lifted up h"r eyes to
find herself face to face with tall, SOL
dierly man about 80, whose handsome eyes
met hers anxiously.
''I-oh, not at all, thank YOU" she muir
INJURED confusedly. at was my fault
Il never dreamed you would he here"
'rm afraid | came pretty heavily against
you. Were you looking for anything?'
yes" Betty said, Intensely conscious
O. her pink cotton frock and large linen
apron, 81 came Tor some parsley. I'm
Mrs. Hughes cook, you know"
"Indeed. May l help you?' gravely.
And in moment Betty beheld Major
Lorimer-the hero, the gallant V. c.
STOPPING to gather enough parsley to stock
aregiment.
"ThanlS you very much, and-and good
afternoon.n
Good afternoon, and-in case | have
hurt YOU"
He pressed something into her hand and
Betty fled.
Safe in the innermost recesses of the
pantry she opened her hand and with a
burning blush and stifled laugh gazed long
on its contents, for in her palm lay bright
shining gOldpiece.
K y
The regimental ball was at its height.
To Betty Lowell it was just one long dream
of delight and her pleasure in it reached
eliminating point when an officer ap
preached her, in his rear one wildly re-
memhered figure, and Captain Lee said:
Miss Lowell, Major Lorimer desires the
pleasure of your acquaintance Major
Lorimer-Miss Lowell"
Betty bowed, a wave of color dyeing her
talr lace crimson. Would he recognize
her? She dared not raise her eyes as he
asked:
Am too late for the honor of dance: