The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-06-28
MRS. HUGHES COOK

"Betty, Mrs. Hughes is in such
state! That immaculate new cook Of
hers has decamped with q lot OF mon-
ey, not to speak of brand new Par
isian ball gown! Pve just seen her
Mrs. Hughes, mean-and her face
was stndyp'
Nell paused to laugh, and Betty Low
ell looked up from the dainty tOque she
was trimming to ask amusedly-
Wasn't she awfully angry? Why,
it was only last week she called here
and extolled her to the farther,
if possible. But 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
entertaining Major Lorimer-the Ma
jor Lorimer-at dinner tonight? He
is passing through WoOdthOrpe on his
way to the Carews for the regimental
ball. Mrs. Hughes is an old friend-sO
she says-so he's staying couple of
days with them. She's got all the eat
ables 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 det-
riment Of the toque. lovely rose flush
rising in her pretty cheeks, her eyes
sparkling.
Nell, I've an idea" she said, solemn
ly. 81 am going to cook that dinner if |
perish in the attempt"
Betty, are you quite mad" incred-
ulously. "What viii Mrs. Hughes
think and if any one saw you, you'd
never hear the end Of it, and father
would be wild if he knew"
"I don't care" Betty said, stoutly,
"I want the money. Mrs. Hughes
wants her dinner decently cooked.
Why shouldn't we mutually oblige
each other? Besides it will buy me a
new gown for the ball. My pink erepon
is too disgraeefully shabby for any
thing %
An hour later saw her hard at work
in Mrs. Hughes's well arranged kitch-
en-, ordering, making, mixing as fast
as her little hands could go.
Mrs. Hughes had seized upon her
offer with ayidity, and the maids fall
ing into the spirit of the thing, all bade
fair to go smoothly.
Betty had not overrated her capaci-
ties. Each dish was sent up perfectly
cooked, garnished and served piping
hot, and she gave herself no rest till the
tiny cups of black coffee had been safe
ly dispatched up stairs, then her even
ing's work was done.
She had scarcely slipped out of her
big apron when Mrs. Hughes came
rustling down stairs, with q beaming
smile on her face.
miss Lowell, you're a genius" she
cried. "The dinner was perfect-per-
feeti Tomorrow nights it too much
to ask? l could wire TO town of course
butp-
''DO you mean you'd like me to come
again?" Betty asked, good naturedly.
81 am quite willing to do 50. After all
it is a mutual convenience
Accordingly, though sorely against
Nelrs will, Betty again presented her
self, but earlier in the afternoon.
Finding herself destitute Of parsley
she decided 70 be her own messenger
and running hastily round corner ot
the spacious kitchen garden, she col
lided heavily with some one at tbs
other side.
''GOOd heavens, II hope l haven
hurt you ?" mans deep voice asked
concernedly.
And Betty lifted up her eyes to in'
herself face TO face with tall soIdierly
looking man, about thirty, whose hand
some eyes met hers anxiousIy.
Lob, not at all, thank you" sh'
murmured, confusedly. at was IN.
fault II never dreamed you woul'
be here"
'Im afraid 1 came pretty heavil,
against you. Were you looking 70
anything ?"
'.Yes,n Betty said, intensely con
se:ous Of her pink cotton frock ant
large linen spron- 81 came for som
parsley. I-Tm Mrs. Haghes's cook.
Indeed. May help your" grave
| ly. And in q moment Betty behel'
Major Lorimer-the hero, the gallan
". C.-stooping TO gather parsle
enough to stock regiment"
Thank you very much, and-an'
good afternoon"
GOOD afternoon, and-in case | hav
hurt you''-
| He pressed something into her hand
and Betty fed.
Safe in the innermost recesses Of tn
pantry she opened her hand, and wit
a burning blush and stified laugh ga
| ed long ST its contents, for in her pair
| lay bright, shining gold piece
The regimentaI ball was at its heigb
To Betty Lowell it was one long dreaI
OF delight, and her pleasure IN it reaci
ed eliminating point when an offic'
approached her, in his rear one vivid
remembered figure, and Captain lie
bowing, said
"Aiiso Lowell, Major Lorimer desir
the honor Of your acquaintance Nj
ior I,orimer-Miss Lowell"