The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-07-14
Dudley's Lesson.
Observation-Disclosures
IN0ILLY BARRINGToN voson1,

I'M Sa5 $es% ;ss cam: : W, .'ss '':s ss
Holly Lodge. Very young to
be married, said the gossips of the
neighborhood, still younger to assume
all the cares and responsibilities of
household. And there We're not lacking
doleful prophets who declared, with
eyes rolled up and mouths drawn
down, that Mrs. harrington never
would get on" with the old gentleman.
He is so fastidious," said one.
$50 difficult to suit said another.
His ideal is so impossibly high" de-
clared third.
But to their surprise-perhaps lit
Tie to their isappointment-Milly and
her fatherin-law We're the best Of
friends from the very first moment in
which they locked upon each others
face.
Mlly was anxious to learn, so eager
to comprehend the ins and outs of the
great, roomy old house, so ambitious
to excel every housekeeper in the
neiGhborhood, that the old gentleman
said, with a SMILE to his son:
Don't let your little wife undertake
too much, Dudley
And Dudley harrington answered.
with a yawn:
There's no danger Of that, sir. The
ladies of Holly Lodge have always
been first-rate housekeepers, you know
And if a woman is at work she isn't
spending money 1colislly OF gossip
ing"
Mr.. Barrin gton's keen, blue eyes re-
garded his son sharply for moment.
do you think Milly is addicted to
either Of those pernicious practices %
he asked
'"They come natural to all women,
don't they?' said Dudley, struggling
his shoulders.
"Not to all!' said his father
And in his secret soul he wondered
If Dudley was really worthy of such a
jewel as Miilicent.
So the weeks went on, and Mlly
stood bravely to her helm, until one
bright October day the old gentleman,
CHANGING to pass the low kitchen win
dow where the vines made a screen of
moving shadow, looked smilingly into
where his daughter-in-law was at
work.
Have you got a glass of cosl milk
for me, little girl?' said he.
NIilly brought the milk promptly.
''See, papa she said, triumphantly
pointing to the table, "what a baking
l have done to-day! Three apple pies,
three loaves of bread, a pan of biscuits,
cake, and a dozen plum tarts!"
Bravo" said Mr. Darlington. But,
Milly, why are you baking? Where is
uannah!'
Hannah wanted her wages raised"
said NIilly, rather soberly. And Dud-
ley said it was all nonsense keeping a
girl when l was so fond of housework.
SO she has gone"
But are YOU fond of housework p
he asked. In itself, as an abstract
thing. | mcan?"
''Yes, papa Milly answered, with
some hesitation. But I'm little tired
this morning. I rose early and swept
the house through before breakfast,
so as to have time for the baking"
You are good little girl" said the
father-in-law. But we mustn't let you
work too hard
Papa" said Milly, With downcast
lashes and Il deep pink shadow creep
Ing over her check, ''I've been thinking
for some time that-that-"
"Well?' said MI. harrington. encour-
agngly.
THAT should like to ask you for a
little money! faltered NIilly.
Money! he echoed in surprise.
Doesn't Dudley give you all you
wantY'
Once more NIilly hesitated.
He wants to know what everything
ig for" said she. He thinks two shil-
lings is too much for ribbon, and he
says hats ought to be had cheaper than
three shillings each, and he declares
it's all nonsense to buy kid gloves when
cotton will do as well. And do need
another hat since the rain spoiled my
best one, but l don't like to ask him for
st.''
"Do sou mean to say" said Mr.. Bar
Fington, leaning his elbows on the sill,
''that you dOI't have regular allow
ance every week"
"No, papa" said Milly, lifting her
prettily archcd brows. Dudley says
women don't know how to use money,
and that q wife should always receive
every halipenny she spends from her
husband And Gan tell you, papa, be-
cause you afv so Eiud to mel am SO