The daily morning journal and courier., 1899-06-24

pcttte-An Encounter on a sound
 Steamer With Porter Who Was
 Something of n swindler.
 Whats the matter, Lizzie? You look all Jagged out" said the chemical blonde
 as the little black-eyed woman with the
 dusky hair came in and sank into the
 nearest rocker.
 T am all Jagged out" she replied
 Wearily as she began pushing back the
 unruly locks from her face. I've had quite an experience this afternoon she
 went on. You know I've had visitors
 since last night, don't you?"
 Your school friend, whom you hadn't
 seen for ten years, and her invalid mother-yes you told me you expected
 them"
 !" Invalid' mother? No, she's not an
 invalid; she's only 'delicate,' and, as for that-well, just let me tell you about it.
 Ten whole years ago I visited at their house, and that was the last I had ever seen Nell. She was a devoted daughter then, but since her father died some years ago she has become per- feet slave. Whan they reached here yes- terday afternoon she never had one thought for anything but her mothers comfort. Such devotion I never saw! It was simply touching. If her mother had been helpless child she could not have cared for her more tenderly.
 .'The father was a minister, you know, and they wanted to attend service at one of the missions, so after what seemed to me very hearty supper for so deli cate woman, we set out, Nell loaded down with cushions, wraps, fans and crackers Gin case her mother should feel faint). We reached home again safely, but lRht was growing up within me as to why Nell had aged so. She sim ply never has had any youth; her moth CT has never for one moment released her from slavng for her. She doesn't lift a finger for herself. She's too del icate.' When we reached home Nell made her some beef tea, which she took with more crackers. Then Nell un- dressed her, bathed her and put her to bed. You know the thermometer reach- ed 97 degrees yesterday, yet the mother had me put on the bed where she and Nell were to sleep a blanket, three quilts and an extra pair of pillows. In the morning I found that Nell had slept with her head on their shawl strap and her mother had had all four pillows.
 "Just as the old lady was settling her self in bed she espied me in the dining room with a bottle in my hand.
 ".What's that you've got?" she piped up at once
 .sarsaparilla,' replied. Would you like some?'
 z" T don't know as I ever drank any is it good?'
 {" That's a matter of taste said I, offering her a glass. She tasted the drink and was about to empty the glass when Nell reminded her of her delicate health and she reluctantly set it aside. And then, after Nell had put plate of crackers and a quart bottle of milk where they would be easy of access to still the poor old lady's hunger during the night, they went to bed with all the | windows closed and the curtains drawn for fear of draught"
 $ The little woman paused to fan her self vigorously.
 ''You know I've been preparing coffee | and rolls for breakfast for the stenog- rapher and the florist for several months | past," she went on. ''When the red headed girl came two weeks ago she wanted me to take her in, and so did. The rest of the lodgers go oown to the | restaurant for their breakfast Well, we never have anthing but coffee and rolls. so asked Nell what I should pre- pare for her mother. When I heard her | reply I suggested that they have their hreakfast after ours, and so we had all finished, except the red-headed girl, who is always late, before Nell and her moth CT came in. I had prepared things &C., cording to Nell's directions, and this is what her mother ate: Three chops, lot of fried potatoes, two cups of tea, warm rolls, and Have you any crackers ham, dy?' she asked, so they were added. The red-headed girls face was a study. Nell sat and famed her mother, letting her own coffee and rolls get cold, until by the time the old lady got around to great sauceful of strawberries, mashed with cream, the red-headed girl came around and took the fan out of Nelrs hand and told her to go on with her own breakfast.
 q T have to be famed while I eat, this warm weather said the old lady, chewing away. She paused every few minutes to rest little, but she always went on again. I can't manage to make out much of a breakfast here in New York it's too hot she proceeded and then I'm real delicate anyway; I can't seem to take muchn ourishment.' Then she returned to the fray. "The flaming went on conscientious ly. Nell and I were obliged to go out for a short time, so the red-headed girl to clear away the breakfast , things and look out for the old lady till she herself had to go downtown. She { told me what happened. She had hard , ly got the few things remaining out into i the kitchen when the old lady came , put carrying glass covered by nap kin. It T couldn't drink this last night be- Ing so delicate,' she said, but guess I'll S take it now; I feel real kind O faint 1 since breakfast.
 Ut was the glass of stale sarsaparilla. c I really shouldn't advise you to 1rink that after it has been standing I ,yer night said the younger woman. I [ hardly think it would be wholesome. Nav I give you glass of water?' { + "The old lady stood with the glass in [ Ter hand and her lips fairly quivered. a "I've never had any till now she