The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29
CHAPTER 1.

CHAPTER L.
"Oh dear, Miss Mollie! there's another of
them tiresome men come to ask if he can clear
the snow away from the garden-path; that's
the fourth as I've answered the door to this
day, and why Miss Martyr won't ave it done
1 can't think; it's downright shameful, that
it isl"
But, Sarah, auntie says that it will snow
again tonight, so it would have to be done
afresh tomorrow
We'll, I can't 'ep that, miss All know is
it amt safe for any of to put foot outside
the door. and if Miss Martyr thinks as I'm
going to do it, she's mistaken
Sarah put down the kitchen poker it its
place. with ominous bang, and l looked up
rather GROSSLY from my pastry board, and
sighed
1t was too provoking.
had promised myself to finish off those two
dozen mince-pies, and see them safely in the
oven at once, and now [ must interrupt my
work and wash my hands, and go and try to
settle the vexed question of the snow, that
had lain deep and hard and dangerously. slip
perry on the garden-path for the last three
days, in spite of the constant succession of
men with brooms and spades, who so :oblig-
ingly offered to remove it.
Unfortunately they required paying for it,
and Aunt Lucys special weakness was a
decided objection to paying for anything,
and, she was of opinion that there was still
lot of snow in store for US, she had deter
mined that one clearance should suffice
THE mans still waiting, MISS said Sarah;
'and if 1 was you, I'd persuade Miss Martyr
to let i'm do it, for it's disgraceful!'
I had very little faith in my powers of per-
suason, and, to tell the truth, had not much
intention of trying them but as I crossed the
hall on my way to the drawing room, I saw
the man standing in the entrance, and-well, 1
decided that the snow must absolutely be
cleared away at once
please wait minute said as I passed
and went into the drawing-room.
My aunt sat in her favorite armchair near
the fire.
"Aunte," I said, sweetly eve really must
get the snow cleared away from the path
the grocers boy fell and upset his basket on
it yesterday, and this morning the postman
slipped, and said some must shocking things
Il heard him!"
Auntie looked severe and little uncom-
Portable, but showed no signs of yielding.
MY dear, I can't help that she replied
with dignity. You have only to look out to
See that it will snow again directly, and what
is the use of having it done twice over?"
This was not encouraging, but was re-
solved for once to have my own way
Il sorry I said, plaintively, because
tomorrow is Sunday and Sarah and I both
wished to go to church; but, of course, since
it's not safe even to go out of the house, that
will be out of the question.
Aunt Lucy's rheumatism did not allow OF
her attending church herself during the win
ter but made her none the less strict in ex-
acting that duty from those in her charge,
and the idea Of anyone being prevented
through any act of hers was disturbing her
conscience
She gave vent to sigh of resignation, and
1 knew that I had won.
cit is very annoying she said; "but, of
course if it is to enable anyone to do their
duty-wel if anyone should offer today, per-
haps you had better let them do it.
There is waiting at the door now,
auntie, so I will get it done at once I ex-
claimed, joyfully, but my aunt dropped her
hands with a startled and Mortified look.
eat the door all this time!" she cried,
aehast 'And that new umbrella in the stand,
of course. Child, when will you learn to be
careful? Run out at once, and see that it's
all right-why he has had time to"
I was in the hail. and had shut the drawing
room door, before she had finished speaking,
for her suspicious, somehow, reused my re-
sentiment, and seemed to me strangely out of
place.
The subject Of them was quietly waiting,
with little Impotence in his face which,
however, disappeared 1 approached.
II am sorry to have kept you waiting, I
said; but please will you begin the work
now?"
Thank you" he said with smile, fol-