The Springfield herald., 1899-05-05
Mothers Burglar.

amt ye?"
David responded by waving his
handsome tail, and smelling in mi
mute and critical manner Of the table
legs. Then he betook himself to the
window-seat and made toilet
Meek Mrs. Bunker hitched along. in
her uncertain. apoiogetical way. and
Slipped" into capacious rocking
chair after her hostess, Mrs. Dakln'
had punched and beaten the calico
cushion. As further polite attention,
she was given a meetin' fan made OF
turkey-tail feathers, as the night was
warm.
Yes: l got home Yesterday noon,
In answer to "Widder Bunker's' ques-
ton, AN glad enough ! be Nisitin
is wus than washing or pig killing.
Jane has married real well; keeps two
maids. has sale carpets from attic to
suller; don't do a chore: wears SILK
arternons, but l am glad as can be
to git where l can walt on myself an
wear kaliker."
The Wilder Bunker nodded her ap-
proyal.
The hull during time I've been
away, iCihll4f -
had to wear my black silk afternoons,
an my alapaccy mornin's, an not
onct have l bin in Jane Emmeline's
kitchen,"
At this, limp Beccy Bunker sat up
erect.
A smile began to show itself at the
corners of Mrs. Dakin's mouth. Then
it spread itself on her jolly face. When
it left a look of sweet content re-
NAMED
She was a little proud Of her 'dar-
ter's" marriage and generous style of
living, but would never listen to Jane
Emmeline's earnest entreaties that she
would come and live with her. "Coun-
try folks and city folks oughten never
to live together" she contended, mo
more'n than old folks an young folks.
Both their ways are right, but ye
can't max EN- hitch"
After a prolonged visit to Jane En-
meline's, she had returned to "waitin'
on herself an her kaliker gownd" with
Joy.
Beccy Bunker, near neighbor, af-
ter polite excuses, was persuaded TO re-
main to tea. She had intended to do
SO as Sarah Jane, her daughter, was
away. 1t would have been contrary,
however, to the usages OF good society
in Plumfield If she had accepted at
once.
Mrs. Dakin had spent a delightful
day Sticking up" and stirring up vari-
Gus country dainties. She had treated
herself to a billed dish" for dinner,
all things cooked together in one pot
and dished up on one platter. This
well filled platter was now the central
dish, fanked and surrounded by but
termilk biscuit. honey. 'five-six cake"
a custard pie, and a good drawing OF
tea. The table was set close to the
open door. and the two old ladies drew
up in rocking-chairs to the feast.
AS the happy hostess went from
butry to the table, putting on her
well-cooked food, with laudable pride.
she told Beccy Bunker how fustered
she got having Jane Emmeline's hired
gal pass her things that were clus to
her plate"
"Howsomever," she added, I'VE
orter to be thankful, Mis- Bunker. that
SO many folks can be found that air
willin' to live in the city, l s'pose."
The Wilder Bunker was the kind
who could ask any number OF ques-
tions-and answer none: could absorb
any amount OF information and impart
little. Timid by nature, and dull from
life of wearing monotony she never
theless was a delightful listener Mrs.
Dakin loved to talk.
The two women enjoyed their even
ing meal. Mrs. Dakin with garnered-
In complacency, ate her cold billed
dish" gazing through the open door,
down on the peaceful village houses,
with their yards full OF green grass
and Towering shrubs, at her own box
bordered paths, the hen house under
a tall "elum." All the little common
belongings OF her quiet life took on
new glory after months of weary city
visiting.
When the meal was finished and
work done up Mrs. Dakin said: what
would you say Beccy Bunker if
should tell ye l had a real scare when
1 wuz to Jane Emmeline's-a real
burglar scare?"
Beccy didn't know justly what she
would say, but would be proper glad
to hear ont"
Thus encouraged, Mrs. Dakin pinned
her cap strings on top of her head,
pushed I'D her sleeves and settled her
self to work.
"Evry bit'n grain ont is true" she
said, by way Of introduction. You
know Mis- Bunker, l never wus one
TO hang out more clothes than I'd
washed-never TUX glory that don't
belong to me-"
Beccy Bunker nodded assent
at was of a Monday she began.