The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1901-02-06
A MAID TO ORDER.

one Of the Misses DOrmOndS most treas
ured possessions. saved out Of general
wreck of family fortunes.
The old-fashioned silver, of those inim-
liable patterns which no modern shop can
supply, cleaned like irregularly-shaped
planets at intervals across the cloth.
Moreover, a daffodil bulb cherished in
Windowsill warmth, had obligingy
thrown out handful Of blossoms. This
pot, sheathed in yellow tissue paper made
a thoroughly attractive cenuerpiece.
1T is simply lovely" said Winifred,
with little sigh of relief and satisfac-
ton. L shan't be in the least afraid to
have Mrs Caulkington's eagle eye turned
upon it, even though you are candidate
cor her secretaryship, Isabel, and so
much does depend upon making a good
Impression"
The house couldn't fail to make a
good impression" Isabel broke in ut is
clean and sweet and old-fashioned from
top to toe. One can't say that house
has toe?-There's just one thing lack
ing: L do wish we had a good maid to
wait on the table. 1 hate those embar-
RAISING breaks in a home luncheon where
the hostess is obliged to cut off in the
middle OF a sentence and bolt into the
kitchen to bring the broiled squad course
to table.
yes. That's always wretchedly en-
barrasslng, Isabel agreed. Its harder
on the guests than the hostess, too. How
ever, there's no help for it. We don't
keep maid, and this suburb isn't a place
where you can find girl to call in for a
be helped
What is a pity but can't be helped, .
demanded the youngest Miss Dormond,
who plrouetted into the room just in time
to hear the last half Of the sentence?
Isabel and [ were lamenting that we
didn't have maid to serve the luncheon,
Gertrude. We were saying how desper-
ately embarrassing it is for a hostess to
jump UP to remove the plates after a
course and to bring the next course TO
table,"
Il never thought of that" Gertrude ac-
guessed in a disappointed tone. Our en-
tertainlng has always been so informal
were likely to make the guests change
the plates and bring in the courses from
you say, that kind of thing won't dc
when We're entertaining Mrs. Caulking-
ton. She's so critical that her eyes burn
holes in anything they fall on We
wouldn't mind her little peculiarities if
she were merely an acquaintance. But
salary she must make a big fat impress
sion. I'm sure Mrs. Caulkington would
cut her down half if she knew how poor
we are and how badly we need that sec
retaryship Something must be DONE"
Gertrude, dear, you know perfectly
well that nothing can be done. There are
only two hours left and in any case, You
can't secure girl here in the country to
come in for just one day.
Il know that, but Whisht my dear. An
idea dawns in my brain. Let it nature
AN idea for what. For getting us a
maid?"
Eyes. my dear. A ready maid so to
SILLY. Do you think Isabel and I
have time to waste upon your vapor-
"A ready maid. No, maid to order,
Don't talk to me for three minutes.
feel the idea grow in my cerebrum-and
it really is a good one"
The young lady sat down in the little
oaken window and buried her face in
her hands.
Three minutes later she sprang up and
pirouetted triumphantly around the
charming table.
..'Huzza I've solved the problem" she
cried. "And I'll stand for it that you
shall have a maid to serve Mrs Caulk-
ingtOn's luncheon. A stunning maid, we'll
trained, light footed, soft voiced; a maid
who will not send SO much as one plate
Of raw oysters down the back of your
guest who will dc things without da-
grams and will not cause the downfall
and destruction of our precious willow
pattern china. In fact, the maid / pro-
prose to offer you will be an explanatory
key with copious illustrations to the en-
tire servant question"
Gertrudes sisters We're very far from
despising the girls ready imagination. 1t
had often helped to solve an economic
problem which they themselves had
abandoned to despair. But this crisis of
the maid to order seemed considerably
beyond Gertrude, even, and they frankly
announced themselves skeptics
DO you mean to look for your re-
markable maid here in the suburbs or
elsewhere? they demanded.
L shall procure her in the city-or
rather, | shall go on little trip to the
city, and | will send the maid to you in
my absence"
but, Gertrude. If you leave now for
the city you won't have time, child. to
get back for Mrs. Caulkington's lunch
con-"
''Im not afraid but I'm glad of an ex-
cuse to absolye myself. I'm in awe of
Mrs. Caulkington, and I tremble before
the glare of her lorgnettes You can
make my excuses to Mrs Caulkinoton
and tell her that | was obliged to go into
the city on pressing business
1t seemed an injustice that Gertrude
SUOulu HOT Uc tHere TO witness the Sue
cess of the occasion for which they had
all worked so hard
The older girls reasoned, pleaded.
represented, but Gertrude stood firm.
PART II.
Mrs. Caulkington's critical eyes were.
already boring holes in the drawn .
room furniture and the luncheon hour
was but three minutes in the future.
Isabel, in her prettiest silk waist. was
arranging the oyster plates upon the
table, preliminary to ushering their
guest into the dining room.
Suddenly purling Of Bingham skirts
brushed the silence of the place. and \
soft voice sounded in Isabers ear.
IF you please. Miss said the voice.
miss Gertrude done send me. | am de
maid to ordah."
''Good gracious. shrieked Isabel. nm
der her breath. She started back. the
oyster plate in her hand narrowly es-
Gaping calamity.
She said Good gracious!' once more