West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1902-06-19
q g . = 3. 3. g :. :: :: :. :. :.

lNH RS FRAZER sat down heavily
IVA IN low rocking chair and
EsSS took her darning basket on
49, her lap. She drew n rather
large black stocking up over her arm,
thrusting her hand well down into the
loot and spreading her fingers far
apart. She examined IL carefully with
her head on enc side and little near
sighted squlnt in her eyes.
Then she threaded needle and
dropped n glass ointment Jar, over
which she always darned, into the
stocking.
The doorbcll rang.
"Oh. mercy on usr' said Mrs Frazer.
She jumped up stifiiy. but SO suddenly
that the darning things rolled all over
the floor. "Just because I'd set out to
darnl l could embroider on them pill
lowshnms a month and not soul
would set foot In this house. wonder
who IL ls!''
She lifted one edge of the shade and
peered out cautiously. "Oh, my! It's
Mis- Dean. I'd almost rather II has:
been the minister"
She gathered up tho darning imple
ments and the red canton flannel stock
Ing bag and hurried into the bedroom
She returned In moment. and with n
triumphant mir hid partly embroid-
cred piliowsham carelessly on the
table. thrust needle into it, and set
her thimble beside it, Then she opened
the door.
why, Mis- Dcanl You don't mean
1t! Really, nowl Well, I'm amazed. 1
thought you never was comm. Come
right In. Don't mind your rubbers. My
carpet ain't SILK warp henrietty. ney-
er take my rubbers OFF anywheres. It's
too much trouble. If folks don't like
my rubbers, they needn't like me;
that's all. Love me. love my rubbers."
she added, with comfortable laugh.
preceding her guest into the sitting
room.
Mrs. Dean sank into n low chair She
was small, colorless woman. with
cold eyes and n stubborn mouth.
such hill as you live onv' she said
In an Injured tone. "what possessed
you to buy way up hereT'
"Oh, just to give folks somethln to
wonder about" replied Mrs. Frazer,
with her mellow, exaspcrating laugh.
Folks are bound to ask questions, you
know. II they don't ask what made us
build way up here. they ask why we
didn't put porch clear round or bay
window I'm the bathroom or why we
didn't run our pipes OH the outside In
Std of the inside"
Yes" said Mrs. Dean coIdly. Her
pale eyes were commencing to let out
n little unsuspected fire. She had many
nervous movements. Her veil was too
short. and she kept putting up care
lessly gloyed hand to draw IL down
over her thin chin. Each time II sprane
back like piece OF rubber and curved
In to her lips with every breath.
You maxim shamsr
"Yes: was just workIn on 'em."
The doorbcl rang.
"Well!' said Mrs Frazer. She got up
more slowly this time. She was large
woman; she moved stiiiiy. 1T never
rains but 1t pours."
Sublimely unconscious of her rude
ness, she went to the door.
"Oh, Mis- IIostetterl You, is Il?
We'll. I'm right glad you come. Step
in. guess YOU know Mis- Dean?" she
added humorously.
"Oh. my. ycsr' said Mrs. Hostetter,
sitting on the edge of chair. She was
tall and thin. She stopped slightly.
Il was afraid IT might be the minis
ter" Mrs. Frazer resumed her place.
well. talkin about the minister"
said Mrs. Dean. lowering her voice. II
Just want that You should notice how
often be goes to Miss Huntlcy's. I've
seen bin go there time and agin. He's