Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-07-11

the two men. They made few OBJ
jections, but were easily persuaded
to come over and meet Miss Benson.
The fact that she came from Boston
gave her added Importance in the
eyes of these farmers who had never
been to the city.
$50 you think you could pay rent
and take care of those old women in
better shape than the town does and
for the same money!" asked Squire
Critic.
mo, I did not say that, Squire
Critic" replied Dorothy. 81 only
wanted to know if the town would
allow us what it now pays. We Will
hold ourselves responsible for the
rest"
'WaH, now, that's fair" remarked
Mr.. Adham. 81 move VIC let them do
it. Squire. The old women amt any
too happy, I'll be bound. They always
have some grievance. I reckon they'd
be more contenteG where they could
see the passing and have share OF
the gossip that's going
"Wen, we'll pay the rent and allow
you ten dollars week, Miss Benson.
Will that do?"
Eyes, it will do admirably, thank
you
Dorothy proceeded at once to or
ganize her forces. They must go to
work Systematically.
The very next day the house was
rented and they took possession, the
L. L., IoIn Ia
the boys with whitewash and paint.
They put on new paper, they hung
fresh muslin curtains at the windows,
they put fresh mating or carpets
on the floors. There was no need
to buy furniture for there were attics
full of discarded treasures, and DOrO-
thy knew the old ladies would rather
have the old fashioned furniture than
any new that could be bought. One
lady sent in a gold band tea set,
another a dinner set in blue and
white. They had gifts of table linen
and bedding until they were over
supplied.
''They are not the towns poor,
they are guests of the town." Dorothy
| insisted. "They have done more for
Briarly in the past than Briarly can
ever do for them in return"
While the girls were putting the
finishing touches to the house the
koys tidied up the yard and set out
| beds of plants.
When all was ready Dorothy sent
each of the old ladies daintily writ
ten invitation to a tea-drinking at
Sunnyside Cottage.
What commotion it caused at the
| poor farm. They had not been in
vited anywhere since they had come
to this isolated place long months
before. How they talked and
| laughed about it and almost cried!
How they tried to fix each other up
so they should not look too shabby!
"Sunnyside Cottage don't re-
member any such place." said Grand
ma ANen, wrinkling her forehead as
| she tried to think where it might be.
| "Most likely somebody has named
their place that, lots of folks are
naming their places, these days." re-
piled Mrs Milliken the latest conner
to the poor farm and so the most
| conversant with the ways of the
world 'sFor my part I don't care
where it is as long as were invited"
They were hardly ready when
| Clarence Stirling came with his big
three-seated wagon to take them to
the village. The girls had cautioned
him over and over not to say any
thing Of the surprise i'll store for
them. So he skillfully parted all
their questions, and kept them in
terested in the scenery and bits of
news connected with the houses they
| passed.
The girls were at the gate to meet
them.
Land sakes, didn't know any
body lived here" exclaimed Mrs
Milliken. who did you say invited
us, young man?" but Clarence had
driven on out of hearing.
''This is Sunnyside Cottage. VIII
you come imp" asked Estelle.
They were in no hurry, however
They must stop and admire the
flowers and the sunshine coming
through the trees.
Its the very house where Jason
brought me as a bride, over SO years
ago!" exclaimed Mrs. Henderson. 81
never expected to enter it again.
ooh, how pretty!" exclaimed Mrs
Marshall as they came into the sit
ting room where were half a dozen
easy chairs and pretty sewing
table. There were books and work
baskets, canary in cage, an ivy
climbing up the wall, a shelf of
plants, music box. This last was
Dorothy's gift.
Already people were passing and
repassing. 1t was time supper was
| served.
Mrs. Henderson, as this used to
be your home, suppose you play
hostess" said Ethel, leading her to
the head of the table. Mrs. Chal-
mers, will you serve?"
INV don't it seem GOOD to oct tea