Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1903-11-07
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4 An After
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Mary Ann Clough walked up the
trim, welLkept walk that led to Mrs.
Priscilla Hathaway's door. She was
very tired, for she had been
long way that morning: clear
out to the old Haines place that
stood at the extreme edge of the vii
lage. Her black dres-; looked rustier
than ever with the dust OF the road
upon it, and on her worn face was
pinched and sunken look that betok-
'ened lack of nourishmenl as well as
WEAKNESS.
She had been out to collect a bill
fer some sewing done months ago, for
Amanda Haines went her languid i'm
provident way without troubling her
head much about unpaid bills.
Mary Ann found her in the kitchen
reading a paper-covered book. There
was a pile of unwashed dishes on the
table.
is that you. Mary ANN" she said
supposedly, lifting her eyes from her
absorbir. paper. Come right in and
sit down if you can find a place. 1
haven't tidied up this morning
thought I'd just sit down and rest
while. 1 haven't that money yet, Mary
Ann,'' she added placidly. Maybe
I'll have it the next time you come.
Dreadful dry weather, amt it, and you
you're looking thin, Mary Ann.
What, you're not goin' already?"
Mary Ann drew on her cotton gloves
with sigh. Il guess I'd better" she
answered. There was no use in ask
ing Mandy Haines for money" she
thought hopelessly. IF she had it,
she'd only spend it for something
else
So the long, dusty walk had been a
fruitless one after all, and Mary Ann
was well-nigh exhausted when she
re cached Mrs. Priscilla's gate. Work
had been scarce of late, anu all Mary
Ann had had for breakfast that morn
some very dry toast
1t was one O'Clock wnen- she walked
up to Mrs. Priscilla's door. There was
a faint hope in her heart that Mrs.
Priscilla might ask her to stay to din
ner. Even cup of tea would be
thankfully received, poor Mary Ann
thought, for Mrs. Priscilla's tea was
always good.
wellfavored and prided herself on her
good housekeeping. her husband had
died some years before, and there had
been no children. So with tidy little
sum In the bank, Mrs. Priscilla set
tied herself to a life of comfort. She
never seemed to mind the solitude,
but busted herself with her cat and
her bird, her preserves and her cake,
and her really fine housekeeping. Once
in a while she invited some of her old
friends in to tea. Invitations from her
were always hailed with anticipated
pleasure, for, as l have said, she was
a notable cook, and her guests were
sure of all kinds of culinary triumphs.
She came to the door now, in an
swer to Mary AIMS knock. why,
Mary Ann" she said in a pleased
voice, come right in. You look about
tagged out. Here, sit here
She drew a rocking chair into the
center of the room, and Mary Ann
sank into it.
I've been out to the Haines place."
she explained YEARLY. Mandy owed
me little money, and as 1 needed it
just now, 1 thought I'd make trip
there"
Mrs. Priscilla threw shrewd glance
in Mary AIMS direction.
You ought to have known better,
delicate as you are" retorted Mrs.
Priscilla a little shortly. "Or course,
you didn't get it?'
NO. replied Mary Ann family. 81
didn't"
She rested her head YEARLY against
the gay patchwork cushion at her
back. How tired, ho-- very tired she
was. 1t seemed to her she couldn't go
step farther. If only Mrs Priscilla
would offer her a cup OF tea, but she
seemed quite unmindful of the needs
of the pale, anxious little woman OPP
posite.
I'm sorry you didn't come earlier"
she announced seating herself in her
particular chair, and folding her plump
hands in her lap. 81 had a real good
dinner to-day, roast beef and dressing,
apple dumplings. and sauce, but the
dishes are all washed now. Most peo-
pie who live alone" she added, "get
into the habit of not cooking any.
never did. l always keep my table set
was alive. 1 really believe 1 owe my
perfect health to three good meals a
day"
Mary Ann sighed gently. you look
WELL" she answered. "a great deal
younger than I do, and we're about the
same age. But I've had harder time
than you, my dear. I've always had
to work for what I've had
Her eyes roamed over the comfort
able room with it's wide lounge, its