The Somerset reporter., 1903-10-01
TALES OF A
T u B
Copyright, 1908, by T. C. Mcclure
BY HARRIET C. cANFIELD

The Landors with the exception of
Dick, whose business detained him In
the city, We're spending the summer at
their country home. some thirty miles
out of c. One day Mollie decided to
run in for few days Ito see Dick and
shop little"
The next morning she walked into
her brothers office. much to his sur
prise and delight, for Dick was fond
of his little sister.
Il thought you must be lonely, dear"
she said, "when you go home at night
and I've some to be company for day
or two"
That's good of you, Mollie. I'll tell
Mrs Klapper to come over early and
get breakfast for us. She keeps my
rooms in order, but l get all of my
meals downtown"
"Bless you, Dick, can get breakfast
for us both You need not say a word
to Mrs. Klapper How surprised she'll
be when she comes over in the morn
ing | must % to do some shopping
now, but I'll take tea with you at s.
and then we'll buy bread, coffee and
some kind of breakfast food. Won't
it be fun camping out in the house,
After a jolly breakfast MOllie watch
ed him swing into a car; then she went
into the kitchen. Mrs. Klapper found
her there why, Miss Mollie,' the
good woman cried what ever are you
in town for?"
Mollle explained "Now that I'm
here" she added, IL think III wash
all of the bedroom curtains-those dot
ted swiss ones, you know. Jane should
have attended to them before she went
out to Hill Side"
"Oh, let me wash them, Miss Mollie!
1t II spoil your pretty hands" And
Mrs Klupper looked distressed.
But Molie laughingly declined. NO"
she said; you may sweep and dust to
your hearts content, but l shall do the
washing"
The water was soon bubbling on the
kitchen range. Mollie scorned the base
inert laundry, and, with Mrs. Klap-
per's help. carried her wash bench and
tubs to the back porch.
Enveloped in one of James big
aprons. with sleeves rolled up to her
dimpled elbows, Mollie bent over hec
washboard. Mrs. Klapper, broom in
hand, stood for moment watching
her Don't tire yourself to death."
she said II hope you'll call me before
you're all tuckered out" She turned
to go into the house. but paused to say,
"I'd most forgot your brother said he
expected young man here today"
yes, I know-it's some one that
wants work, Dick says. I'm to find
something for him to do. If he comes
In time | think I'll let him take turn
at the tub if I'm tired. Now you can
go to work In peace, Mrs. Klapper, for
! shall have an able assistant" and
Mollie laughed and splashed the water
right and left with her vigorous rub
bing
A half hour went by, and then Mrs
Klapper appeared in the doorway.
THAT young mans come" she said
He walked right up to the front door
and rang the bell. He didn't look as if
he needed work much-dressed as well
as Mr.. Dick. every bit I've left him
on the porch and locked the door after
me. You can't be too careful. No one
knows but he stole that suit"
Mollie laughed Tell him to come
around here where | am" she said IF
he wishes to work"
mercy! He amt so much as men
toned yet that he is hunting a job
acts as If he expected you to see him
in the paror I'm most afraid to have
such man around"
"Oh, no." said Mollie You are too
hard on the poor fellow. Probably
some one gave him the clothes. Please
send him here, Mrs. Klapper."
A minute or two later a pleasant
faced, athletic looking young man
swung around the corner of the house
and lifted his hat to Mollie. Yes, he
was well dressed and fine looking
Miss Landor?" he asked.
"Yes, and you are the-the"-how
should she say it?-"young man my
brother was eXpecting?"
1.-THE same-Brent Carol, at your
service Your brother said I'd find you
here. I've just been down to his of
fee"
Every we'll" she said You can put
your hat and coat on the chair just in
side the kitchen door there; then come
here" A look of surprise crossed the
young mans face; then his blue eyes
twinkled with fun, and he sprang to
do her bidding.
"What next ma ann" he said sub
missiveIy. Brent had been a star per-
former in the college plays, and now he
fell at once into the part Mollie had
assigned him.
Next l want you to take my place
at this tub while | rest. 1t isn't a
mans work perhaps, but you look
strong and"-
"Yes'm, I'm strong" he interrupted
her, but they thought I'd die once,
when | had ammonia of the lungs"
And he bent over the washboard with
pensive air.
"Of course he means pneumonia"
Mollie said to herself. "No one would
imagine from his appearance that he
was so ignorant"
She sat on the top step and wiped
her wet hands on James apron. The