Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1903-11-07

MIS-. Priscilla watcher her from ene
door way. My stars" she whispered
to herself, as she stood there, aSw
old and tagged Mary Ann does lSsok-
Any one would think she was good
ten years older than I am. She seemed
discouraged, too. I'm afraid Mary
Ann amt doing very well. but then
she amt one of the complaining kind.
She must have needed money pretty
badly though, to walk clear out to the
Haines place for it
Like flash, an inspiration came to
her. Il do believe" she whispered
slowly, Il do believe she's hungry.
Now think OF 1t, she looked 1t and
out of all my plenty. never offered
her a thing"
She went hurriedly into the small
and shining kitchen The teapot was
still warm. There was plenty of roast
beef and apple dumplings too. why
didn't I set her a lunch" she whis-
poreo remorsefully. I always did like
mary Ann C1ough. she amt one Of
the kind that pushes herself forward.
She needs some one to look after her,
Mary Ann does"
She walked into the sitting room
and sat down again, then she rose.
Its no use, my conscience won't let
me rest" she said to herself.
Mrs. Priscilla hurried into the kitch-
en- again. The roast beef and the
dumplings were placed hurriedly in
the oven, the teapot set carefully on
the back of the stove. The next min
ute she had started on her way.
Mrs. Priscilla knocked briskly at the
weather-beaten door. She waited a
minute before Mary Ann opened it.
oh Sti bod
on her black dress.
why, Priscilla she said, smiling
family, whatever brought you down
here?"
MY guilty conscience promptly
replied Mrs. Priscilla. Mary Ann"
she added suddenly, Il never thought
until you were gone how thoughtless
and selfish it was of me not to offer
you any dinner after that long walk.
So I've come to ask you to come back.
Come now, put on your hat l won't
take mo- for an answer"
She followed Mary Ann into the
clean, bare knitchen. The fire had not
been lighted. On the table were two
slices of bread and a cup of cold tea
Nothing else.
rs that all you were going to
have?" demanded Mrs. Priscilla
sternly.
Mary Ann nodded and her lips quiv-
cred. Work has been scarce lately"
she answered unsteadily. I've had
almost nothing to spend, but I'm a
poor hand to tell my troubles; you
know that"
Mrs. Priscilla brushed away a quick
tear. Lock up the house, Mary Ann"
she said peremptorily. You're coming
home with me-"
Mary Ann obeyed silently
In a few minutes the two women
were started up the hill again. Mrs.
Priscilla gave a sigh of satisfaction
when her own door was reached and
opened. There she cried hospit-
ably. Now you sit down and rest.
I'll call you when I'm ready"
Mary Ann sat quietly in the biz
softly cushioned chair, too tired "a
move. She heard the hostess moving
briskly about in the next room, then
a moment later her name was called.
She got up stiffly and went out. There
stood the little round table with its
white cloth and gold-banded china.
There was the steaming cup of tea
she had so longed for. Besides this,
there were thin slices of bread, fresh,
pitcher of milk, and the roast beef
and dressing. By her plate was a
saucer with a tempting apple dump
ling on it.
Mary Ann sat down Her eyes were
full of tears as she asked a silent
blessing-tears of gratitude for this
unexpected favor. II don't know how
to thank you, Priscilla" she said brok-
emily, after moments stiffness, sit
seems so good to be here"
Don't try" said Mrs. Priscilla
gently, "just eat, my dear So poor.
tired, discouraged Mary Ann ate her
dinner that belated, unlooked-for din
ner. How nice everything tasted. How
good God was to put it into Priscillas
heart to ask her.
You must let me wash the dishes,
Priscilla she said humbly, when she
had finished. I've enjoyed every
thing. There amt many that can cook
like that. I've always said it."
You go right in and rest" re-
turned Mrs. Priscilla promptly. 81
guess you've done enough for one
day"
In a few minutes Mrs. Priscilla
came in. You look better, Mary Ann"
she said.
Mary AIMS thin cheek flushed. It
am" she replied. Pm ashamed to
tell you how much good your dinner
did me- When I'm rested, I'll be get
ting on again. / must look for work
if can find it"
She clasped her thin little hands