Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1904-01-14
TABfTHA'S FALL FROM
THE HEIGHTS
BY ELLIOT WALKER
Copyright, 1908, by r. C. Mcclure

thing" observed Peter in a tone Of
rueful Impotence as he stood just in
side the kitchen door. His hand held
it sufficiently ajar to admit draft Of
Icy air which circulated freezingly
about Miss Groot's well developed
shoulders as she kneaded her dough
In the bread pan with sounding
thumps.
"Observin' man" responded the lady.
AT certain periods, Pete, | have dis
cerned faint glimmerin's of intelli-
gence under that shock Of tow coverin'
what in most folks Is considered a
brain cavity, but not often-not often.
Boo! What's openT
She wheeled her plump figure with
an emphatic movement and transfixed
the thoughtless Peter with glare of
disapproval.
Tabitha was a student, not in the
ordinary sense, but of the rare variety
which assiduously seeks for an en-
largement Of knowledge, her special
ambition being the acquisition Of Ian
guage. Unhappily, or perhaps other
wise, her opportunities were limited.
The Bunfield Gazette was her princi.
pal source of material and. coming res
ularly once week, supplied an effec-
tive course of general Information.
In this sheet OF wisdom Tabitha
delved for words of ambitious length
These nuggets after proper mental os-
simiation were applied to Peter as 4
test If he endured them without
wincing and with some degree of COM
prehension Miss Groot felt secure in
broader paths. Peter had served time
at the district school in the heyday
of early youth and was therefore fit
subject. Being consumed with admira-
ton for Tabitha's qualities, physical as
well as mental he was also willing
one.
Now he stood with a ready finger
on the door latch, for Miss Groot could
propel dough balls unerringly when
| aroused, and eyed her with an express
sion of sheepish paciication.
Come In or 20 outr' cried Tabitha
In high wrath, forgetting her scholar
ship. Herein l, all het up workin'
an you tryin to fix consumption on to
me. Shet that door one way or 10th
err"
Its worth while gettin you mad to
have you talk like human bein',"
grinned the culprit, with horrible alb
sence of tact. my head aches yet
from the dose you gin me last night.
Folks will be latin at you first, you
know. Fact is, pa an ma does now
behind your back, an, while believes
in eddication. havin' had some myself,
you're slingin' too many long words
for hired gal, if you are the purtiest
woman in Partridge Corners. Larn all
you want, Tabitha, but don't shoot
'em around free. You'll hear from it,
an -
This speech of mingled common
sense and unintentional insult and com
pliment was cut off by a lump of dough
darted out, sputtering.
Tabitha ragged across the room and
shot the bolt, her round countenance
flaming. Then she bit hard on her rosy
under lip and sat down to recover, a
precept of learning being an attempt at
philosophic calm under trying circum-
stances.
Lets see" she ruminated. Go slow,
now, Tab. Think pete's edgin' up to
to matrimonial overtoors-that's right
correct, | mean You're assistin' his
ma in household duties an Just as
good as he is-hired gal.-that was
mean. The flesh is willln but the
spirit is weakenin. l swan-that is, |
utterly swear-that | won't give such
a fool another thought Twill be a
mistake My ideas is more elevated.
an III rise with 'em. Oh, ginger, my
bread,'
Miss Groot sighed az culinary opera.
tons were resumed "Th2 farm will
come to Peter in the ordinary course
of events" she reflected sorrowfully.
Its a good one, an his pas failin';
but no; an edited mind has higher as
pirations than cows an pigs an I'll
be at the head of a womans college If
keep on. | amt only nineteen an
impressive of bearin', if | do say it.
Wonder how I'll look in one of them
gowns with a four cornered hat atop
Of my auburn locks. Imposin' rs any
of en- | guess
This modest view of the future ex-
allied Tabitha's spirit as she showed
her loaves into the oven.
"Pshaww she exclaimed, striking an
attitude. Laugh Mt me, wi they? I'll
start the laugh t'other way AN do it
today. Hitch your wagon to a star rs
Emerson says. He oughter have said
unite or attach. but the idea amt
discouragin,' an I'll pitch right in an
get attention attracted. Then Mis-
Shields can look round for other help
Maybe they'll want me in their office
right away"
Poor Peter. During the ensuing ten
days he was frozen with a succession
Of refrigerating snubs AMI acid re-
pulses (which east him into the depths
of dependency. Tabitha appeared alb
sorbed in rapt contemplation of affairs
beyond the mundane. She was silent.
yet eXpectant, as one waiting for a
message of unbounded import Still he
fingered mournfully about the region