The Press., 1904-03-03
Observation-Disclosures
: TABITHA'S FALL FROM 5
: THE HEIGHTS 5
? BY ELLIOT WALKER {
y Copyright, 1908. by II. C. Mcclure
BY ELLIOT WALKER
Copyright. 1908. by T. C. Mcclure

Q Copyright. 1908. bU T. C. Mcclure O
o.O.O.O.O.-O.Oo.O.O~o"o"o.c
1T seems to me. Tabitha. that some
times you think I don't know any
thing" observed Peter in a tone of
rueful impatience 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. ,~5E~. "
"Observin' man." responded the lady.
"At certain periods, Pete. l 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 open?'
She wheeled her plump figure with
an emphatic movement and transfixed
the thoughtless Peter with a glare of
disapprovai.
Tabitha was a student, not in the
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 reg
ularly once a 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 as
similation were applied to Peter as a
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 a fit
subject. Being consumed with admira-
ton for Tabitha's qualities. physical as
well as mental, he was also a willing
one.
Now he stood with 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 pacification.
"Come In or go out!' 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 a human bein',
grinned the culprit, with horrible abb
sence of tact. MY head aches yet
from the dose you gin me last night.
Folks will be laffin' 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 lump of dough
striking him squarely in the mouth. He
darted out, sputtering.
Tabitha ragged across the room and
flaming. Then she bit hard on her rosy
under lip and sat down to recover,
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, l mean. You're assistin' his
ma in household duties an just as
good as he is-hired gal!-that was
mean. The flesh is willin', but the
spirit is weakenin'. swan-that is.
utterly swear-that l won't give such
a fool another thought. Twill be
mistake My ideas is more elevated.
an I'll rise with 'em. oh, ginger. my
breadw
Miss Groot sighed as culinary opera
tions were resumed. 1.-The 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 woman's college If
l keep on. l amt only nineteen an
Wonder how I'll look in one of them
gowns with a four cornered hat atop
of my auburn locks. Imposin' as any
Of 'em, / guess" ... .s
This modest view of the future ex-
alted Tabitha's spirit as she showed
her, loayes into the oven.
"Pshaw!' she exclaimed, striking an
attitude. Laugh at me. will they? I'll
start the laugh t'other way an do 1t
today. Hitch your wagon to a STAR as
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 and acid re-
pulses which cast him into the depths
Of despondency. 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
Of Miss Groot's performances, with an
eye to lending an assisting hand. 1t
was not desired. Neither was conver-
sation. Peter visibly dropped.
Then came Thursday evening and
the Bunfield Gazette. Peter welcomed
it and ut once repaired to the kitchen
and held it out as a peace Offering.
Perhaps this beloved messenger would
produce ii beneficent tEpw.
The, girls eyes sbone. and her checks
were like peonies. Look it over" she
remarked In lofty voice. IF you find
anything about me read it aloud"
Peter glanced through the pages ana
started. "Lordyr' he exclaimed. You
L., rsrnx