Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1904-11-23

Like Mrs. Lecks and Mrs Ale
shine"
Exactly. And there's even the gin
ger jar on the mantelshelf," said Dick.
A sudden light of inspiration came
into his face. There's a stove" he
remarked slowly, land wood, l be-
licve, and pots and pans and dishes
and pantry. It's clear case OF
Providence. Can you-er-cook any
thing?"
"Oh," gasped Eleanor, "but its-I
can fry chicken II there was one-and
cream potatoes and'-
Dick walked to the pantry. Then he
called her to look. On shelf was Il
raw. deep golden pumpkin pie. 'Des-
sert,' he said. "Now for the cellar"
eve got it, he called up moment
later as he stood looking eagerly down
the stairs Then he reappeared, pan
of cream in one hand, basket Of po-
tatoes in the other and chicken under
his arm.
Chicken" cried Eleanor ecstatically,
"and cream. Oh. you dear, dear boy"
She plucked an apron off n nail and
rolled up her sleeves. "Now, go and
split some wood" she ordered, land
make the fire, and fill the kettle, and
then III tell you what else to do.
won't have any lounsing or laziness,"
she ended. with mock severity.
Dick obeyed meekly and was sent on
49,, ba lint aud
to the pantry for suet land he did not
know what that was. and she had 10
go herself. which brought him q Scold
ing) and to the barn for any eggs he
could find Then lie stood about in
the way watching Eleanor. enveloped
in .0hmnOus check apron. her arms
dusty with -four, her eyes dancing us
she scurricd about, now peeling the
potatoes. now lacking wisely into Il
bubbing saucepan. now busting the
chicken, stirring. tasting, seasoning,
burning Der fingers and holding them
up for sympathy. Dick meanwhile
made toast and sci tho table and drew
a jug OF cider and brought impossible
articles for her service, and with IL all
wondered why any one had servants
when housekeeping was such glori |
Gus business
And the dinner il was a very mira. |
cle-the chicken golden brown. crisp. |
delicious: tie potatoes n creamy dream. |
the pumpkin pie-welI. Eleanor had |
moi made The pie. but still 1t was very |
good. And. 10 ct6wn the feast, there |
was she, just across the harrow table, |
flushed and radiant with triumph.
Hasn't ii been jolly" Dick cried at
last. when the dinner was eaten.
'Its Jugt been the lOveliest adven-
ture THAT ever vas" said Eleanor.
Its like il fairy tale, iikh the three
bears. believe this is the house Of
the three bears-tIey would be named
Br0wn. you know-and | fear any mo-
ment 10 hepP them come in and growl
out Wh0s eaten pp ny bread and
milk am glad you are along to
protect me from their vengeance"
YES" said Dick. 80 am l."
EleanOr'S adorable bare arms were
ON the table There was such lit
tie space between her hands and his.
A man might by leaning
eyes. ~ been glorious said Dick
caa't II last, Eleanor,
DEAR He leaned acr1As znd took her
hands in his.
Her face sObered for n moment; then
she smiled
"If you are satisfied with my cook
ing su6fs the place will suit she
Some hours later the Black Pearl
rame rolling up to the gate with Dick
at the lever
II knew il w9uid go III right now
Eleanor said triumphantig. Next
Iime J hope you'll believe NC"
Wei, ! had faith enough to try
anyway It s,srtel up as if it never
had any other idea Gea'i imagine
what tie trouble was before"
do you know what think, Dick?
believe II was enchanted Just like
his house and the chicken and every
hing" :
Yes" Dick replied. 1--WE felt the
myself all day
Eleanor seiiie.' herself amid TIE
cushions, turned aDd thrs4s q Kiss TO- {
ward the old house. and then the Black
Pearl vanished down the road III :
loud Of dust I
Mrs Brown founa note and bill
pinned to the manre when sh2 re
urned. Y
"'ADi we are more obliged than we I
an say foe Dur diner dcux. she $
cad out TO her HUSBAND. "Ihey must )
ave been real igporqpt people" she 4
ommPnied They capt spel. II was :.
chicken oot dHek, tbey bad 3