Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1905-05-03
Ole Mission of the
Tomato Bisque
By RUTH sANTELLE
By RUTH SANTELLE
Copyright, 1904 by Ruth Santelle

q temperament no more lrasclDle Lnan
that of the average gentleman of his
age. Moreover, the dignity OF that
age might have gone unsupported by
virtue of his boyish face and genial
IL somewhat pompous manner had 1t
not been for the telltale appurtenances
of veterans title and great grown
I'D son of the modern, broad shoulder
ed type.
But the major was inclined to take
It good naturally. Aspiring to youth
fulness in old age was not one or his
hobbies. He was guilty, nevertheless,
of two-a pet ideal and pet aversion.
The first was an imaginary picture he
had conjured up of an old time girl
who scorned higher education" and
devoted herself to the acquisition or
nm endless string Of housewifely ac-
complIshments. The second was to-
matoes. Utterly unfit to eat! He
knew it beyond hope Of conversion.
Furthermore, they sickened him unto
death-upon his word as a gentleman
and soldier.
His thoughts were neither Of tho
visionary maid nor the detested vege-
table as he strobe up and down the
aisle of the chilly car. They had been
fighting snow and wind since A p. M,
and now 1t was 10, and the drifts piled
higher. Something had happened to
the steam pipes, and comfortable
warmth was fast becoming moro
and more distant memory. Worst OF
all. they had not yet succeeded III
reaching the place where the dinner
was taken on, and, dinnerless, the ma
jor was unhappy.
~Where in the world are we, and
what are we stopping for this timer
he growled as a blue nosed brakeman
swung through.
stopping because we can't 60 no
farther" was the answer. This here's
Graves Station, and we're telegraphing
for relief. Let you know directly" as
he disappeared.
comforting, to say the least! WIN
dows so frosted you can't see out
Probably nothing to see II you could
How a cup Of coffee now would cheer
q mans soul"
The majors dismal reflections were
interrupted by a clear, ringing laugh
Irresistibly he stopped by the seat OF
the fresh checked, tailored girl In the
wide hat who had been variously min
istering to the hungry, cold, tired cal
full. Now, she had youngster In heI
lap. sitting his fretting with bites Of
Juicy orange. 1t looked inviting.
81 am sorry to say" came the con
ductor's voice from the doorway "tha'
the drifts make it impossible for III
10 20 on. We have sent for the pillow t.
release us. and it can probably get here
IN two hours. AS all trains after
o'clock are through expresses, the sta
tipn Is closed for the night, 80 l an
afraid
A chorus of groans drowned the res
Of the announcement. Helplessly anS
hopelessly they looked at each other
The tailored girl alone. slipping TIT
child from her knees, held moment
consultation with the conductor Thel
she called cheerfully:
'I am organizing a foraging expedi
ton. May l ask for volunteers, please
Four men, l thlnk-young ones. wei
let the rest of you help when we se'
what's TO be done"
The response was instantaneous. sh
had to be firm IN accepting the fou
who reached her first. Like captain
she managed her crew in undisputet
sway. and before the now intereste'
crowd could grow impatient they foun'
themselves filing through hastily SHOW
eled paths into the stations singh
building, almost warm already with
huge fire in the stove.
ut wasn't bit hard to get H." wal
bled the captain. now playing hostess
1--WE found quantities Of wood, and
you're all very good and don't hinde
we may find you something eatable i
due time. Now, you" to the flattere
major, keep everybody else amuse
some way while we get supper"
THAT girl is a--a-brick" he mul
INJURED admiringly and proceeded t
obey orders to the best Of his ability.
The merry cries from the kitchen en-
of the establishment helped him In hi
efforts
"Crackersr carroled the captain er
couragingly. Half barrel full. An
a can of cream frozen almost sole
I'll have to sweeten some for dessert.
A few moments Of laughter and al
parent investigation.
"Now, girl like that" the majo
was bordering, unable to keep b
Jealous glance from wandering.
Then a burst of triumph from tn
kitchen: "Oh, see what I've found
Cans and cans of them Now for
feastv'
Then period Of busy silence an
strengthening Odors.
In less time than the famished ira
elers had dared hope they Were range
} before bowls trimming with steam
ing and savory concocton, che ver
Sight of which increased their faith
a sheltering Providence.
"yall to, fall tor urged the appa
emily untired GIRL waving a long lad
like magician's wand. There al
gallons and gallons, and / don't wal
to see a motionless spoon till ever
drop has vanished"
They needed no second Invitation
As the major leaned back after
fourth polishing Of his bowl the 81
came up with platter. Take this
she whispered, "and gather the bigge
sort OF q collection to leave IN paymel
for our entertainment"
And the plate grew heavy as he WEI
the rounds. supported by the voice
the girl from her stool pedestal.
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