Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1905-04-15
If THE PRETTY COOK 4
BY MAE MARTIN.

\ ~ Y on the twentyfOurTh, with
9 Q my friend, Allen Estwald.
He's a splendid fellow, but
TC~ rich, and little fastidlous,
perhaps-so have every
thing in trim. But that warning is
not necessary; you are always ready.
Your affectlonately, Royal Dent"
That simple little note brought con-
sternatlon inc the Dent household,
for the cook and maid of all work
had just taken Fhanch leave, and it
would be impossible to fill her place
on such short notice for servants did
not flourish readily in the quiet little
village.
What shall we dU?" exclaimed Mrs
Dent, glancing around at her three
daughters with an expression of trag-
ic despair.
Telegraph to Royal that he must
bring a cook down with him." said
Ange, the youngest, with an irrepres-
sible smile.
Nonsense! Tomorrow Is the twen-
ty-fourth, so we shall have to all en-
ter the kitchen and take our turn,
until can engage n cook"
"Oh, mother! you know it would
spoil my complexion to bend over that
hot stove. That plan will never do"
said fair Gertrude, folding her soft,
lily-whlte hands.
"And If we do the cooking, who will
entertain Mr. Estwald?" said Mira.
well, you know we cannot get one
now for love or money! sighed the
troubled matron.
Yes, you can, mother mine. Here
is one for love-" said brown-haired
brown-eyed Ange. 81 will be cook I'M
til you can get one, and Royals fas-
tidiOus friend need never know it. My
name is Polly Ann, and I'll prepare
the daintiest dishes, and you can en-
gage boy to wait in the dining room"
you are making quite sacrifice,
Ange, my dear child, and do not
like to have you banished in that
style"
but it is self Punishment" said
Ange, GAM, giving just one regretful
sigh, and then entering heartily into
the work before her.
Royal came at the appointed time,
accompanied by a handsome man of
eight or nine and twenty, with fair
hair and moustache, keen, clear blue
eyes, and the winning ease and grace
of one long used to the cultured cir
cles of society.
The Misses Dent were faultlessly
dressed, and charmingly cordial, and
Mrs. Dent beamed graciously; but
Royal glanced AROUND with dissatls-
fed look
"Where is Anger
"She-she-', the mother began
and then not being in the habit of tell
Ing falsehoods, she broke down.
'She has gone on visit to Aunt
Mary's," said Gertrude, smoothly.
Must nave been rather sud-. en! he
said, surprised.
"Oh, yes, Ange, dear child, is so
fiighty," murmured Mira, turning to
Mr.. Estwald with a sweet smile. and
there the subject dropped.
But passing through the back part
of the house an hour later Royal was
astonished to find n young person,
half hid in huge apron, In his arms;
TO feel the fond pressure of soft arms
around his neck, the touch of velvet
cheek to his.
"Halloo| he cried, falling back
step.
"Oh, Royal, don't you know me?"
"Anger' he gasped.
"No-Polly Ann. the cook" she cor
rected, with soft laugh.
What is the meaning OF all this
mystery?' he inquired sternly.
Don't speak so loud" she said, and
then explained the situation.
Hang it all! I'll have cook, If
l have to go back to town after one.
Here I've brought Estwald down to
see you, and then find you banlshed
to the kitchen! I've a great mind to
raise row."
"If you do, II will spoil the din
nerP she cried, in alarm, then disap-
peared in the pantry.
Royal glowered at the bare wall for |
minute; then a smile suddenly spread |
over his face, and he went back into |
the drawing room, whlstling cheerful |
ly.
The dinner was faultlessly cooked
and served, and after it was over,
and her mo ~ came out, insisting
on washing the dishes, tired Ange |
bathed her face, put IN n fresh. white
gown, and taking a book, sought the |
solitude of the orchard.
She climbed to her favorite seat in
the fork-of an Old apple tree, and had
been there long enough to get rested
and cool, when a gentleman came
sauntering along through the shady |
sweetness of the old orchard.
Ange did not see him in time to run
away, or even get down from her
perch, and sat still and almost breath
less, hoping he would pass by with.
out seeing her.
But ne came on, straight to that
particular tree, fold of her dress
brushing his sleeve.