The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1905-05-04

- 4 He's splendid fellow. but
HoN rich. and little fastidious,
perhaps-so have every
thing in trim. But that warming is
not necessary; you are always ready.
Your affectionately. Royal Dent"
That simple little note brought con-
sternation inc the Dent household,
for the cook and maid of all work
had just taken French leave, and 1t
would be impossible to fill her place
on such short notice, for servants did
not flourish readily in Ghe quiet little
village.
What she'll we do" exclaimed Mrs.
Dent, glancing around at her three
daughters with an expression of trag-
&c 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 Eaye to all en-
ter the kitchen and take our turn.
until can engage a 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-white 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. Il will be cook un-
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, ard you can en-
gage boy to wait in the dining room" d"
You are making quite a sacrifice,
Ange, my dear child, and l do not
like to have you banished in that
style"
But it is self banishment,' said
.:Ange, gali.. giving just one regretful
sigh. and then entering heartily into
the work before her.
Royal came at the appointed time,
accompanied by 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, ana charmingly cordial, and
Mrs. Dent beamed graciousiy; but
Royal glanced arounu With dissatis-
fed look.
Where is Ange?'
"She-she-". the mother began
and then not being in the habit Of tell
ing falsehoods, she broke down.
"She has gone on q visit to Aunt
Mary's." said Gertrude. smoothly.
Must lave been rather sudCenr' 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 young person
half hid in huge apron, in his arms
to feel the fond pressure Of soft arms
around his neck, the touch of a velvet
cheek to his.
"Halloow he cried. falling back q
step.
"Oh, Royal. don't you know me?"
"Ange" 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 louG," she said, ant
then explained the situation.
Hang it all. I'll have a cook. il
I have to go back to town after one
Here I've brought Estwald down tt
see you. and then find you banishet
to the kitchen. I've a great mind t<
raise row.
IF You do, IL will spoil the din
nerw she cried, in alarm, then disap
peared in the pantry.
Royal glowered at the bare wall fol
a minute; then smile suddenly spread
over his face. and he went back int
the drawing room, whistling cheerful
".
The dinner was faultleSsly cooked
and served, and after it was over
and her mo II came out. insistin:
on washing the dishes, tired Ang