The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-07-10

WENT OFF DELIGHTFULLY."-.
gularly exasperating domestic circum-
stances, the consciousness Of her own
inefficiency dismayed her.
Funny" (she crumbled the yellow
slip into a ball and aimed it at the
wastebaskeD, 'let US consider what
we had better do"
Funny, not at all averse to being
cuddled in lace draped, family fragant
arms. promptly lost herself in somno-
lence
IF only Della had not gone to the
funeral of that grandchild that expires
with periodical regularity every three
weeks" Oblivious of the Indifference
Of her auditor, Miss Ray kept MUIR
muring on. "And-if Ellen Jane were
not in bed with jumping toothache-
we might pull through, Funny. Dear,
dear! All the years was learning
Latin, why could / not have learned
how to cook something except Judges
Gracious! Who's thatT Funny was
promptly and peremptorily dispos-
sessed.
Miss Ray hurried in response to the
brisk knock at the back door. "It's
never you, my dear" cried Isola Ray.
She had flung open the door and was
gathering little sweet faced, apple
checked countrified woman into the
joyful embrace of her loving young
arms. I'D be glad to see you any
time, Aunt Elvira, but just now-well,
just now your coming seems provi-
dentialv'
Aunt Elyira returned cordially the
caress of the gracious arms and lips.
Now, how does that happen, honey?
she asked.
She had entered the kitchen-all
shining tiles, enamel and blue and
white kitchen ware. She put her old
brown, cracked, bullying bag down by
the sink and with one dexterous twist
had Invested herself of bonnet and
coat.
"Oh, Delia-that's the cook-has gone
to one of her periodical funerals. Her
relatives are legion, and every few
weeks one Of them dies And the 9th
er maid has toothache. And Victor
telegraphed he was bringing his best
friend-who has not before visited this
city-up to dinner tonight You know
how my brother detests any cooking
except what is done at home. And
beyond Judges or good salad-I don't
L u H. i,
Don't you worry Just you do what
old Aunt Elviry tells you" The small
woman had fished a fresh apron, a
pencil and the back of an envelope out
of her bag.
"You get the things l write down.
never mind the spelling-sent in quick,
dear Then go and get some flowers,
show me where the linen and silver are
kept and put on the prettiest dress
you've got to your back. Surei Go
on, now! Didn't | have you all the
time your mother-bless your dear
heart-was in the north? And It's
even prettier than she was-you are
And they called her the beauty of her
day"
"Oh, you lovable old flatterer" cried
the girl. Then she kissed again the lit
tie red, wrinkled face and fed to the
telephone.
She slipped on a discreet and envel-
oping cloak of dark blue silk and went
off to buy her flowers. And coming
home she looked down upon the sheaf
of long stelnmed. dark red roses lying
against her arm and the fanciful lines
of Bessie Chandler required to her:
Oh. the fate Of man is past discerninsl
Little did Jacqueminot suppose
At Austerlitz. or at Moscow's burning,
His fame would rest in the heart of a
rose.
The dinner in the coy dining room,
aglow with the softly tinted lights from
Etruscan electroliers, went off delight
fully. Victor Ray beamed his approx
al He had not imagined that this be-
loved young sister of his could attend
so satisfactorily to things, especially
with one maid i'll and the other dere-
lict. And Edward Garden, brown, rug
red, keen of glance man whose
name was known for scholarship and
brilliance on two continents-appeared
to find in his girlish hostess much
grace and charm.
And Isola Ray was charmed by this
stalwart friend of her brothers. He
had seen so much of the world He
had seen so many much frequented-
and little frequented places. Without
arrogance or ostentation, he talked
about his travels.
She in the softness of black lawns
and laces. her hair shining like bur
nished gold and her sea blue eyes
sparkling, listened to the tales told as
perchance Desdemona listened-long
ago.
She was recalled to herself quickly
by the action of the Japanese lad who
had been hired to wait on the table.
He had given a slight start and was
staring at the door through which he
had just come Isola turned hastily
and glanced In that direction also. A
little red, eager countenance was visi-
BILE Anxious to see that her carefully
prepared dinner was being properly
served. Mrs Devlin was peering in at
the door. But Edward Garden had