Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1906-12-07
Solving a Domestic Problem.
c9 G

he new mdid Seeineu almost TOO
good to be true" Never before had
the Maynards table so glittered and
twinkled with its silver and glass;
never before had the dishes been so
nearly in their proper places; never
before had fresh napkins and doilies
appeared with such satisfying prompt
ness. Apparently no atom Of dust
was 700 small to escape Jobyna's
critical eye; no finger mark. however
faint, succeeded in eluding her
glance.
Positively" said Mrs Maynard to
her sister Frances. I'm afraid - be-
lieve my eyes. She actually looks for
cobwebs The only thing about her
that makes me certain she isn't
myth is her taste in clothes. 1t GER
tainly runs toward large figures and
loud colors. and know l couldn't
have dreamed that purple waist she
wore last Sunday When have her
properly dressed she'll be perfect"
Before the week was over Eliza
beth Maynard had purchased for
Jobyna two neat black sateen house
gowns. six picturesque white aprons
and half dozeI dainty white caps
The competent maid accepted the
dresses and the lprons with evident
gratitude. but Wien she sa.x- tha-caps
disdainful smSe curled her usually
placid lips
That's Ting / won't wear for
anybody" said Jobyna, pointing at
the offending c8ps, and Unexpectedly
asserting her independence. You
might as well send EN- back and save
- ..,,...,.-... S.-.-,ss MIND fHe aurons
real pretty, and il I was lady in my
own house I'd wear aprons-but no
caps for me-"
But. demonstrated Mrs. May
nard, all my friends maids wear
caps, and all my other maids have
worn them, although some of them
didn't begin to look as nice in them
as you would This one with the lit
tie ruffies would be so becoming to
you with your nice dark hair. See
how well it looks on me-
81 wouldn't wear il if looked like
the twin sister Of Queen Alexandra.
returned Jobyna, respectfully but
firmly. 81 have relations In Canada
with hardwood floors and electric
lights and steam radiators. and
they'd Just faint at the thought of
me in a cap. I'm willing to work out.
though / don't have to, but won't
wear any livery. You'll have to ex-
cuse me from maxim a monkey of
myself in a baby's bonnet"
Pleadings were of no avail Joby-
ma, considerate of her steam-heated
relatives, remained firm. and Mrs.
Maynard was obliged to admit that
a competent maid without cap was
far more valuable than an incompe-
tent one properly attired. She al
lowed the matter TO drop. but she
was far from satisfied.
''You see" she explained to her
sister, l don't mind as long as we
are by ourselves, but next month,
when Harry's Aunt Portia comes, |
want everything to be absolutely per-
feet. It would be so humiIating to
confess to reiativesin-iaw that
haven't sufficient force Of character
to compel my maid to wear a cap.
Jobyna looks so distressingIy unfp-
ished at the top that Aunt Portia
can't help noticing It, She wouldn't
think of having maid who wasn't
properly dressed down to the last de-
tail. Besides, she's such an awe-in-
spring person! | saw her for iust 4
few moments at our wedding fonr
years sgo-she's been abroad a great
deal. you know-and I've been oual.
ing in my boots ever since AZ tba
mere idea Of asking her to visit ne I"
II remember her" said Frances
"she had a sort of truth-eomnelIing
eye, a gray satin gown and an ajarst
didn't she?o
''Yes. Everythin~ ahont tbe bo,,-o
is just as nice as 7 can n,ats i ~ ~.
cept the top of Jobyna's head nm
ing all these years. whenever I.ya
bought anything for the ensst ctan,
ber I've thought Of Harry's Annt par-
tia, ana have neon sa,,s,.,,,., -a'.. , TOT
ingly.
1t is certainly the dearest room, ;,
returned Frances. sootbingIv ~.
don't worry, Bessie. If Jobyns,s cs,,
is the only thing. r-rely--p
It's the princir.e il invoIvss ~
such an evidence Of wealkness--of