The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1907-07-04
young man. you have come at |

Wei. young man. you have come at
last"
The salutation was so widely differ
ent from what had anticipated that
| merely stared In imbecile fashion
and nodded my head fecbly. She was
a very majestic old lady, tall. massive,
and cycling me severely through pair
of gold spectacles in what felt to be
rather disparaging fashion. l had
approached the house with stern re-
solve TO meet Leslie's grandmother as
a dignifled sutton for that young lady's
hand should do, courteous. but ready
to assert myself as u gentleman of
spirit and Independent means. Still,
l had not counted upon such chilling
reception.
Madame. began respectfully, my
name is Jones, and"
She checked me with a queenly
wave OF her hand.
That" she said icily. has nothing
to do with the matter in hand. What
l want TO know is. whether you can
beat a carpet?"
The question was totally unex.
pected and surprising one. Leslie's
grandmother, l decided, must be a
peculiar old lady. but after all the an
swer was easy.
Eyes, madame" responded, but II
| may be permitted to-"
"That will be all for the present"
she interrupted haughtily. Come with
mel"
II followed meelSly without ventur.
ing to protest further. Evidently there
was a mistake somewhere, which
would reveal itself later. She led the
way to 81 back yard, where carpet OF
goodly proportions hung pendant from
clothes line. A couple of heavy
| sticks lay close at hand, to which she
| pointed with a commanding air. The
situation was embarrassing. but not
| without humorous features, and | re
solved TO adapt myself to circum
| stances rs they stood.
With your permission" | said, 81
will first remove my coat
She inspected the garment critically
as | laid it down.
THAT cloth" she commented, lis o.
much too fine texture for one in YOU
position in life"
1T was a gift from my-my uncle,
responded alphabetically.
Nevertheless" she returned severe
ly, you are hardly justified in wear
ing II on everyday occasions"
| bowed respectfully and then, sei2
Ing a club began vicious attack upoi
the carpet.
BE careful that you don't mutilat,
it, young man. said the stern voice.
NO, indeed, madame!"
And be sure to shake 1t properly!
81 Will. madame!"
Il am going out, but my granddaugf
ter has instructions regarding YOU"
She fingered a moment. and ! trem
bled, fearing lest the obvious fin
quality of my tie and breastpin shout
attract her attention, but she left
without making any further remarks
pounded vigorously away at the cal
pet. When | start thing / like t
finish It and had determined to Sc
this through to the bitter end.
Suddenly a silvery peal of laughte
floated across the yard. | glanced O
nearby window and beheld Leslie
mischievous face watching me wit
sparkling eyes. Without relaxing tn
solemnity of my features / continue
my labors. There was another scat
ing burst of laughter, followed by tn
announcement:
Grandma thinks you are the ma
from Parkers, who does the chores!"
preserved dignified silence.
She told me to watch carefully an
give you 80 cents when you have fiji
ished!"
made no reply and welded Til
club sayagely. Leslie giggled exaspe
atingly again, and then spoke in MOI
soothing accents.
but really, Bob, she says you al
quite ont of the common. Grandn
is awfuly nearsighted, but she cou
see that you were not an ordinal
young Han."