River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1907-06-27
well, young man, you have come at

well, 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 feebly. She was
very majestic old lady, tall, massive,
and eyeing me severely through a pair
of gold spectacles in what / felt to be
rather disparaging fashion. / had
approached the house with stern re-
solve to meet Leslie's grandmother as
a dignifed sutton for that young lady's
hand should do, courteous, but ready
to assert myself as gentleman OF
spirit and independent means. STILL
| 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
want to know is, whether you can
beat a carpet?"
The question was totally unex-
pected and surprising one. Leslie's
grandmother, ] decided, must be a
peculiar Old lady, but after all the an
swer was easy.
Yes, madame" / responded, "but if
/ may be permitted to"
THAT will be all for the present,
she interrupted haughtily. Come with
mel"
II followed meekly without ventur-
ing to protest further. Evidently there
was a mistake somewhere, which
would reveal itself later. She led the
way to back yard, where a carpet of
goodly proportions hung pendant from
a clothes line. A couple of heavy
sticks lay close at hand, to which she
pointed with commanding air. The
situation was embarrassing, but not
without humorous features, and | re-
stances as they stood.
with your permission" | said, Il
will first remove my coat"
She inspected the garment critically
as / laid it down.
THAT CLOTH" she commented "is of
much too fine texture for one in your
position in life"
1T was gift from my-my uncle, .
l responded alphabetically.
Nevertheless" she returned severe
ly, you are hardly justified in wear
ing it on everyday occasions"
| bowed respectfully and then, seiZ-
ing a club, began a vicious attack upon
the carpet.
BE careful that you don't mutilate
it, young man." said the stern voice.
mo, indeed madame!"
"And be sure to shake it property"
Il will, madame!"
II am going out, but my granddaugh-
ter has instructions regarding you"
She fingered moment, and | trenn-
bled, fearing lest the obvious fine
quality of my tie and breastpin should
attract her attention, but she left,
without making any further remarks.
] pounded vigorously away at the car
pet When 1 start thing l like to
finish it and l had determined to see
this through to the bitter end.
Suddenly a silvery peal of laughter
foated across the yard. | glanced at
a nearby window and beheld Leslie S
mischievous face watching me with
sparkling eyes. Without relaxing the
solemnity of my features | continued
my labors. There was another scath-
ing burst of laughter, followed by the
announcement:
Grandma thinks you are the man
from Parkers, who does the chores"
| preserved dignifed silence.
"She told me to watch carefully and
give you 80 cents when you have fin
ished!"
/ made no reply and welded the
club sayagely. Leslie giggled exasper-
atingly again, and then spoke in more
soothing accents.
'BuI really, Bob, she says you are
quite out of the common. Grandma
is awfully nearsighted, but she could
see that you were not an ordinary
young man"
| rested for a moment and regarded
my flatterer with accusing eyes.
THAT" | said sternly, II believe to
be deliberate falsehood Meanwhile
l wish you wouldn't interfere with my
work"
For goodness sake, Bob, you're not
going to finish that job?"
Il most certainly ami"
What for?"
My wages, of counsel"
"Oh, that 30 cents?"
mo, Miss Grahame, not that 80
cents"
We'll, that's the highest price grand
ma will pay
mot in this particular instance. l
don't beat carpets as a general rule,
but-when 1 dol know how to charge
for my exertions."
At this juncture Leslie INDUCED in
a palpable sheer and was plainly bent
on making some impertinent remark,
when the sound of the old lady's voice
put an end to the conversation. She
was standing behind me, and I froze,
SAVING THE BRIDGE.