The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-04-03
WHO LEFT
THE
DOOR OPEN.
BY Mary e. wilkins.
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VIM iSlt tuc pttutiy uOoi opSh'
said Mistress Hapgood, sternly.
She stood before them straight and
tall in her indigo blue petticoat and
short gown, with her black hair roll
ed back under a tiny cap, and her
black eyes flashing. Her cheeks were
hs red as roses. Mistress Hapgood
was handsome woman. The chill
dren, five of them-Priscilla being the
eldest-looked up at her with appre-
hension. Somebody had left the pan
try door open and the cat got in and
helped herself to a large piece of spare
rib; it had happened several times be-
fore this, and now a severe penalty
was to be the consequence.
''Who left the pantry door open?''
repeated Mistress Hapgood. "The one
that did must go without supper TO-
night"
The children looked at each other.
Uncle Silas and Aunt Prudence Beals
and two~cousins were to sup with
them that night, and there would be
Johnny-cake toast made with cream,
plum sauce and pound cake for sup
per. 1t was good deal to forego.
Mistress Hapgood stood waiting, and
the great white cat that had made
all this trouble sat on the hearth
washing her face. She had been shov-
ed out with broom, but had walked
in again.
At last Nancy, the youngest girl,
broke the silence.
81 saw Thomas coming out Of the
pantry" said she.
Thomas, who was the very youngest
of all, broke into loud wall, and the
tears rolled down his fat baby cheeks.
81 didn't leave zee door open," he
sobbed. 81 didn't"
''What did you go into the pantry
at all for?" queried his mother with
severity.
But Thomas only dipped his double
chin into his pinafore and sobbed
harder than ever.
ANSWER mel" repeated his mother,
In a commanding tone.
Thomas choked out word which
Nancy interpreted.
HE says he went into the pantry
after pancake" said she.
"Thomas, go and stand in the cor
ner," said Mistress Hapgood.
And little Thomas, still lifting up
his voice, trudged across to the ccr-
ner, and settled himself therein, with
a teary face to the wall.
'Now," said Mistress Hapgood,
when did you see Thomas go into the
pantry"
This forenoon" repeated her moth
er. Haven't you more sense than
that, child? The whole family has
been in since then. Now, stand in a
row"
The Hapgood children obediently
formed themselves into a line in front
of the hearth.
Nov, Priscilla" said Mistress Hap
good, did you leave the pantry door
open?"
mo, ma-am," answered Priscilla, af-
ter little hesitation. Her fair, sober
face had troubled look
"Polly, did you leave the pantry
door open?"
mo, ma'am."
Isaac, did your"
mo, ma'am."
"Nancy?"
mo, ma'am."
Thomas, did you leave the pantry
door open?"
"No-o, ma-a'm!" walled Thomas
from his corner
And all the Hapgood children had
denied leaving the pantry door cpen.
The frown on Mistress Hapgood's
face deepened.
zone of you left the pantry door
open," said she. ''There is no enc
else who could have done it. have
been away and you children were
alone in the house. One of you is
telling a wicked fib."
There was a dead silence. The chill
dren stole inquiring glances at each
other, and rolled fearful eyes in their
mothers direction.
"Very WE'LL" continued Mistress
Hapgood, "if one cannot confess, all
must suffer. You must all go without
your supper"
Then Thomas wall deepened and
some Of the others Joined in. Pris-
ella stood still looking at them. Mis-
tress Hapgood, with her lips COM
pressed and stepping very firmly,
brought out the pound-cake, and cut
It into squares, and portioned out the
plum sauce. The thin Johnny-cakes
were baking before the fire.
Presently Priscilla went to her
mother and pulled her indigo gown
softly.
Mother" she said.
"What is it?" asked her mother,
shortly.
81 went into the pantry this after
noon. | might have left the door
open"
Don't you know whether you did
or not?"
IT shouldn't wonder il / did," an.
eWered Priscilla trembling.