The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1907-05-23
WHO LEFT
THE
DOOR OPEN.
BY Mary e. Wilkin !.
Observation-Disclosures

tall In her indigo blue petticUat and
short gown, with her black hair roll.
ed back under a tiny cap, and her
black eyes flashing. Her cheeks were
as red as roses. Mistress Hapgood
was a handsome woman. The chill
dren, five OF them-Priscilla being the
eldest-looked up at her win appre-
hension. Somebody had left the pam
try door open and the cat got In and
helped herself to a large piece Of spare
rib; 1t had happened several times be-
fore this, and now severe penalty
was to be the consequence.
"Who left the rantry door oqcn?'
repeated Mistress Hapgocd. The one
that did must go without supper TO-
night"
The children looked at each other.
Uncle Silas and Aunt Prudence Bea's
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 a good deal to forego.
Mistress Hapgood stood waiting, and
the great white cat that had male
all this trouble sat on the hearth
washing her face. She had been SHOW
ed out with a 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 a loud wall, and the
tears rolled down his fat baby cheeks.
II 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 commanding tone.
Thomas choked out word which
Nancy interpreted.
HE says he went into the pantry
after a pancake" said she.
10 anu IA NV W.
ner," said Mistress Hapgood.
And little Thomas, still lifting up
his voice, trudged across to the cor
ner and settled himself therein, with
teary face to the wall.
Now" said Mistress Hapgood
when did you see Thomas go into the
pantry?"
This forenoon" repeated her moth
err. 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 line in front
Of the hearth.
Now, Priscilla" said Mistress Hap
good, did you leave the pantry door
open?"
mo ma.am,n answered Priscilla, Of
ter a 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?"
MOO, ma-am!" walled Thomas
from his corner
And all the Hapgood children had
denied leaving the pantry door open.
The frown on Mistress Hapgood's
face deepened.
"One. of you left the pantry door
OPEN" said she. There is no one
else who could have done 1t. ! have
been away and you children were
alone in the house. One of you is
FALLING a wicked fb."
There was a dead silence. The chill
Siron stole inquiring glapces at each
othe< and rolled fearful eyes In their
1nothers direction.
Very Veil, continued Mistress
HapsooS ~ ope cannot confess, all
must suHef. You must all go without
your;rsupnor.
TleN Tbonas. wan deepened and
some cf>the othsfs joined in. Pris-
ella stoojstill l1oEiag atlthem. Mis-
tress Hapgood. HI<h her Hips COM
pressed and sterpl1k kerry firmly,
brought out the pound-cnk e, a9dG. cut
It into squares, and portIoood ol7<> the
plum sauce. The thin Johfn{ -ea<cs
were baking before the IRE -. y Is
Rroconf1v Drfcrd1lo xro,.f LoT