Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1908-01-10
THE BEST
OF
THE LOT.
By Ethel Porter Farwel.

! by Ethel Porter Farwell. !
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
They were sensible, hardworkins
girls. were the Thurlows, and every
one liked and admired them. The two
elder ones made quite a nice little
sum OF pocket money by their poultry
and vegetables. which they drove into
the market themselves, and sold right
well, for their things were always OF
the best and found a ready sale.
1t was beautiful June morning and
the pony was waiting with the little
cart at the door, stamping his little
feet with Impotence, for 1t was Mon
day, and Jan" was fresh from his sta
BILE.
Angela" cried fresh young voice,
hurry up. Jan is at the door and the
baskets are In. Do make haste; we
shall be dreadfully late"
'T'm coming. oh, wait a moment,
Rita; must take some Of those pink
roses from the south wall. I'm sure
they's SELL"
II was just o'clock, and a lovely
day. Overhead hung a cloudless blue
sky, but 1t was no bluer than the
azure depths of Angela's eyes, and the
sunlight was scarce brighter than her
glorious hair, which coiled round her
head in masses Of warm color. She
was known as the best Of the lot"
and she certainly deserved that posi-
ton In the family looks on this glori-
GUS morning, as she came round
breathlessly from the south wall,
where she had been gathering a large
handful Of delicate pink roses, all
wet with dew.
Nov, then, my good Rita, as hard
as you and Jan like!" said Angela
gayly, as she put into the cart.
And, with a flick of the whip across
his shaggy shoulders, away went Jan
down the narrow avenue, out into the
lane which led into the highroad to
the town, four miles distant.
Pats Of yellow butter set out on a
neighboring table, which was presided
over by a fat farmers wife, made q
delicious contrast to the piles of vege-
tables. baskets of brown eggs and the
loose bunch Of pink roses which the
girls speedily set out In their turn;
and there was no lack Of customers
as the morning went on. Strangers
glanced curiously at the lovely face Of
the girl In the blue cotton gown and
the sun-tonnet, which half concealed
her loveliuess; and presently q car
riage which was passing stopped and
two people-a man and q lady-got
out and came slowly into the market
They were strangers to the Thur
lows. Possibly they were staying In
the neighborhood, which was famous
for its scenery and its natural sport
ing advantages. But they had no
time to waste in staring idly at pass
ers-by, for they were besieged by GUS
toners. and soon their pile of produce
had nearly vanished-all but the pink
roses and few eggs.
Miss Rita, my dear" whispered the
fat woman at the next stall, hurried
ly. will you look after my things
while l run out to. speak to my daugh-
ter for a minute? She passed by, and
must see her at once"
"0f course. Mrs. Radley," said An
gela; land I'll have sold all you've
got by the time you come back"
THANK you kindly, Miss Angela,
dearl"
And Mrs. Radlcy hurried on, while
Angela took the vacant seat at the
stall.
II was getting hot, and she leant
back against the will with a feeling
81 drowsiness, when she was reused
By voice saying:
by Jove! there's a pretty girl! I
say. Maude-"
She glanced In the direction Of the
voice. and saw the two strangers she
had noticed getting out Of the car
riage. They were coming toward her,
and her eyes met those Of the man.
who was looking at her with frank adj
miration In his handsome face.
MY dear Goeff, do be CAREFUL" said
the lady, with laugh; and then she
to the stall where, as a rule.
the worthy Mrs. Radley presided over
the destinies Of her butter and chick
ems.
rs this Mrs. Radley's stall?" she
asked. with a surprised glance at the
girl. who rose from her seat.
Yes. maam." said Angela, with the
demurest air. "She has just gone out
Of the market for a moment, but am
looking after the things for her. What
can l serve you with. ma'am?"
The man was still looking at her.
but Angela took not the faintest notice
Of him.
"A dozen eggs. please" said tt,
lady. getting out her purse, and look
Ing about her: ''and- Oh, what love
~ roses those are on the next stall.
Are those yours?"
Yes. ma'am." said Angela with
aiacrity. viii you take some? They
are quite fresh this morning"
Give me half the bunch, will you.
please? How much? That is right, !
think. Perhaps you could bring them
'ut to the carriage for me!"
Let me take them. Maude," said the
man stepping forward. There is no
need to trouble any one to carry your
parcels when I am here Is that ALP
Yes, You look rather absurd with