The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-01-29

she, in her proud way, wild the head
of her up in the air.
And what is it like, miss?' sez l,
do you boil it, or cook it in the oven?
We never eat fried meats here
BLESS me, sez she, what dense
ignorance one finds even in good fam
lilies. You see, Bridget she went on,
Mrs. Appleton is never very strong,
and you should know what to do for
her.
"'Yes, MISS sez I, seeing that
have done for her since she put on
short frocks, mebbe / might learn, if
she asks it.
Wei, that woman turned our house
upside down, and she kept me that
worried that l lost ten pounds of flesh,
which | might well spare, but l lost
my sleep, which was worse.
"At last she went The doctor need
ed her somewhere else; and l clapped
the two hands of me till they ached,
when she went out Of the door, and
the dear missus, she said Amen as
hearty as the Methody man who lives
next door.
That's why there is no trained
nurse this time. A good, strong broth
is it; well, the dear lady shall have
it as quick as l can make it, for this
morning, when she said to the doctor:
Let. no one take care of me but Bid
dy, doctor, for she knows just what to
do was happy.
"'All right sez the doctor, and
was that proud | wanted to hug my
poor dear, and the doctor, too, indis-
criminate like"
All day Biddy trotted back and forth
wearing her felt slippers, and the in
valid was happy, knowing how pleased
her kind servitor was.
Down in the kitchen the Strong
broth was being made, not according
to auy formula of the hospital diet
kitchen, but as Biddy pleased, and
her mistress liked to have it done.
At last it was ready, and Biddy pre-
pared tray on which she placed two
well-browned crackers, pretty china
bowl, few flowers in tiny vase, and
some glossy damask napkins.
Love had taught Biddy some things
which were beyond the ken of many
blessed with more liberal education.
She knew that the best dish in the
world would never tempt Mrs. Bessie
unless it was served in dainty man
ner. She had learned, also, never to
cook the rice in the broth, but to add
it after 1t was thoroughly cooked. The
broth was skinned and seasoned, and
Bridget surveyed her work with great
satisfaction. But fate, the rascal, was
on the alert to disturb Biddys confid-
ence.
Just as Biddy mounted the stairs,
the front door bell rang sharply, and
a sudden movement caused one of the
felt slippers to slip on the smooth,
waxed floor, and away went Biddy,
tray, broth, flowers, dishes and al,
clattering down to the room below.
Even one lamp chimney or one small
plate can make not only a terrible
noise, but with fiendish glee they are
capable of producing endless bits and
pieces, to aggravate the unfortunate
victim Of the break.
The patient nearly sprang from her
bed, as the crash was heard. The sill
ence at last became unbearable, and
she called in anxious tones: "Oh, Bid
dy, are you hurt?"
No answer.
Bridget, do tell me, are you in
jured, have you broken leg or any
thing but dishes?"
Still silence down below.
1t was too much for poor Mrs. APP
pleton, whose mind pictured a dozen
evils; and in spite of bandages, anti
phlogistine and hot water bags, she
sprang from her bed and crept into
the hall.
The sight which met her eyes as she
gazed over the banisters into the living
room, was ludicrous beyond words.
The newell post was decorated with
a napkin, from which dripped a slow
stream of broth, the floor was spat-
tered with rice, far too moist for a
bridal party; and bits Of china were
to be seen here and there.
In the middle Of an oriental rug, sat
Biddy bolt upright, rubbing her eyes
with a fat, broth-bathed hand.
She had not heard her mistress; and
was simuly dazed by the accident. "Oh,
the likes of it," she murmured, half
to herself: "and the poor dear need
ing nourishment."
A voice from above interrupted her;
Bridget, tell me at once, have you
broken any bones; If you do not tell
me | shall come down."
Looking up, Biddy saw the white
face of her patient, and in an instant,
she forgot herself and her keen dis
appointment, and before there was
time to demonstrate, Mrs. Appleton