Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1908-02-21
Practical Flora
Now She Trained Her Fialce Before
She Wed.

"HOW 90 L hAhN
husband you will maker"
Miss Flora Hugton was a practical
Girl Possessed of a good, healthy, SEN
sible temperament, she had with II all
a large feminine heart, upon which
there were. however, no frills. She
wanted results. In a word, she be-
ueyed that the best happiness consist
ed in looking things in the face.
Eyes. my dear" she went on to her
irrespective fiance, Appleton Dickerby,
I'VE may as well understand each 9TH
or. What I've seen of you like. l
may say even more. But we'll be
long time married-if we are-and we
NAV as well make sure beforehand. Are
you practical? Are you steady and
reliable? Do you know anything
about running a house? You must for
Give me IL | seem too particular. but
It's an important matter for both OF
US"
"Of course 1t is" said Dickerby, land
no one realizes it more than / do. 1t
makes me love you all the more, Flora,
to know that you are so particular. l
realize now that | have a treasure.
of course, can't exactly say about my
self, but I'm willing to do what you
want me to, to prove my love and
possible fitness for the grand vocation
Of being your husband"
At this moment message was placed
in Miss Flora's hands. She read 1t has
tily with an almost painful look of an
xiety.
Did you ever?" she exclaimed.
Here's a note from my sister Jane,
who says that her husband, who is on
a trip out West, has been taken i'll and
she must join him at once. She wants
me to run over right away and take
charge Of the house while she is gone"
Perhaps, DEAR" said Dickerby, II
can be Of some assistance to you in
this emergency, and Incidentally
Flora smiled gayly.
so you cant" she exclaimed. Just
the thing. Why, it's as if Providence
had interviewed. I'm sorry Charles
sick, but now | know it's for the best.
II will be splendid opportunity" she
went on enthusiastically, ''for me to
zee what kind of husband you will
make"
Fora's mind worked rapidly.
~Yes," she exclaimed. Il see 1t all.
You can report tomorrow morning at
the house. There will be lots to do.
Jane was always easy going, anyway.
First, we'll have a thorough house
cleaning. Then, the baby isn't well,
and"
Has she baby?" asked Dickerby
timidly.
Dear me, yes. And she doesn't know
how to treat him. But we'll fix all
that l can't wait to begin"
The next morning at o'clock Dick
erby reported at Flora's sister James
house. according to instructions. He
found her arrayed in a short skirt and
shirtwaist, ready for business.
Excuse my appearance" she said,
but you know one has to wear ones
old clothes at this sort of thing. Now,
nrst we'll take all the rugs out and
put them in the backyard. There's a
man coming, but this will help"
Dickerby took of his coat and got to
work.
Now" said Flora, when he had fin
ishsd. AL the pictures must come
down and be busted"
AN right, darling"
Dickerby got the stepladder, and toll
Cd until luncheon.
I've discovered" whispered Flora.
uiumphantly, as she leaned over the
uoie. that the nurse is a traitor. She
mas been actually abusing the baby.
mink OF 1t! Jane is so blind! The
mok told me all. l don't dare leave
her alone with the little fellow for a
moment Now, this afternoon | shall
De busy sewing those curtains, and I've
~ her on on purpose, as I'm on the
uack OF another who may come. so
Wish you would look after the baby. u
I don't know much about the man.
ssement of infants" said Dickerby. du,
uously. "0f course, I'm willing to
Try"
Dont be worried. You won't have
40 much. Amuse him little, then
Wu him out In his carriage, see tina,
isn't uncovered, give him his bottle
naif-past 8. and IL he cries give him
'ne not water; bring him in promptly
No and by that time I'll be ready tc
Jake him"
Few minutes after Dickerby was
INTO the nursery and introduced tc
e baby. That individual was in nc
noie mood. The absence of hi.
tner had not heightened his spirit.
any appreciable extent. He hat
aat Is technically known as
grouch."
nckerby did his best, but all his ef
~ seemed purposeless. Every few