The Huttig news., 1908-07-18
Copyright, 1907, A. c. NccIurs 6 Co.,, Chicago
CHAPTER xxv,
Illustrations by Art. Williamson
c TINUE FRe LAST WEEK

Esther stood at the door of the Der hard mansion in Oakland Sally B. was crossing the hall when the colored butler opened the door
 "Oh, honey! Stel-Esther, I mean!' She flew down the hall and caught the girl in vigorous embrace. I've been dying to see you ever sence-senee l read in the paper you'd got back from your tower. Come right up to my boodwar"
 T only learned last week, at Judge Harmon's, where you were" Esther said as soon as released You've been away most of the time lately, and this is my first opportunity to come since you returned from the springs. Why Calistoga in the winter, of all places ?'
 Sally B. was fussing about happily helping her out of her wraps. "Vis ben peaked lately, an I took her up fur-for the sulphur water That's good in the spring, you know"
 Yes; but February"
 "Oh. well. any time near Valentino s days spring around the Bay. Stella
 
 Grown, madame" interrupted a quiet voice.
 Esther glanced euriously at a de mure figure sewing in a corner of the elaborate room.
 I've been-been turribly i'm"
 Terribly, madame"
 Esther saw a shade of annoyance pass over Sally Bs face; but she went on again.
 I've been terribly impatient to show you my new house and our gold plated traps"
 I'm sure I'm just as impatient tc see them all. How long have you been here7"
 We bought little better'n eighi mouths ago-got a bargain. It only cost us"
 Private expenses tabooed subject, the even voice broke in; though tn, girl never lifted her eyes from he work nor showed the slightest interes in the conversation. Sally B. turned swiftly, shot ar angry glance at the young woman and opened her lips with spring that Esther well remembered Yet her anger faded quickly. Thank you Marie" she said, and continued. Set sit down, Esther. I bet you'll have a."
 bet is not quite elegant, mad anne"
 Sally B. whirled on her heel in quite the old way. Marie, you gitl" The girl rose snd walked quietly ou: of the room. Before the door closed sally B. was calm again. There l go" she said. That's two dollars she gifts gets today. an it ain't-isn't two o'clock"
 Esther did not try to conceal her laugh Two dollars for what?''
 For my bad language. l hired her to keep Vi up in her French, but most ly to correct my bad grammar. l pay every time I say slangy things to her. She's gittin getting rich,'
 q should think she'd retire when wis itors arrive" Esther ventured.
 Her orders is Say, do you say orders is or 'are?'
 Are I think Esther struggled with too persistent smile.
 Her orders are to stick to me like a cookie burr to a mules tail: let up for nobody except when I receive big bugs in the parlor An I'm sorry for her, that I am
 How long has she been with you?' "Oh, ever since we bought"
 She's had time, then, to learn your good heart If she hasn't, she de- serves no sympathy"
 Sally B. smiled broadly. You tuck took in the blarney stone on your shame we couldn't have lowered to- gether!"
 That would have been nice. Did you enjoy your travel?"
 Fine" the other answered quickly yet a deiected note crept into her next words. q enjoyed it all right; but 1t didn't pay--not Bill an me. We're too old, and didn't have no-any fit cultivating for such crop. But it paid for Vi" she said exultingly. She's come out just little queen, Vi has. She fits all this fine stuff Sally B. s sweep of arm included the whole mag nifieent villa. An her paws that proud of her."
 Esther smiled sympathetically Tell me about your home, Mrs. Sally. How do you like it?"
 sOh, it's pay rock, sure; thousand dollars to the ton. But some way, like it better when I'm tellin' about it, or showin' it off. than I do just Twin in it. You know. l aint used to bein' waited on-not personal--but I'm go ing to get used to it for Wis sake {; style, turin servants-got five kinds, seven courses, church people-the hull hogl"
 Did you get the place already