The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-03-17

] SdlQ--
Well" said Phoebe, as she took
several unnecessary stitches, If |
had been going with girl two years
and never mentioned anything about
being engaged, l should expect her to
think my attentions didn't mean any
thing and she was free to go home
with anybody she liked. Shouldn't
your"
The young man blushed. Il
! guess I've been something of a fool,
Miss Percival." he said, with an en-
barrassed laugh. I've been expect
ing folks to be mind-readers. Thank
| you for doing up my wrist"
Phoebe watched him as he went
down the path. Il knew Nellie was
feeling bad about something the last
time she was here" she unused; "but
had other company and so she didn't
say anything. It's queer what trifles
will come between two people who
really think the world of each other"
and Phoebe sighed as she recalled the
one romance of her own life.
The cutting out of Freddie Westalls
clothes was done, and Phoebe was at
her stitching machine, when Mrs.
Gaines, her next neighbor, burst in at
the door and sank into a chair do
you know how to put in a stove lin
ing?' she asked, breathlessly. John
took mine out and then was called
away and won't be home till noon;
and just before he went he remem-
bered to give me letter he took out
Of the post office week ago-and it's
from my sister, and she's coming here
to-day on the half-past ten train, anu
going off in the afternoon on her way
home from the mountains, and her
son and his wife are with her-and
I've been canning tomatoes all the
week and let everything else go-and
I've been working every minute since
l got the letter cleaning things up and
forgot all about the stove"
III go right back with YOU"
Phoebe said promptly, and the two
left the house together.
Phoebe was possessed of "gump-
.ion,' and the stove lining was put in
as quickly and as well as John could
have done it.
Now, Laura" she commanded, you
Just run and change your dress and
get ready for your company-'tis most
IL o'clock-and leave the dinner to
me. I'll have it all on the table by
-, and run over afterward and wash
up the dishes"
"Oh, it is too much"
NO, it isnt!" Phoebe interrupted
her What are neighbors for if not
to be neighborly?"
So with deep breath of relief Mrs.
Gaines obeyed, and Phoebe set to
work on the dinner.
Everything went off well, and at
half-past one the dishes were washed
and put away, and Phoebe was back
at her machine.
Just before supper, Mrs. Gaines ran
over Tor minute to tell Phoebe how
grateful she was. MY company had
to go away at three o'clock" she said
and if it hadn't been for YOU
should have had to stay in the kitch.
en- most of the time and hardly seen
my sister at ALL"
Phoebe hurried her sewing after
supper, so that by half-past eight she
was on her way down the road with
Freddie Westalps completed garments
over her arm.
Mrs Westall gave a relieved sigb
az slght OF her. I'm so glad they're
finished" she exclaimed Some Of
the other children dared Freddie to 90
through a thicket of horse-briers and
blackberry vines this afternoon down
IN the pasture, and his only nair of
knickerbockers was torn tn ta+tar.
You couldn't stay and spend the even.
ing could your" she asked wistfulIv &C
Fhoebe rose to CO. Il cant bIan,e
Loiks Tor not coming to see me. when
never get to see them; but I do oct
SO lonesome-and my husband is awsy
this evening, too"
Why, I'll be glad to-" assorted
Phoebe, and the two sat and roo,sos
and chatted till Mr.. Westau car
nome at ten o'clock.
After Phoebe was home again ona
mad locked up for the night tb "o
came a quick knock at the door
somebody must have been taLon
suddenly sick and sent for me" she
ehougnt as she drew the bolt and
opened the door. 'iu
Good evening, Miss PercivaIn s,ia
. voice which she instantly recoenized
as that Of the groceryman. l'19u
was going by home" the vorno
man man said, and saw your light WIS as
burning, SO ! thought Id stop and ton
you that acted on the hint Won ON go ,vn
l me this morning, and eyerytbin s'te
an right Nellie has said sbo Tiii ,l,.. Is
me. We thought we'd like Won - !, larry larry.
about it first" o' 70 know
Well | am gladl" thought pho,n
as she fastened the door aaa, lnoeoe'
Went upstairs He's a iiko1, a'H s., ana
ana an she's good girl. They;n i nau,o'.
oe sorry either of en- : never
When Phoebe had put out her u.,,
she lay for awhile watcbing t ner ngal
shadows on her cur+,s. e'e LeaIy |