The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1909-04-16
Alrna's
.OvercoOkery..
By HENRIETTA CRAWFORD.
Copyrighted 1908, by Associated
Literary Press
By HENRIETTA cRAwFoRD.

There were at least two persons who
loved Jennie Norris in spite Of her
very extreme and thorough shortcom.
ings in culinary way. One was her
younger brother, Frank, and the other
her sweetheart, Ned Barnes,
There were also two persons who
most emphatically did not love her.
One was her rival for the heart and
hand of Ned. Alma Goodwin, and the
other was Mrs. Barnes. the mother Of
her sweetheart.
Alma was a natural cook and espe-
cially proficient In the baking Of pies,
and Mrs. Barnes had two great weak
nesses or, rather, strengths.
One of these was an overwhelming
love for good cooking, and the other
was a still more overwhelming love OF
economy and thrift Miss Alma had
always showed great aptitude for the
latter virtues and that, added to her
pies, had won the heart Of Mrs.
Barnes.
One day Farmer Norris came in with
the announcement that Mr.. Barnes
had broken his leg. This caused Jen-
ME to look very sad and to mingle
with her sorrow the selfish thought
that Ned would be kept at home more
closely In bearing his fathers share OF
the work.
ITS too bad, just as the husking
season Is on" observed Mr.. Norris.
A bright thought seized Jennie.
"Father. why don't you suggest to
all the farmers in the nelghborhood to
go over 10 the harnesses and husk for
q day2 They wouldn't miss a day
from their work, and II would do won
ders for Mr. Barnes"
Jennie's brain was very active In
reference 10 all things concerning Ned.
That's good idee, Jennie, and I'll
hook up now and go and call on all
hands around"
When Mr.. Norris returned from his
campaign he said that all had willing
ly donated days services to the
cause and Thursday had been the date
set for the huslSlng bee,
ethDNtd III W hte lpuEIlEh anu lDl0
him about the huskin', and IT did him
good. ! told him that 1t was all your
idee, and spoke up real loud so Mrs.
Barnes could hear. She looked quite
pleased like. and Ned spoke up aud
said as how you was always thought.
full. carlate you made ten strike.
as Frank says"
Jennie's face frightened, and her IA
Their continued: when I come past
Almy's she run out to ask about Ned'f
pa, and ] told her about the huskln',
and she was let down for a minute.
then she perked mp and looked real
clipper"
shes thought Of something 10 do"
sighed Jennie "Alma's so clever"
You always let her outwit you,
Jen," said Frank Indignantly. "she's
full Of mean tricks, and no one sees
through her but Ned and me-"
shes got Ned's mother. body ana
soul" said Jennie.
"She knows how to pull the wool
over her eyes. Why don't you. Jenr'
Jennie shook her head. She would
not stoop 30 deceit
Il won Ned fair without any tricks,
and l want 20 win his mother the
same way. II ] ever can"
Just then the telephone rang. When
Jennie had answered II and turned
from hanging up the receiver her IN.
Their asked. What makes You look so
disturbed. Jennief"
q alma has gone mo one better as
usual She's been around to the homes
Of all the nelghbors or felephoned
them and asked them TO send in dona.
lions for dinner ito save poor Mrs.
Barnes feeding all those men She
has told each one what to bring
Bates. beans; Hayes, doughnuts;
Lukes, biscuits. and so on. OF course
she's going TO send mince pies She
makes the best Of any one about here"
What did she ask you 10 bringr
Pumpkin Pies replied Jennie bit.
terly. "She knows that mother Is
away and that ] can't make pie 1T
to eat"
Toward dusk Frank Norris appeared
in the Barnes kitchen.
II came over, Mrs. Barnes, TO see II
| couldn't fetch wood and water or do
anything Don't you want me TO wipe
dlshesT' he suggested. observing the
dishpan piled full OF crockery. II new
er break them"
ooh Frank. wish you would. Lib
bic was just mean enough to leave me
In the lurch at the time needed her
most"
Frank caught up the dish towel and
was soon dexterously ut work. The
act OF dishwashlng Is quite apt 10
promulgate confidential chatter be.
tween washer and wiper, and Mira
Barnes unbent In her thoughts Of Jen-
ME to the extent Of remarking how
thoughtful she had been. "But Alma"
she concluded, ''has taken such load
from me. l never could have cooked
dinner with Mr.. Barnes sick and
ALL"
Eyes. 1t was real thoughtful In Al
ma" asquiesced Frank ''Say, Mrs.
Barnes" he added in Lowered tones.
won't you ever tell II tell you some
tningE
mo" she promised eagerly What
is 1t. l'rankT
"You know MA Is away, and Alma
asked Jennie TO bring pumpkin pies
and she makes the very worst ones
you ever ate, Jen's so polite she didn't
ask II she could take something else
IT'S tec bad to waste good stun In
some'hI'sg no orc can eat
81 FINK So too." agreed Mrs. Barnes
who ever preached and practiced