The Democratic advocate., 1909-06-04
HIDOWER JUDD'S
HOUSEKEEPER.
The Surprise That Was In Store
For Two Designing Women.
By ANNE HEILMAN.

DuSy III DEdlGlIE u ulut. one was one
of those women one likes to have
about There was a certain comfort
ing presence in her large figure and
comely face. Although the face when
at rest was somewhat sad, yet it was
one Of those beamlng faces that seem
full of love for the whole world-that
is, for all whom she admitted into her
world. For those outside Of its bounds
she had no use. Just now her thoughts
were busy with her neighbor, in whose
direction she sent her glances.
Peters getting his supper early"
she mused. Its pretty lonely for him,
but hope he won't be inveigled into
taking Serena Lamb for housekeeper.
never was one to promote gossip, but
all Clifton knows that her reputation
for dressing far outdoes her skill In
housekeeping. If 1 thought Just
then she turned her head and caught
sight of Mrs. Lamb walking up the
path.
"Too bad to see that nice home going
to rack and ruin" Mrs. Lamb began
after settling herself in the rocker. ~
hear It's fairly swarming with mice.
Peter only uses two rooms. Isn't Il q
wonder he amt picked out house
keeper afore thisT'
1--WE an idea" said Mrs. Piatt, en-
deavoring to speak uneoncernedIy,
"that he'll probably ask YOU
"Mew Interrupted Mrs. Lamb In an
astonlshed tone. "Mel And with such
famous cook as you next doorl Trust
q man to get cook when he's free 70
pick and choose. Sarah wasn't much
on the cooking. and guess he'll want
change"
David and l spent twenty-five hap
by years in this house." sighed Mrs.
Platt 'It'd como hard for me to leave
It."
"And couldn't possibly leave my
place." protested Mrs. Lamb. And
the garden doing 20 nicely too. You'd
oughter see my strawberries, Emellne
Peter says they are the finest no ever
saw. I'D bring you over a saucerful,
but as Peter was going on so about
your getting so stout thought
wouldn't encourage your appetite any.
Well" looking keenly at her friend TO
assure herself that the blow had struck
home, II must be getting on"
Serena Jared forth slowly along tho
grassy lane. "Emeline don't care
shucks for Peter Judd" she shrewdiy
conJectured. "David Platt's money is
more to her than any living man. But
she'd take the place for no other reason
than TO keep me out Of IT, As II any
one would look at her twice when I'm
around" and she glowcd with n nne
satisfaction as she compared herself
to Mrs Platt
To be sure, Emeline was an umpire
on all the arts OF housekeeping; her
cookery was town talk. while she had
never become proficient in the art, but
there were other ways OF reaching a
mans heart. Serena knew. because
she had proved 1t twice.
in fact, neither lady had deceived the
other. Each knew the other, from
widely different motives, stood ready
at a moments notice to respond 70
Peter Judd's call for housekeeper.
Each knew that Clifton was wonder
ing which OF the two widows who
lived on either side Of Peter would be
called eventually TO I'LL the departed
Sarah's place. for the custom prevailed
in Clifton when man was, IN the wis
dom Of Providence, bereavcd TO hunt
out some widow. respected by the com
munIty. to undertake the duties OF
housekeeper, and generally, after de-
cent period OF mourning. the twain be-
came one.
"If Serena makes up her mind to
have Peter hen have to give In" phi
losophized Mrs. Platt "She's already
married two that didn't In the least
and don't need TO leave her home. I
wouldn't be so set against 1t II
didn't know twas her that interfered
between him and Floretta Young
more'n twenty years ago. Peter up
and married Sarah out of pure spite.
and Floretta took that good for moth
ing Cy Blakey. II ever two people
were cut out for one another, Peter
and Floretta were. Well. as he's held
out again Serena for over q year he
may escape for good. I'll not worry
any more"
But she did. The chance and appar-
emily careless remarks that Serena let
fall, as IL an understanding existed be-
tween herself and Peter Judd, fretted
Emellne's spirit. In the depths OF her
honest soul she believed that Peter
was a regular caller at the Lamb
home. She waited for the announce
ment of Serena's engagement as for a
blow that was sure to fall.
Still, when 1t came she was not pre-
pared for It. One afternoon she had
just taken her accustomed seat on the
porch when the gate opened, and Mrs.
Lamb swept up the path with an un-
usual air Of importance.
Land. amt 1t hotw she exclaimed.
"Such muss as I've got into care
fully arranging the folds Of her. new
0fgaadie skirt before sitting down.
Her tone rang with triumph. Mrs.
Platt felt the change in the atmos-
phere, and all her world darkened.
There's allrthat house Of Peters to
be gone over this hot weather. Not a
mite OF cleaning since Sarah died. Such
a looking place. And It must be all rid
up by the middle of September. Just
ran in to ask If your paint and white
wash brushes were In good order
Peter said as how you mentioned hav.
ing a supply Of 'em when you offered