The Washington herald., 1909-08-08

bakers and pie bakers. You ought to get
In one o. them. You'd have every even
ms and all day Sunday" lie retreated
to his waiting wagon. TN keep thinkin'
about you. but you want 10 specialize;
know that"
The morning brought the Lyttons, and
Myrtle. as she played her various roles OF
cook. waitress, parlormaid, and cham
bermaid. smiled 10 think of how far she
was from the specialization the boy ad-
vised
Nevertheless. In spite of her many
duties. she derived a generous pleasure in
the presence OF the guests from over
seas. and. lowering on the outskirts,
smiled happily. warming herself. as 1t
were, in the family affection.
When the trunks arrived, and Mrs.
Meeker said cordially. I'll send my maid
TO help you unpack," Myrtle, not with
out a pleasant excitement, bounded up
stairs eager TO see the contents Of a
London trunk. Mrs. Lytton. as the girl
worked. moved about the rooms speak
ing to her husband with the studied re-
pose with which she had managed 70 re-
place her natural exuberance.
Myrtle -ead IN their mutual inpassiyity
some embarrassment In her presence.
teered:
Il amt never ben to London. A per-
son can't hardly realize there Is such a
place"
Mrs Lytton made no reply except a
reserved Put my bodice in that drawer,
please"
But her husband said quite simply ans
kindly. we have some pictures you MAJ
like o see" and his impressive eXteriO.
was lighted with a slow smile, revealing
a kindly. beautiful understanding OF
Myrtle's effort for human relationship
with those she served. From where she
knelt on the floor the girl lifted eyes
limpid and grateful 10 his. but she did
not speak again.
Later in the day. as she made ready
for the tea, the memory Of his courtesy
lightened the girls work and aroused an
interest IN pleasing that Of late had
waned
Lytton. In the shelter Of a Boston fern.
watched her later as she moved about
the room with her tray. asking each OF
the ladies who visited with his wife.
won't you take a cup of tea?" audibly
and Hospitality, 10 Mrs. Meeker's mani
fest concern.
When she came 10 him he dropped the
reserve the ladies had all found so In
vulnerable 20 ask with frank interest:
Are you an American girI?"
The answer was prompt: Yes. sir. and
proud Of H.
He laughed spontaneously. Your par
ents born here also?"
Her eyes kindled. Why. my folks ben
here since the Revolution, just Ike Mis-
Meekers. lily uncle's stnl got his grand
pas old gun"
Then blushlng cOufusedly I'm her belief
that the mention OF that event could not
he pleasing. she hurr!edly retreated TO
the kitchen.
Mrs Meeker. at Myrtle's exit. ap-
preached him 70 ask anxiously. Did my
waitress serve YOU properly? / saw you
speaking 20 her. l never know what
she'll do next; You know, IN our c0un-
try the servant question IS alarming: we
have 20 take what we can get Some
times" she turned impressively 20 the
sympathetic group. sometimes I think
the American home Is doomed. and you
know as a good patriot how disastrous
! think that would be"
"On the other side" Mrs Lytton IN
cultivated. my maids go out but once a
month and we pay them far less than
you do as you know. Why do you sup
pose you have SO much trouble?"
They're above their work" one lady
'Or below IT." another cried
What do you think OF thls2" Mrs.
Neeker leaned forward impressiveIy 10
ask the group My waitress whom YOU
have Just seen" (she designated the work
as though 10 differentiate Myrtle from A
large retinuel asked me 10 give her mu-
sic lessons and 20 take her sister 10
board. You may well ask what we're
coming 20"
The ladies screamed their amusement IN (
unison. Music lessons To board
How killing"
When Myrtle. painting angrily. burst
through the curtains. What's so funny
about it," she demanded. and the ladies'
smiles were frozen on their lips. 7 come
here from the country to earn my Twin:
was willin' TO work. and work hard
but I want expectin' 90 be treated Ike
dirt, sneered at for wantin' to live with
my sister. laughed at for wantin' TO learn.
Ef you want girls 10 do your work you'd
better treat EN- like folk" Her voice
was almost a scream. In her excitement
she began 20 sob EFF you're ashamed
10 work yourselves. and don't respect the /
1nes that do 1t fer you. YOU needn't sit
about wonderin' why you can't get help. |
should think the reason was pretty /
plain"
She paused abruptly. turned ashen, and /.
walked from the room, bowed brokenly I
,ver the little frosted cake she still car I
led. Then, cropping with trembling hands. /
her eyes blurred with tears. she tot /
cred up the stairs and began mechan- /
cally to pack her few possessions.
I guess I done II now" she sobbed ex-
'itedly. trying TO fold skirt I sup |
lose III be sorry enough tomorrow. but /
amt to-day. Seems like person has
q let out sometimes" She paused aghast I.
Is Mrs. Meeker, wrath personiied, aR-
reared at the door.
I'm glad 20 see you're sparing me the
roubie OF sending YOU from the house"
''Oh. I'll go all right
You realize l owe you nothing, as I I
dvanced money for your ticket"
The girl palcd. She had not thought Of
money. Can YOU let me have enough TO
-et back? I Amt but 90 cents in the
world. and I don't know soul in town"
You might have thought Of that be-
ore you insulted my guests. I am IN
rom nervous shock-before Mr. Lytton.
90. What an idea you Will give him Of /
his country! No, can't give you money.
ut If you actually lack a place TO sleep
can give you a lodging coupon which
he Salvation Army will honor"
The girl did not answer. but Selling
er suitcase. the canvas still new and
resh. brushed by her and hurried down
he stairs.
LyttOn stood in the hallway his long.
an-shaNnn fann o r1aaaI- Of MIN. e