The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-08
Locking Up Supplies Very Botbeysome Task
Young Housekeeper Tries the Experiment Very Much
Dsgust-Company For Dinner Hears the Family
Secrets-Cook Lady, Reminder of
Things Forgotten
NV DOLLY DALRYMPLE.

In the midst of an attentive group of
friends a few mornings ago a young
househeeper was ventilating her views
upon the subject Of locking up her sup
plies" all Of which turned out to be very
amusing to the others. some of whom
had tried the experiment.
when I went into my new house,
said she, 'T made up my mind to be
q model chatelaine. mean by model.
10 lock up everything and give out my
meals like my grandmother (who was
the best housekeeper I ever saw used
to do"
1T suppose by everything you mean
locking up the food, the silver, the table
linen, the soap and all household commo-
dities," said one of the group.
Exactly" said the new housekeeper.
~ can remember how I used to sit at
Nmy grandmothers feet in the pantry
while she measured out everything for
the meals three times a day, and the
cook stood by taking orders and count
ing the eggs, Weighing the butter. right
before my grandmothers eyes. And final
1y she'd give me great, big red apple
to reward me for my interest and then
we'd both get up and start out of the
pantry door, which she would slam to-
gether with violent snap thus pro-
tecting her groceries from pilfering do
mestics.'
But in this day and time" said another
member of the little coterie, nothing
Ike that is done. Most housekeepers
things stolen to the trouble of being
interrupted 80 times a day by the cook
telling you that you forgot to give
out the sugar, and the butter, and the
spices for the dumplings, or something
equally harrassing."
well, my menage shall not be man.
aged that way" said the young house,
keeper. IT have little old-fashioned
basket like my grandmother used to
have and everything shall be kept under
lock and key"
housekeepers in the crowd WINGED per-
Sceptibly while they applauded her en-
Argy and each asked that they be told
Of her experiences after few weeks
trial, to which she readily consented.
The next morning found the new house,
keeper giving OUT things to the cook in
the good old-fashioned way like her
grandmother used to do, and much to the
disgust of Mandy who, with a huge pan
balanced upon her head, left the pantry
murmuring:
'"Deed 1 don wan yore aigs and butter
and stuff. Is got husban' dat makes
plenty OBJ money. and don hat to steal
nothin' from de white folks, no how
An / don see what youse lockin' up
things from me fur"
But nothing daunted the new house
keeper went bravely about her methods
and so her plans were laid.
1t happened that evening that her hus-
band brought home to dinner one of her
old beaux, before whom she would like
very much to show off, and let him
see what he really missed when she mar
ried the "other fellow"
In due time Mandy announced that
.Dinner Is served" (this task falling
to her as the young couple INDUCED
/, themselves in but one SERVANT
In the dining room the trio went. the
young housekeeper talking cheerily all
the while about various subjects. and
feeling quite at peace with the world,
and babe her guest be seated at the
daintily appointed table, which was to
AFFORD the perfect dinner. knowing that
the only direct Royal Blue route to mans
heart was through his gastronomic or
gans. And SO she calmly regarded the
meat and vegetable course, which APP
peared beautifully served by Mandy's own
hand.
The conversation waxed lively. through
the first course, and after the dishes had
been removed, there being perceptible
pause, the young housekeeper, turning to
Mandy. said:
1--WE are ready for the salad"
''Dere amt none. Miss Lucy said
MANDY proudly, her arms akimbo.
What became of the lettuce and the
celery?" said Miss Lucy, in the meantime
apologizing to her guest for INDUCING
In household conferences at the table.
you locked up de lie fur de dressin',
and so didn't make no salad" said
Mandy emphatically.
Then let us have the puddins" said
11iss Lucy,