The midland journal., 1911-06-02
CHAPTER vII.-continued.

But across the street the Dobbs res
idence was undergoing more in the
way Of general toilet than that
which had been finished at the Kin
ney house. The front door stood wide
open and the little hall and front room
presented a swept and garnished ap-
pearance. All the flower pots on the
window ledge had green paper covers
and Haunted many brilliant colors. for
flowers bloomed under the ministra-
tions of Mrs. Dobbs' easy good nature.
As Miss Cynthia was opposite the
gate the lady of the house came
around from the side yard with q
bucket of foaming whitewash in her
hand and an old broom, whose brush
was swathed in rags.
Nov, Bennie, I've done caught you
fair! Come on and finish that last
panel of fence you done got tired on
last week. You've put the brush
away SO as not to find 1t handy, but
these rags on broomstick is just
ithie" And Mrs. Dobbs smiled a jo-
vial appeal to Miss Cynthia to use her
influence with the reluctant Bennie.
why. boys like to whitewash. Mrs.
Dobbs," answered Miss Cynthia en-
,couragingly. How nice everything
looks, everywhere"
well, it oughter. for Miss Seliny
Lue come around and walked us all up
long fore five o'clock. I'm afraid to set
down, fer am so stir that mightnt
be able to git up again." answered
Mrs. Dobbs, plaintiyely.
well. i know Bennie and Ethel
Maud are going to stay now and help
you get done SO you can rest" said
Miss Cynthia with significant glance
at the two deserters, who fell to on
the fence with a will.
BE sure and notice them new lace
curtains Mis- Jim Peters is a-putting
up in her front windows" Mrs. Dobbs
called after her as she started down
the street. Miss Cynthia smiled and
nodded as she looked over with inter.
est at slender figure poised on a
chair by the window in the little cot.
tage opposite the grocery. Mrs. Jim
Peters waved her hand in greeting
and Miss Cynthia caught glimpse
of the precious little cradle through
the open door,
The front regions Of the grocery
were deserted and presented their
usual uulitarian appearance. sexcept
that huge punches of fragrant sweet
fern were set around in different
homely receptacles and arranged with
3 decidedly artistic effect
Miss Cynthia's eyes roamed delight,
eddy over the cool. dark interior. but
in second were focused on a scene
In the back Of the store.
On the floor, collar faring, sleeves
rolled to his shoulders and girt by an
ample gingham apron, knelt Mr.. Alan
with large tub full of squirming ba-
bies before him, and with praisewor.
thy despatch he was polishing on the
head of Carrots of the flaming hair
The brother of Carrots wiggled and
splashed and seemed intent on deep
sea dive.
Here, young man, can't scrub
Carrots and keep you up too. Sit
tight a moment, can't yol, old slip
pery?" The voice had a slightly anx,
ious note.
Lands alive. Mr.. Alan. you hadn't
oughter soaped them both to onct!"
said Miss Selma Lue's voice from the
lean-to. Just hold 'em still until i
button Blossoms neck and put Glenn
mie on the floor and I'll come. A soapy
baby amt thing to take risks with
/ can tell you"
Gould heip?" Miss Cynthia's
voice was sweetly solicitous, but II
acted on the be-aproned scrubber in
the manner expected OF two-pound
bomb. He sat back on the floor 50
suddenly that Carrots slipped danger