Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1913-01-16

early, as II in evaporation. nothing
could make him desist from keeping
her paths clear. And Miss Matte al
tackled her morning work furiously
to drown the sound Of his shovel
keenly conscious of the peerings mi
titterings along the street.
The Dayton cat, a huge, black crea'
ture, seemed to share In the riend-
illness of his master and haunted her
premises pe~rsistently. while the Day
ton puppy chewed up her door mat and
the evening paper.
BY spring Miss Matte was actually
showing signs Of the strain. There
was a little pucker Of worry between
her eyes, and she really dreaded the
season of outdoor living and garden
making. 1t was a shame, for she was
ardently fond of gardening.
Happy that she was free from OBJ
servation. Miss Mayne dug c%cntented-
ly in a warm, early bed close to the
sheltering hedge. She even INDUCED
in a little song quite under her
breath. Other contented little sounds
PRESENT. mingled with her W and,
turning, she saw, coming through a
hole in the hedge, the %sprightliest Of
yellow balls Of fluff with sharp. in.
quisitive eyes. and busy feet. oh,
you darlings." cried Miss Matte, and
the chickens ran and picked familiar
ly at her fingers. But you must go
back the way you came. you naughty.
runaway babies!" And she began
tucking them back through the hole
in the hedge. AS she stopped to push
the last one through, someone's fingers
| closed over hers and released them as
suddenly.
Miss Matte fled precipitately. "How
should l know he was on the other
| side coaxing them back?" she cried.
washing her hands vehe mently. oh.
a friendly enemy is worse than a
grouchy one! l wish he'd go away"
She was preparing supper. still in a
perturbed state of mind. when hur-
ried steps sounded on her front porch,
and fastening forward she beheld two
strangers carrying in the limp form
of her enemy next door.
Well lay him here on the sofa,
Ma'am," they said, and then get the
doctor. He slipped on the crosswalk
and the front wheel Of the car went
over him. He was conscious long
enough to tell us where he lived
And she stood alone, looking at the
unconscious mar stretched on her hall
davenport.
The old doctor looked grave. They
made a mistake in the house. IL !,
doesn't disturb you. | would rather moi
move him until we see which way II
is going"
Certainly not" said Miss Matte
quietly. Would he be more comfort
able in a bed? Have one OF the mel
call his housekeeper." And she wen
to lay out fresh linen. "A Dayton!'
she murmured, in a dazed sort OF way
and her cheeks went crimson.
His recovery was tedious at Grst
when he did begin to mend he begged
to be taken home. Certainly not, un
till you are able" demonstrated Mat
tie, unless you are uncomfortable
here?" she amended.
~ can't bear to be making you 81
much trouble" he said seriously. FL
seemed to have lost his cheerfulness.
At last he was able to sit up and t
receive callers, and one day she at
mitted a stranger who remained 10
some time. When the man was gone
Philip Dayton calleh he'd to his room
That man wants to buy my place
Miss Matte" he said.
And you are going to sell?' sh
asked family.
That depends. ! do not believe h
Z wants to give what It is worth. Whic
' is the better place Of these two?"
why. yours" said Miss Matte.
I you like it better?"
q ANY one can see she began. an
r stopped,
n Then suppose you sell him tn
800 ., t. -.--l Naul x,n'l Enl