Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-04-11

After ten minutes or SO, she slowly de
scended the stairs and went out the
front way. She circled the garden
and came round to the open kitchen
door. Sallie was kneeling before her
oven, inspecting bread. Agatha watch
ed her while she tapped the bottom
of the tin, held her face down close to
the loaf, and finally took the whole
baking out of the oven and tipped the
tins on the table.
That's the most delicious smell
that ever was!" said Agatha.
Sallie jumped up and pulled her
apron straight.
"Lor', Miss Redmond. how you
scared me! Couldn't you sleep any
longer"
II didn't want to; I'm as good as
new. Tell me, Sallie. where all the
people are Mr.. Hand is in Mr.. Ham
bleton's room, know, but where are
the others?"
81 guess they're all parceled round,
said Sallie with symptoms Of snifhng.
Il don't wanter complain. Miss Red
mond. but we amt had any such a
houseful since Parson Thayer's last
conference met here, and not SO many
then; only three ministers and two
wives. though. of course. ministers
make more work. But wouldn't say
word, Miss Redmond. about the
work. II 1t wasn't for that young
woman that puts on such airs coming
and getting your tray. I amt used to
thnt."
Sallie paused, like any good orator
while her main thesis gained impress
siveness from silence. 1t was only
too evident that her feelings were
hurt.
Agatha considered the matter. but
before replying came farther into the
kitchen and touched the tip OF nm
ger to one of Sallie's loaves. lifting 1t
to show Its golden brown crust.
You're an expert at bread. Sallie, l
can see that" she said heartily. Il
shouldn't have got over my accident
half SO we'll IL 1t hadn't been for your
good food and your care. and l want
you to know that I appreciate it."
She was reluctant to discuss the maid.
but her cordial liking for Sallie coun-
seled frankness. Don't mind about
Lizzie. l thought you had too much
to do, and that she might Just as we'll
help you. but II she bothers you. we
won't have It. And now tell me
where Mrs. Stoddard and the others
are"
Sallie's symptoms indicated that she
was about to be propitiated; but she
had yet a desire to make her position
clear to Miss Redmond. ITS all right:
only I've taken care of the china for
seventeen years. and 1t don't seem
right to let her handle 1t. And she
told me herself that anybody that had
any respect for their hands wouldn't
,do kitchen work. And II her hands
are too good for kitchen work. I'm
sure I don't want her messing round
here. She left the tea on the stove
till 1t boiled. Miss Redmond. just yes
terday."
Agatha smiled. I'm sure Lizzie
doesn't know anything about cooking.
Sallie, and she shall not bother you
any more"
Sallie turned a rather less melan-
choly face toward Agatha. Its been
fairly lonesome since the parson died.
I'm glad you've come to the red
house" The words came from Sal
lies lips grufiy and ungraciously. but
Agatha knew that they were sincere.
She knew better. however. than to
appear to notice them. In a moment
Sallie went on: MRS. Stoddard.
she's asleep in the front spare room.
Said for me to call her at twelve"
Poor woman! She must be tired"
said Agatha.
Aunt Susan's q stout woman. Miss
Redmond. She didn't go to bed until
she'd had prayers beside the young
mans bed, with Mr.. Hand present.
had to wait with the coffee. And
guess Mr.. Hand amt very much used
to our ways. for when Aunt Susan had
made a prayer, Mr.. Hand said: Yes.
ma'am!' instead Of Amen"
There was a mixture Of disappro-
baton and grim humor which did not
escape Agatha. She was again be-
guiled into a smile. though Sallie re-
manned grave as a tombstone.
"Mr. Hand will learn" said Agatha;
and was about to add Like the rest
of u.s." but thought better of It. Sal
lie took up her tale.
CTo BE CoNTINUED.)