The state herald., 1913-06-27

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 I'd
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?'
Il guess they're all parceled round"
said Sallie with symptoms of shining.
Il don't wanter complain. Miss Red
mond, but we amt had any such q
houseful since Parson Thayers 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
a word, Miss Redmond. about the
work, II 1t wasn't for that young
woman that puts on such airs coming
and getting your tray. amt used to
that"
Sallie paused, like any good orator
while her main thesis gained impress
siveness from silence. It 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 I'm
ger to one of Sallie's loaves. lifting II
to show Its golden brown crust.
You're an expert at bread, Sallie.
can see that" she said heartily. Il
shouldn't have got over my accident
half SO well II 1t hadn't been for your
good food and your care, and want
you to know that 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 well
help you. but II she bothers you. we
won't have IT. And now tell me
where Mrs. Stoddard and the others
are"
Sallles symptoms indicated that she
was about to be propitiated: but she
had yet a desire to make her position
clear to Miss Redmond. IT'S all right;
only I've taken care Of the china fol
seventeen years. and 1t don't seem
right to let her handle It. And she
told. me herself that anybody that had
any respect for their hands wouldn'i
do kitchen work. And II her hands
are too good for kitchen work. I'm
sure don't want her messing round
here. She left the ten on the stove
It'll II boiled. Miss Redmond. Just yes
terday."
Agatha smiled. I'm sure Lizzie
doesn't know anything about cooking
sallie, and she shall not bother yor
any more"
Sallie turned a rather less melan
choly face toward Agatha. ITS beer
fairly lonesome since the parson died
I'm glad you've come to the rcd
house" The words came from Sal
lies lips gruf1y and ungraciously. bui
Agatha knew that they were sincere
She knew better. however. than tc
appear to notice them. In . momen,
sallie went on: "Mr- Stoddard
she's asleep In the front spare room
Said for me to call her at twelve"
Poor womani 6he must be tired.
said Agatha.
Aunt SusanS stout woman. Mis'
Redmond. She didn't 20 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 usst
to our ways. for when Aunt Susan hat
made q prayer. Mr.. Hand said: Yes
ma'am!' instead Of Amen"
There was a mixture OF disappro
baton and grim humor which did moi
escape Agatha. She was again bs
guiled into n smile. though Sallis 70
mained grave as tombstone.
Mr.. Hand will learn" said Agatha,
and was about TO add Like the res
OF u.s." but thought better OF Il Bal
lie took up her tale.
cro BE coNrINuED)