Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1913-01-31
MARY, THE FAITHFUL
BY CORA CARSON.

tuned?" demanded Dorothy as she let
her fingers glide nimbly over the keys
in exhibition Of the improved condi-
ton Of the piano.
AT least two thousand times bet.
ter" assented her father. with an as
sumption of gravity. 81 suppose you'll
never practice on 1t again for fear of
spelling it,"
Dorothy nodded so vigorously In
agreement that her short braided hair
tapped about her head. She swung
around on the piano stool. which,
since 1t had had no ministration to its
voice, squeaked an excruciating &C
compartment to her words. And
then, that old piano tuner would come
back and take week to fix It."
Daughter, you exaggerate too much.
Do try to be more literal" lectured
her father as he settled himself com
fortably in his leather chair for the
evening.
We'll, this time II took his Just
'zactly FIVE days." insisted Dorothy,
with an aggrieved air Of one who has
spoken the truth vainly.
Five what!" asked her father,
amazement in his voice.
Five days" reiterated the little
girl. emphaticaAy.
Five days to tune a piano? What
do you mean, Dolly?"
81 thought he was awfully slow. but
he said it was awfully, awfully out Of
tune"
But even so, whatever did he dc
all that timer"
well, he came Monday. First Of
all he played a long time-to find out
which keys were wrong, l s'pose. He
plays just grand, marches, and
waltzes, and variations of The Star
Spangled Banner and such pieces, you
know"
"Fine!" agreed her father, with
mock enthusiasm.
Then he stopped and tried each
note separately"
THAT wasn't so grand. was it? Well
how long did the concert last?"
Most all day. | got awfully tired
of the noise and went over to Kath
ryn's. But | told Mary to take care
of him."
MARY is a faithful maid and tool
such good care Of him that he cam,
again next day, didn't he?"
Dorothy missed the sarcasm in he
fathers words and continued her ex
PLANTATION placidly. "0h, yes, he seem
ed to like her. Well, on Tuesday h,
took the piano all apart and raise,
such a dust it kept Mary busy clean
ing up around him"
Il see" Her fathers information
was ominous. well. on Wednesday?
"He put it together again-bu
something was loose, or tight. Any
way, he didn't like the way It sound
er and he tried 1t a long time, s.
that Mary and | could tell il WASH
quite right"
so he had to come on Thursday Il
order to take the poor old piano apar
again." guessed her father.
Yes, and as 1t was Mary's day Out
| was glad he was here only in tn
morning. so I could go over to Katt
ryn's after he went. Then Frida,
morning he put in what he called tn
finishing touches. You see, that doe
make five days. But didn't ask hin
to stay to luncheon again. so he final
ly left at noon. You don't care IL
didn't, do you, father? did so hat
to eat with him; he gobbled So" An
Dorothy looked both disguised an,
apologize.
But her fathers patience gave wa,
and he asked Sternly, Whatever mad
you ask him y luncheon with you a
any timer"
Why. you told me to be nice +
him" Dorothy barst into tears. IS
gave Mary orders to have extra goo
luncheons and-anA-"
But, my dear. was joking" the 81
asperated father explained.
You're always telling me to b
literal" the little girl declared In he
own defense. "0noe before, whel
Mr.. jenkins, you remember, came 70
visit and you told mother to b
nice to him she"
But Mr.. jenkins Is an old frien
and a good customer" began her II
Their patiently, but his daughter fl
ished her sentence desperately:
she had wine for him and mad
afternoon coffee. And SO / though
I'd better"
You didn't do that all for the plan
tuner?" cried her father.
Yes. You told me to be nice
him." walled Dorothy.
Her father fell Imply back in h
chair. Wine" he murmured. win
for the piano tuner!" Then he laugl
ed. "0h. Dolly, Dolly, I'll be gls
when your mother gets tired Of traye
ing and comes home to take care {
you again. Then the maid will DANE
to the tune Of so Long, Mary 81
Just let that piano tuner send in h
bill-just let him dare! I'll send hi
one for board and entertainment ar