Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-03-28

/, Hand. Besides, 1 like your name:
and I'll carry the tray to the top oi
the stairs for you. II you'll be good"
II wouldn't trouble you for the
world. Mr.. Hand" she tossed back
You'd stumble and break Parsor
Thayer's best china that I've washed
for seventeen years and only broke
the handle of one cup. She wouldn't
drink her coffee this morning outer
the second-best cups; went to the but
terry before breakfast and picked out
wunner the best set, and poured her
self cup. She said 1t was inspiring
but I call it wasteful-and me with
extra work all day!"
Sallie disappeared, leaving a drib-
bling trail of good-natured complaint
behind her. Mr.. Hand continued max
ing broth-at which he was as expert
as he was at the lever or the launch
engine. He strained and seasoned,
and regarded two floating islands OF
oily substance with disapproval.
While he was working Sallie Joined
him again at the stove. her important
and injured manner all to the front.
Says she'll take another aig." she
explained. "Only took one yesterday.
and then I had two all cooked"
What did I tell your" jeered Hand.
You didn't tell me anything about
| aigs. not that I recollect," Sallie re-
piled tartly.
well. the principles the same" as
serted Hand. After q moment his
! countenance assumed a crafty and jo-
cose expression, which would have
put even Sallie on her guard If she
had looked up in time to see 1t. You
won't have SO much extra work when
mademoiselle's maid arrives" he said
slyly. She'll wait on mademoiselle
and attend to her tray when she
wants one, and you won't have to do
anything for mademoiselle at ALL"
Sallie became slowly transfixed in
a spread-eagle attitude. with the half
of a thin white egg-shell held up in
each hand.
"A maid! when's she coming?"
Ought to be here now, she's had
time enough. But women never can
get round without wasting a lot Of
time" Sallie's glance must have
brought him to his senses. for he add
ed hastily: "City women, l mean"
Him! She won't touch Parson
Thayer's china-not If know my
self" Sallie disappeared with Miss
Redmond's second egg. When she re-
turned. she delivered a message to
the effect that Miss Redmond wished
to see Mr.. Hand when he had finished
his luncheon. He was off instantly.
calling: Watch that broth, Sallie!"
1t was q different Hand, however,
who entered Miss Redmond's room a
moment later. His half impudent
manner changed to distant respect,
tinged with a sort Of personal adora-
ton. Agatha felt it. though 1t was
either for rebuke or reward. Agatha
was sitting in a rockingham by the
window, slipping her tea out of the
best tea-cup, her tray on a stand in
front of her. She looked excited and
flushed, but her eyes were tired.
Can l do anything for you.
Mademoiselle? Hand inquired cour-
teously.
"Yes. please" answered Agatha, and
paused a moment, as II to recall her
thoughts in order. Hand was very
presentable. in negligee shirt which
Sallie must have washed while he
was asleep. He was one of those peo-
pie who look best in their working or
sporting clothes. ruddy, clean and
strong He would have dwindled abb
solutely into the commonplace in Sun
day clothes, If he was ever SO rash as
to have any.
81 wish to talk with you a little"
said Agatha. I'VE haven't had much
opportunity of talking. SO far; and
perhaps it is time that we understand
each other little better"
"As mademoiselle Wishes" con-
ceded Hand.
"In the first place." Agatha went
on. ''I must tell you that Mrs. Stod-
dard is coming to help nurse Mr.. Ham.
bleton. You have been very good to
stay with us so long; and If you will
stay on, I shall be glad. But Doctor
Thayer thinks you should have help,
and so do !. Especially for the next
few days"
THAT is entirely agreeable to me,
Mademoiselle."
| VIII you ten me Wnat-What re-
muneration you were receiving as
chauffeur"
Pardon me. but that is unneces.
sary, Mademoiselle. If you will allow
me to stay here, either taking care OF
Mr.. Hambleton or in any outdoor
work, for a week or as long as YOU
may need me. shall consider myself
repaid"
Agatha was silent while she but.
tered last bit OF toast. Hands retI.
cence and evident secretiveness were
battling. She had no intention of let.
ting the point Of wages go by in the