The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1913-07-04

I wouldn't trouble you for the
world, Mr.. Hand" she tossed back.
You'd stumble and break Parson
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 l call 1t wasteful-and me with
extra work all day!"
Sallie disappeared, leaving 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 al to the front.
Says she'll take another aig," she
explained. only took one yesterday
and then l had two all cooked"
What did ! tell your jeered Hand
You didn't tell me anything about
aigs, not that recollect," Sallie re.
piled tartly.
We'll, the principles the same" as
serted Hand. After q moment his
countenance assumed crafty and 10
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 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 lot OF
time" Sallie's glance must have
brought him to his senses, for he add.
ed hastily: "City women, 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 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 different Hand, however,
who entered Miss Redmond's room a
moment later. His half impudent
manner changed to distant respect,
tinged with sort Of personal adora,
ton. Agatha felt 1t, though 1t was
too intangible to be taken notice Of
either for rebuke or reward. Agatha
was sitting in rockingham by the
window, slipping her tea out Of the
/ best tea-cup, fer tray on stand in
/ front of her. She looked excited and
flushed, but her eyes were tired.
"Can do anything for you
Mademoiselle? Hand inquired cour
teously.
| Eyes, please answered Agatha, and
paused q 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
nile who look best in their working OF
sporting clothes, rudy, clean and
strong. He would have dwindled alb
solutely into the commonplace in Sun
day clothes, If he was ever SO rash az
to have any.
81 wish to talk with you a little.
said Agatha. sWe haven't had much
opportunity of talking. 30 far; and
uerhaps 1t Is time that we understand
| each other little better
| "As mademoiselle Wishes" con
coded Hand.
| "In the first place" Agatha wen'
on. II must tell You that Mrs, stod
dard is coming to help nurse Mr.. Ham
bleton. You have been very good tt
stay with US SO long; and II YOU viii
stay on, shall be glad, But Doctor
| Thayer thinks you should have help
| and so do |. Especially for the mex
few days"
i 'That is entirely agreeable to me
Mademoiselle."
"Will you tell me what-what re
Enumeration you were receiving al
chauffeur
i Pardon me, but that is unneces
sary, Mademoiselle. II you will ALLOW
me to stay here, either taking care o
Mr.. Hambleton or In any outdoo
work. for week or as long as yo,
may need me. shall consider mysel
J repaid"
Agatha was silent while she but
tered a last bit of toast. Hands ret
cence and evident secretiveness wer
! bathing. She had no intention of lei
ting the point of wages 60 by In tn