The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-07-12


some impression. even on a person
capable Of the folly of mourning at a
death-bed. Agatha's spirits, freshened
by hope and the sleep Of health. rose
to a buoyancy which was well able to
deal with practical questions. She
quickly formed a plan for the day
though she was wise enough to with
hold the scheme from the maid
Agatha drank her coffee, ate spar
ingiy OF Sallie's toast, and, leaving
Lizzie with a piece OF sewing to do
went first to James Hambleton's room
After ten minutes or so, she slowly de
seconded 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
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?"
Il didn't want to: I'm as good as
| new. Tell me, Ssllie. where all the
people are. Mr.. Hand is in Mr. Ham,
bletons room. know, but where are
the others?"
Il guess they're all parceled round"
said Sallie with symptoms of shifting.
i 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 I wouldn't say
word, Miss Redmond, about the
work, IL 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. 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 fin. /
ger to one of Sallie's loaves, lifting it |
to show its golden brown crust
You're an expert at bread, Sallie, |
can see that" she said heartily. 81
shouldn't have got over my accident
half go we'll II 1t hadn't been for your
good food and your care, and ! want
you to know that l appreciate It."
She was reluctant to discuss the maid
but her cordial liking for Sallie coun-
seled frenkness. Don't mind about
Lizzie. 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"
Sallie's symptoms indicated that she
was about to be propitiated; but she
had yet desire to make her position
clear to Miss Redmond. IT'S all right;
only I've taken care Of the china for
seventeen years, and it don't seem
right to let her handle it And che
.old me herself that anybody that had
any respect for their hands wouldn't
10 kitchen work. And IL her hands
ire too good for kitchen work, I'm
sure / don't want her messing round
here. She left the tea on the stove
Ill it boiled, Miss Redmond, just yes
erday."
Agatha smiled. I'm sure Lizzie
DOESN'T know anything about cooking,
'allie, and she shall not bother you
my more"
Sallie turned a rather less meian-
holy face toward Agatha. Its been
airly lonesome since the parson died.
IN glad you've come to the red
iouse." The words came from Sal
les lips grufly and ungraciously, but
agatha knew that they were sincere.
She knew better, however, than to
ppear to notice them. In a moment
'allie went on: "M1. Stoddard,
he's asleep in the front spare room.
said for me to call her at twelve"
Poor woman! She must be tired"
aid Agatha.
Aunt Susan's stout woman, Miss
redmond. She didn't go to bed until
he'd had prayers beside the young
mans bed, with Mr.. Hand present.
lad to wait with the coffee. And | !
uess Mr.. Hand amt very much used
o our ways, for when Aunt Susan had
made prayer, Mr.. Hand said: Yes,
1a'am!' instead Of Amen"
There was a mixture of disappro-
alton and grim humor which did not
scape Agatha. She was again be-
uiled into a smile. though Sallie re-
NAMED grave as a tombstone.
Mr.. Hand will learn" said Agatha:
nd was about to add Like the rest
4 u.s." but thought better of 1t. Sal
e took up her tale.
CTO BE CONTINUED) s