New Britain herald., 1915-10-12
A Gem Of a Maid.

The maid whom I had liked so erence out to me with pride shpning in her eyes. I took it and drew from the envelope a sheet of. notepaper whose appearance betokened the be- longings of a well-bred woman. l unfolded it and read:
 "The bearer of this, Katie Slovin- sky, has been in my employ as gen. eral housekeeper for a year. She leaves me only because I am com pelled to go South on account of ill., ness. She is a good cook, laundress and general worker, neat, strictly honest, willing and obliging. For a mistress who can understand her temperam ment she will make a most valuable maid.
 SARAH S. CLARKE.
 ''The Aberdeen, Tuesday, Jan. 12."
 could read between the lines of this letter. I had dealt with many girls of Katie's type in my teaching days, I knew the childish temper. the irritating curiosity. the petty jealousy, the familiarity which one not under standing would deem impertinence, with which I would have to contend if engaged her. But the two other applicants for my work whom I had seen, tho half-drunken virogo of yes- terday, and the grim vision of today decided mo. I would try this eager girl if her terms were reasonaDAe. What wages do you wish "Twenty-five dollars & month" Then she looked at mo shrewdly. 'sPoshaps, bimeby, if I suit you, you give me $2sf"
 Perhaps" returned non-commit- tally. "You wish every other Sunday and Thursday off, I suppose"
 "Oh! yes, missis, If you please. missiA"
 When can you come9"
 She laughed gleefully, displaying set of beautiful white teeth.
 Right now, this meenit See brought my work dress, my apron, my cap, right here." She lifted a. bundle wrapped in paper, which had seen in her lap. You like me to wear cap? look nice in cap." She smiled coquettdshly. ~
 'Of course" I answered. And I will give you a trial for a. week. You may come out into the kitchen now, and I will show you where things are, and tell you about dinner
 As I preceded her into the kitchen I had a sudden qualm. I knew Dicky's fastidious taste, and that un- derneath all his good-natured uncon- ventionaIfty he had rigid ideas of his own upon some topics. happened to remember that nothing made him so nervous and irritable as bad service in restaurant. His idea of a good waiter was well-trained automation I>> | like this enthusiastic, irrepressible girl? It was too late now, however. I was committed to a week of her I service.
 A Kitchen Promise 1 As we entered the kitchen, was again glad that before left 1t the l night before I had put everything in order. I had been tempted to leave it 1 in disorder when Dicky had made the scene about Jacks letter, but my nat ural meth odical self had triumphed over my emotions. would have been twice humiliated if I had yielded to the empulse to leave everything. Dick had scrutinized 1t in the morning when my headache was so bad I l could not rise, and now my new maid was looking it over critically. | NlCS hlICuSu, Sllo Sdlu SiIllllHSly' looking nfce."
 Her face clouded little.
 "I always keep my kichen nice,'' she said seriously. I had read her correctly. I saw that she would be like child in her resentment o1 criticism or suggestions.
 Here are all your cooking utensils I said. Her face was a blank as she looked at me.
 Things to cook with," exc1atm ed might as we'll get into the veknacu- lar first as last, I reflected grirnly.
 "Oh! yes, missis-what your name ! forgot what the letter said"
 Graham, Mrs. Graham" replied Please call me that
 "Oh! yes, Missis Graham. I find 7 'em all You just say, Katie, here kitchen, here cooking things, here the dining room, here meat, veg-e. , ta-bles-dessert to cook. find every. , thing. I fix. If I no find, I ask"
 Her enth usiasm was grateful bu her manner held something of shoo. ing me out of my own kitchen. Sink was evidently most energetic per son. She had undone her bundle 8 very neat striped gingham working dress, grfngham work apron and { white apron and cap.
 See, Missis Graham, I put on frs my dress, then my white apron ant