Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-14
CHAPTER XVII.

A CHEEKY place, at all times Il the
"A kitchen of an English inn, COM
portable place to cat in, to talk In, or TO
doze in; place with which your parIors
and Withdrawing rooms, your salons "a la
the three Louis) with their Irritating
rococo. their gilt and satin, and spindle
legged discomforts, are not Ito my mind
worthy to compare
And what inn kitchen. in all broad
england, was ever brighter, neater, and
more comfortable than this kitchen of
THE Bull" where sweet Prue held su-
preme sway, with such grave dignity, and
with her two white-capped maids to do
her bidding and ests?-surely none
And surely In no inn, tavern or hostelry
soeVer, great or small, was there ever
seen daintier, prettier. sweeter hostess
than this same Prue OF ours.
And her presence was reflected every
where, and, II ever a kitchen of an inn
possessed a heart to lose, then, beyond ALI
doubt. this kitchen had lost its heart to
Prue long since; even the battered cut
lasses crossed upon the wall. the pom
derous jack above the hearth, with its
legend: Ammo Domini 1643. took on a
brighter sheen to greet her when she
came, and as for the pots and pans, they
fairly twinkled
But today Prue eyes we're red. and her
lips were all a-droop, the which, though
her smile was brave and ready, the
Ancient was quick to notice.
why. Prue, lass. you've been weepln'r'
"Yes, grandfer"
"Your pretty eyes be all swole-red they
be; what's the trouble?"
"Oh! I is nothing, dear. Z is Just
ma "a fafl -
"Ah! but / love ZEE, Prue-come, kiss
neither now. tell me all about it-all
about II, Prue."
"oh. grandfer!" said she, from the
hollow OF his shoulder, "'t is lust
large" The old man grew very still,
his mouth opened slowly and closed with
a snap.
did 'ee-did zee say-Jarge, Prue? Is
it-breekin' your cart ye be for that
theer poachin' Black large? To think
as my Prue should come down to a
poachin'-"
Prudence slipped from his encircling
arm and stood up very straight and
proud-there were tears thick upon her
lashes, but she did not attempt to wipe
them away.
"Grsndfer," she said very gently, you
mustn't speak OF large 20 me like that
ye mustn't-we mustnt-because I-love
him, and if-he ever-eomes back-IH
marry him if-if he will only AK me; and
II he-never comes back. then-I think-I
shall-die!" The Ancient took out his
snuffbox. knocked 1t. opened it, glanced
inside. and-shut II up again.
did ZEE tell me as you-love-Black
large, Prue7"
Yes. srandfer. always have and al
ways shall"
Loves Black Jarge" he repeated: /:
IN. -
ave i done?" Now, very slowly, a tear
crept down his wrinkled cheek. at sight
OF which Prue gave a little cry, and.
kneeling beside his chair. took him In
her arms. "oh. my lass!-my little Prue
Il is all my doin'. ! thought-oh. Prue.
Z were me as parted you! / thought"
The quivering voice broke on.
"'T Is all right, grandfer, never think
OF it-see-there, be smilin'!" and she
kissed him many times.
"A DANCED fule be-" said the old man.
shaking his head.
mo. no. grandfer"
That's what I be. Prue-a DANCED fule!
II do go afore that theer old. rusty
Etapil. Z will serve me right-a DANCED
fule be, Allus loved 'im-allus win.
an wishful 70 wed wi 'iml Why. then"
said the Ancient, swallowing two or
three times. $50 zee shall. my sweet-so
zee shall, sure as sure. SO come an kiss
me. an forgive the old man as loves ZEE
90"
What do ZEE mean. grandfer9" said
Prue between two kisses.
"A fine. strappin' chap be large; arter
all. Peter, you bean't a patch on large
for looks. be your"
mo. indeed, Aneient~
''Wishfui 10 wed 'em. she Is. an 30 she
shall Lordy Lords Kiss me again. Prus.
for | be gOin' 10 see squire-ay. / be
gOin' 20 up an speak wi Squire for
Jarge-an' Peter be comm too"
"Oh, Mr. Peteri" faitered Prudence, 'be
this true?" and In her eyes was the light
OF a sudden hope.
Yes" / nodded.
ID you think squire n see you-listen
10 your she cried brsathlessly.
y think he will, Prudence" said !.
God bless you. Mr.. Peterf she muir
INJURED God bless you"
CONTINUED TOMORROW.