Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-15
PRUDENCE
OF THE PARSONAGE
THE la1ous STORY OF AHAPPY FAMILY
~ Fly EzbeIAz1efo17 s
n ~ Dsusa Ca
STORY OF AHAPPY FAMILY


about ten minutes before the lunch
con hour at the time of his arrival.
Mr.. Starr was in the country visiting,
SO the girls received him alone. 1t
was an unfortunate day for the STAIRS.
Fairy had been at college all morn
ing, and Prudence had been rummag-
ing in the attic getting it ready for
a rainy: day and winter playroom for
the younger girls. She was dusty,
perspirey and tired.
The luncheon hour arrived and the
girls came in from school, eager to
be up and away again. Still the grave
young minister sat discoursing upon
serious topics with the fidgety Pru-
dence-and in spite of dust and per-
SEPARATION, she was good to look upon.
The Reverend Mr.. Morgan realized
that and could not tear himself away.
The twins came in. shook hands with
him soberly, glancing significantly at
the clock as they did so. Connie ran
in excitedly, wanting to know what
was the matter with everybody, and
weren't they to have any luncheon ?
Still Mr.. Morgan remained In his
chair, gazing at Prudence with frank
appreciation. Finally Prudence sighed.
do you like sweet corn, Mr.. Nor
GAM"
This was entirely out of the line of
their conservation and for moment
he faltered. Sweet corn?" he re-
peated. .. s'.s ,s
Eyes, roasting ears, you know
cooked on the cob" aFy
Then he smiled. "Oh, yes indeed.
Very MUCH" he said. >.@
We'll" she began her explanation
rather drearily, II was busy this
morning and did not prepare much
luncheon. We are very fond of sweet
corn, and cooked an enormous pan.
full. But that's all we have for lunch
eon-sweet corn and butter. We
haven't even bread, because I am 60
ing to bake this afternoon, and we
never eat it with sweet corn, anyhow
Now, if you care to eat sweet corn
and butter, and canned peaches, wed
just love to have you stay for lunch
con with u.s.
CHAPTER III.
The Reverend Mr.. Morgan was
charmed, and said SO. So Prudence
rushed to the kitchen, opened the
peaches in a hurry, and f1shed out a
clean napkin for their guest. Then
then gathered about the table, five
girls and the visiting minister. It
was really curious sight, that table.
In the center stood a tall vase Of gold
enrod. On either side of the vase
was q great platter piled high with
sweet corn, on the cob! Around the
table were six plates, with the neces-
sary silverware, and a glass Of water
for each. There was also small dish
Of peaches at each place, and indivi-
dual plate Of butter. That was all!
except the napkins. But Prudence
made no apologies. She was daugh.
ter Of the parsonage! She showed
the Reverend Mr.. Morgan to his place
as graciously and sweetly as though
she were ushering him in to twenty.
seven course banquet.
will you return thanks, Mr.. Nor
GAM she said.
And the girls bowed their heads.
The Reverend Mr.. Morgan cleared his
throat and began. Our Father, we
thank Thee for this table"
There was more of the blessing, but
the parsonage girls heard not one ad,
ditional phrase-except Connie, who
followed him conscientiously through
every word. BY the time he had fin
ished Prudence and Fairy, and even
Lark, had composed their faces. But
Carol burst into merry laughter. close
upon his reverent "Amen"-and after
one awful glare at her sister, Prudence
Joined in. This gaiety communicated
itself to the others and soon 1t was
rollicking group around the parson
age table Mr.. Morgan himself smiled
uncertainty He was puzzled. More
he was embarrassed But as soon as
Carol could get her breath she gasped
out an explanation. ....l IN
you were just-right, Mr.. Morgan
to give thanks-for the table
| There's nothing on ito be thank
full fort"