Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-17

IL bAhhlNIloN stepped quietly
Ia and with great dignity from the top
of the stepadder TO the extremely high
stove Ga great bargain her husband had
recently acquired at an auction). Now
every one knows how hard It is to be dign-
lied on an occasion. especially as the stove
had tall urn on its top for holding water,
this surmounted by tall man on horse
back. But-Kitty did it, exclaiming. You
old ark of stove," and also In this act of
dignity she pushed the stepladder SO that
it fell to the floor with crash, breaking
into three pieces
: Now I've done it." said Kitty But IL
was old rickety thing, anyway" and she
proceeded to wipe the walls and ceiling as
far she could reach. Then she was ready
TO descend. but hod of coal on one side.
footstool and the broken stepladder on
the other prevented her.
IF l jump" said Kitty. II shall sprain
my weak ankle or perhaps break my neck.
No. thank you, not for Kitty" and she
sat down on the broad iron mante shelf
which had once shadowed deep fireplace.
After humming a while, contentedly swing
ing her feet she burst into song, thus enter
tanning herself while waiting for assistance
l She was ,pathetically imploring the pow
ers that be to take her home to the far
sunny South" when she heard a knock.
Come in," she called. And lower
Here's where little Kitty comes off her
perch"
In response there stepped briskly through
the door a short. smiling. red-headed young
man. who looked all around without per-
ceiving the lady on the mantel (and also
the stepladder) and began in a rectative
tone: II would like to see the lady of the
house, little girl, at once, as my time is
very valuable"
The lady of the house looked down at her
short work apron and slippers and ex-
ploded; Then, why in the world don't you
look at her?"
"Oh. / beg your pardon" he said. hum
bly, II see now you are young lady My
mistake, l assure you. ] have here a copy
of the greatest encyclopedia of useful
knowledge in the world Everybody needs
il, the scholar, the business man, and the
whole twenty-seven volumes make nice
seat for the baby to sit on at the table, and
cost only $27. Phenomenal weather isn't
it, miss?"
"No. it is not" she snapped I'VE must
expect such weather at this time of the
year; and now that you have told me all
about your wonderful books, please go out
quickly and close the door behind you and
leave me TO my solemn thoughts"
Solemn" :" he snorted. You were sing
ing like a steam calliope when knocked"
"Cal-li-o-pee," she corrected, II like to
hear people. and especially book agents,
pronounce their words right"
II stand corrected, because you have
not asked me to sit" he returned. But be-
fore l close the door behind me, allow me
to rescue you from the consequences of the
household catastrophe which has befallen
you"
Huh :" quoth she. Il am simply sit
ting on a lofty seat thinking thoughts far
above the smoke and stir of this dim spot
that men call earth ! always sit here
to think deep deep thoughts so please close
the door gently behind you as ! requested
vou to do in my hitherto unheeded re-
marks
surely" and he effaced himself rapidly.
slamming the door.
He went strding up the road as though
he expected the evil one to try to catch
him, and asking at the next house how
long that young lady below had been i'm
sane. Mr.. R informed him that she
was all right yesterday, and registered a
vow to go down after supper and see what
the matter
Kitty, left to herself. discovered her box
OF crochet work and set to work, scolding
Indignantly as she recalled the conversation,
"lmpudent thing Do you suppose would
let him help me down after that? ] guess
not. I'll stay here until Phil comes first.
but. heavens and earth / must get down
before that time. But there's one good
thing about my being marooned on the
mantel. / shall get lot of this edging
| done" and she worked away busily, to be
startled at the expiration Of ten minutes
| by the telephone ringing her number.
.There / know that is Josephine want
| shame? But perhaps she will call again.
| and the next person that comes will ask
| to help me-"
| After three rings the telephone was quiet
| and the silence was not broken for fifteen
/ minutes. Then a mans feet came tramping
| by the house, and through the bay window
| she saw a rag man with his steelyards.
He knocked twice and tried the door.
| mo, no." screamed Kitty. as the man
stuck his head in the. door. go away
| quick"
"Aw right" grinned the man. seeing her
position, and on ne went, ieaving the door
| partly open.
sLucky it's April" remarked Kitty. "or
should freeze. Here ! have sat for an
hour and three-quarters, ever since o'clock.
| / know what I'll do will call to Mrs.
| Lewis when she goes through the yard at
| O'Clock to see her sick daughter. Mrs.
Wood She Is sure to go. Just a. she does
every day. and therefore must watch every
second. 1919
IT WIN plan what viii have for my
supror. - f'havs plenty Of time" ~
wu< - ha6 tl111 20 chanGo TIN oG<<1~n