Smyrna times., 1920-05-12
I'LL SAY SHE WILL
BY LILLIAN Nj. RICHARDS.


dishes, sweeping floors and making
beds any longer. It's the same old
thing over and over. How l hate it !"
"There, there, DEAR" replied her
husband in a soothing voice. "You
know we just can't afford maid, so
why not make the best Of it. I'm
sorry I'm not wealthy, but l do the
best can."
"Well," exclaimed Nellie emphatic
ally, 81 would rather work in BurtOn's
dry goods store, and pay maid out of
my own salary, than do this horrid
hOusework any longer"
Every well, little sweetheart" said
Joe, with a peculiar smile. "If you
would like to try it that way for a
while get your position and I'll call at
the employment office for maid"
"At last thought Nellie, "Tm to
graduate from the kitchen" Early the
next morning she secured a position
at the store, and that same evening a
rather plain dressed girl was shown to
the maids room to begin her duties
in the morning.
The next day as Nellie came down
to breakfast in her taiior-made suit,
ready for work, her smile changed to a
frOwn, as she saw the maid in the
daylight. Without her hat on she was
beautiful, and Joe, with his sweetest
smile and in a sOlicitOus manner, was
showing her where the household
utensils were concealed.
"GOod-by, DEAR" said he as Nellie
was about to leave. "NOw don't wOr.
ry about things at home, as 1 have
half an hour yet in which to acquaint
Anette with the house,"
Nellie's face heightened, but she
would not give in. Upon reaching the
store she was assigned to a counter in
the middle of the building, under arti-
fetal light all day. At nOOntime,
after swallowing a cold lunch in the
basement, she thought of her little sun
parlOr at home, which was filled with
cOZy corners and beautiful plants.
But, just then she thought of the
kitchen sink, and jOyfully went back
to her counter.
On Tuesday and Saturday evenings
in this town all the stores were open.
which meant that Nellie had to work.
She noticed that on these particular
nights Anette always looked her pret-
tiest, while Joe wore a cOntented smile
and seemed delighted with the situa-
ton.
All that evening Nellie worried over
her predicament. She had pretty
little home, and even when doing her
own work could go in the afternoon
if she so pleased. 81 was foolish" she
thought. But how can 1 get out of
it now, after being the instigatOr of
the arrangement" Her feet were
blistered from the long hours of un-
accustomed trudging up and down be- |
hind the counter, and her head ached |
from the noise and confusion. After |
it as long as she could Mel
lie went down to the washroom, and |
just cried her heart out. "Oh, dear"
she thought, washing dishes would |
be heaven to this. / didn't know when
| was well Off" On the plea of a head
ache she was let go home an hour
earlier than usual.
When Nellie reached the house she
casually glanced into the window, and |
to her utter establishment, there was
her husband nicely settled in his easy |
chair with Anette sitting on it's arm,
affectiOnately running her fingers
through his hair and singing to him
In a soft, sweet voice.
At first Nellie could have screamed
and then she wanted to cry. Finally |
she didn't know what to do, but do
she must. No wonder he
liked the arrangement. Going in the
back door she called the girl to the
kitchen.
Annette" said she, tremblingly.
you may pack your things and leave
here in the morning"
"Oh, indeed" replied the girl, flip
Dantly. swell, 1 was hired by Mr..
Harrington. and I'll not be fired by
yOu."
For minute Nellie was speechless.
hen she managed to weakly call her
Let Anette gO?" said he, in a sur
orised voice. "Why, certainly not. l
never enjoyed this house so much in
ny life before; no fussing about the
work and plenty to eat. Besides she's
very capable girl. OF course, If YOU
lon't wish to work at the store that
will be all right, but we will keen
Anette just the same" Then, patting
he girl on the shoulder, he told her to
-un along to bed and not worry her
'retty head about leaving.
Nellie felt humiliated and hurt She
vas an outsider in her own house, and
o think she herself was to blame.
After spending a miserable night she
'alled Joe to her bedside.
Sweetheart" she begged "nleasa
ct that girl go. I'm so unhapnv.
Why, can manage the houseworx
'ery nicely alone, and I'll never COM
lain again, never"