The Penn's Grove record., 1921-01-21
I'LL A SHE WILL
BY LILLIAN NJ. RICHARDS.

stand his humdrum existence of cook
ing three meals a day, washing
dishes, sweeping floors and making
beds any longer. It's the same old
thing over and over. How ! hate it,
There. there. dear" replied her
husband in a soothing voice. You
know we just can't afford a maid, so
why not make the best of it. I'm
sorry I'm not wealthy, but | do the
best l can"
WELL exclaimed Nellie emphatic
ally. u would rather work in Burton's
dry goods store, and pay a maid out OF
my own salary, than do this horrld
h%GuSework any longer"
VERY well. little sweetheart" said
Joe. with IA peculiar smile. If you
would like 10 try it that way for a
while gel your position and I'll call at
the employment office for a maid"
Al last thought Nellie, I'm 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 tailor-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-
~ about things at home, as | have a
half an hour yet in which to acquaint
Anette with the house"
NelLe'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
coy 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 we're open,
which meant that Nellie had to work.
She noticed that on these particular
nights Anette always looked her pref
test, while Joe wore a contented smile
and seemed delighted with the situa-
ton.
All that evening Nellie worried over
her predicament. She had a pretty
little home, and even when doing her
own work could go in the afternoon
If she so pleased. II was foolish" she
thought. But how can | get out OF
it now, after being the instigator of
the arrangement" Her feet were
blistered from the long hours of IN
accustomed trudging up and down be
hind the counter, and her head ached
from the noise and confusion. After
standing it as long as she could Mel
lie went down to the Mushroom, and
Just cried her heart out. "Oh, dear"
she thought, washing dishes would
be heaven to this. 1 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 its arm,
a~ffectionately 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
something 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
PANTY. "Well, l was hired by Mr..
Harrington, and I'll not be fred by
you"
For a minute Nellie was speechless,
then she managed to weakly call her
husband.
LET Anette go?" said he, in a sur
prised voice. why, certainly not. /
never enjoyed this house so much in
nv life before; no fussing about the
work and plenty to eat. Besides she's
a very capable girl. OF course, If you
don't wish to work at the store that
will be all right, but we will keep
Anette just the same" Then, patting
the girl on the shoulder, he told her to
along to bed and not worry her
pretty head about leaving.
Nellie felt Inundated and hurt. She
was an outsider in her own house, and
to think she herself was to blame.
After spending a miserable night she
called Joe to her bedside.
Sweetheart" she begged, please
let that girl go. I'm so unhappy.
WHY. | can manage the housework