The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-04-06
CHAPTER III.-contlnued.

Mrs. Penfield covered her ironing
board with an old sheet and propped
1t In corner. Turning, she stood a
moment In deep thought, her brown
eyes on the prickly piece Of childhood
on the wash bench, her mental vision
absorbed in problems Of arithmetic.
The question confronting Mrs. Pen
field was complicated only by the limi-
tation of food for the family. The
ugly accretions of speech and be-
havior disturbed her very little, be-
cause she believed that underneath
them there is always a bit of life
that is sweet and true; one has only
to pry of the handicaps and give 1t a
chance
II was only thinking" she said
briskly, that 1t might be q mercy If
Lettie'd stay. got most a box full
Of clo'es that Mrs. Weath'stone sent
down that's betwixt and between. too
small for me and too girly for Thad.
I expect they'd fit Lettie fine"
That young lady shot wise glance
out of bright black eyes. The eyes
were young. but the expression was
centuries old, full of gathered shrewd-
ness and mockery. my clo'es hain't
never stumped anybody yet" she OBJ
served scornfully. ITS victuals that
cuts the Ice, anyway"
"And I'll get her a sleeping-box
down to the grocery" added Crink
eagerly, more and more captivated
every minute by the sterling peppiness
of the newcomer
"Sure. Well have 1t worked out
in no time. Bout all the real diff
f'runce an extra one makes is that
you're happier to have another one
in the family. Now, Crink, you set
the table-and be spry, cause I'm go
ing to dish right now. You'll find an
extra spoon in the egg box. Lettie
won't need no knife and fork. This
here supper's simple to eat"
With the cover of the saucepan In
her hand, Mrs. Penfield made a dash
for the outside door. "Thad !" she
called, in a practiced neighborhood
yell. "Thad Tha-a-adl My land"
she continued, dishing up stew with
worn agate ladle. Il most forgot
to call that blessed baby. He's been
watching Mrs. Catterbox' garden. She
promised him a penny to keep the
chickens out two hours while she
went uptown. He's been in bout
seven times to know If he sure could
spend 1t himself, the dear"
These intimate revelations were cut
short by the entrance of the new cap
italist. One glance at the occupant
of the wash bench reduced his high
enthusiasm to a round, double stare,
framed In amber eyelashes.
"Thad," said Mrs. Penfield for
mally. "look what we got while you
were gone" With the agate ladle she
pointed toward Lettie with the air of
an entomologist who indicates par
ticuIarly fantastic bug. This here's
Lettie. And Lettie, this here's Thad."
Having thus separated their person
alltles with the convenient ladle, she
reached for another bowl
The setting of the table had not
been a difficult thing for Crink to
learn. On a cloth composed of four |
flour sacks, united by hand, were four |
plates, four bowls. four tumblers of |
water, four spoons, and, in front Of |
Mrs. Penfield, plate of cornbread, |
a small piece of butter. and knife. |
"Now. boys" slgnaled Mrs. Penfield.
"And mind you go slow and mean
what you say. You know God can't
hear nothing unless you mean it,"
Then the mixed chorus said slowly: |
Lord. we thank Thee cause we got
big appetites and good things to eat.
Amen"
Lettie forgot her hunger momen-
tarily and opened her black eyes
vide. "That beats me-" she comment
ed. "Do you always talk that way
fore you begin What In tarnation do
you do 1t for?"
$50 we won't forget for a minute
how thankful we are" returned Mrs.
penfleld mildly. snow sail right in.
Lettie."