The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-04-06
The Custard Cup
FLORENCE BINGHAM LIVINGSTON
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FLORENCE BINGHAM LIVINGSTON

far stronger trait In Lettie, and she
looked forward to the time when she
could fill the child's life with other
interests Only In such wise could she
effect a change, because a vacuum In
occupation would have drawn from
Lettie the abhorrence which 1t de
serves. And surely In a few months
clothes could be accumulated and book
money saved, so that 1t would be pos
sible to send the child to school.
When Lettis returned, 1t was to the
accompaniment Of a mixed sound, rasp-
Ing and swishing around the house and
across the board walk In the back yard.
She had CHANGED upon a scene OF tree
trimming and had acquired many
branches, which she had jubilantly
for the kitchen stove The triumph of
successful exploration was in her
voice.
"Penzie, you oughter see what /
brung now. It'll make swell klndlings."
She edged into the living room, her
| thin chest heaving from the violent ex-
ertion. Say, whatcher makingr' She
came nearer, her black eyes widening
as they took In the incredible details
Of Mrs Penfleld's sewing.
I'm making something for you, Let
tie Amt 1t prettyr She held 1t up.
Lettie thrust out a grimy hand and
nipped a piece of the goods exactly as
Mrs. Wopple had done before her
with the same conclusion, but with
totally different emotional reaction.
"Is 1t silkr' she inquired, In an
awed voice.
Mrs. Penfield nodded
-And It's for mer'
Eyes, dear"
"Hope to die II you told a iie7"
Mrs. Penheld choked; then vowed
the solemn vow.
Holy Jiminetty" cried the child.
you've got me solid. Gee, there amt
nothing 1 wouldn't do for you" For
the first time her wary reserve broke.
She hurled herself into Mrs. Penfeld's
lap and threw her arms around Mrs.
Penfield's neck. For the first time Mrs.
Penfield dared to kiss her.
"Lettie, dear, I'm so glad you like
til"
Like 1t I'm beat to FRAGILE"
"But listen, Lettie. You can't wear
this every day, you know. It's too NICE
This is for Sunday"
Lettie Strengthened, but took this
blow rather placidly. "We-ell. Well,
all right Any more strings to it7'
For Sunday" continued Mrs. Pen
field. "when you've been good through
the week"
"Oh, that's dead easy" scoffed Let
tie, with great jsuntiness. you just
watch me. If l try, I can beat the
angels behaving"
Uncle Jerry appeared In the door
way. "Say, Car'line, I toddled round
to see II you could give me ROOM"
"A roomi Why, Uncle Jerry, we
haven't got any,"
"Yes, you have Rolling his eyes
whimsically. he jerked his thumb up
ward.
1.-The loft Ny land, you couldn't
sleep I'D there. 'Tain't fitted up nor
nothing. There was a family of mice
tried to live in It once, but always
thought they gave 1t up of their own
accord, rather'n cause they disap-
proved Of the trap"
I'm smarter'n a family Of mice"
chuckled the big man, land IL you
can't think Of any greater objection,
I'm going to move In. It'd seem kind
O. good to be near the only folks got
q claim on, and besides, II got an
other reason. Thank you, Car'line. I'll |
be round tonight with my traps. Good
by"
"why, Uncle Jerry Wait-you
haven't thought"
But he was gone. His hearty laugh |
trailed back to her as she reached the
door.
my goodness, I'm 'fraid he's short
Of money" she thought. II wish we
had a room for him."