Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1926-12-23

kitchen. She opened the pantry door
and stared at the dust and disorder,
the remnants of food, the half-washed
dishes.
She came slowly back into the liv-
ing room. Old Lizzie was replenish-
ing the stove, still muttering to her.
self. Lydia observed for the first time
that her apron was dirty. Thinking it
over, she could not recall ever having
seen Lizzie with clean apron. A
deep sense of shame suddenly en-
veloped Lydia.
"Oh, wish someone had taught
me-" she groaned. 81 wish mother
had lived. Everybody has to go and
die on me! I suppose Lizzie and
dad'll be next. Adam helps to keep
the house dirty. There's dog hair
everywhere"
'Don't you get worked up over
Elviry Marshall, child" said Lizzie.
81 hate her." exclaimed Lydia, .'but
what she said about the house is true.
Anyhow, I've learned how to clean
pantry shelves, so here goes"
She tied one of Lizzie's aprons
round her neck, pushed a chair into
the pantry and began her unsavory
task. 1t was dusk when she finished
and led Lizzie out to observe the
shiny, sweet smelling orderliness of
the place.
Land, it does make a difference
II the rheumatic didn't take all the
ambition out Of me, I'd keep it that
way for you," said the old lady.
"Pll do it, every Saturday. Gosh,
I'm tired!" groaned Lydia, throwing
herself on the living room couch.
Lizzie, give me some of your mutton
tallow to rub on my hands. The cook
ing teacher says it's fine for hands,"
The highly satisfactory Thanksgiv-
ing feast was eaten and praised The
dishes were washed and set away in
the immaculate pantry, and Amos and
John Levine were smoking by the fire.
Seems to me this room looks all
slicked up," said Levine.
Amos nodded. "Lydia's coming
along. Place was like a cyclone this
morning for an hour, but the result
pays. She's growing like her moth
err"
"She's only a child. and small for
her age, at that" said John. TITS
shame for her to work so hard"
81 know it." answered Amos, "but
what can l do? On dollar and
half a day. swan"
There was a rap on the door. LIZ
zie admitted Dave Marshall and Mar
gerry.
"Out for q tramp as q digestor,"
explained Dave. "Came to call on my
friend Lydia. I amt seen her for
ages"
He and Levine nodded to each 9TH
er. Amos shook hands and Dave
kissed Lydia, catching dark scowl
on Levine's face as he did SO.
Lets play paper DOLLS" said Mar
gerry, as soon as she had pulled off her
coat.
"You play EN-" replied Lydia,
I'm awful tired"
"Why should a baby like you be
tired?" inquired Marshall, pulling her
to his side as he seated himself In
Amos armchair.
eff you'd tasted our dinner" said
Amos, "you'd know why she and LIZ
zie should be half dead"
II wish could "a tasted 1t" replied
Marshall. "Have a smoke, friendsT
Amos took a cigar but Levine re-
fused.
"Come, John, come" said the stout
banker, banteringly. "This is legal
holiday and you and at least agree
on Lydia. Let's stop war for the day,
ehY
Levine's sallow face hardened, then
he caught Lydia's blue gaze on him as
she stood beside Marshall. 1t was
such transparent, trusting gaze, so
full Of affection, so obviously appeal
ing to him to ''be NICE" that In spite
Of himself he grinned and took
cigar.
Amos settled back with a sigh Of
satisfaction. He enjoyed company
and had had no one but John since
his wife's death.