Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-06-10
MARTHA
VESPER'S
GOODNESS
20 by n. ], Walsh)

KNOW just now gOOu she was,
but they knew They called her the
salt OF the earth, the highest praise
that they could bestow.
Martha had lived on that street, In
that house all her life. Her life was
known through all its phases-child-
hood, girlhood, womanhood And 1t
was all goodness, clear through.
1t was no wonder, therefore, that
Martha thus praised and considered,
should begin to feel that perhaps her
goodness did set her little apart
from other folks, good though they
were. Take Myrna Jones and Mrs.
Pettlgrew now. They were good wom-
en-, but they couldn't hold candle to
Martha Vesper She was 50 good that
she was almost famous
Besides being good Martha was
happy, which doesn't always follow In
you'll be happy" At seventeen Mar
tina had married Asa Vesper because
she loved him so much she couldn't
live without him. In consequence she
had always been a contented wife.
For Asa was forehanded. He earned
money and, what was still better,
saved money. They never lacked.
Their two sons had received good ed
ucations and been started on the way
to success on their own. Charlie was
In Oregon, Edward In a nearby city.
Both were unmarried. Both still
fho1tubf thair tnnthor tho nnaat xU0n1.
an on earth.
One afternoon as she sat putting a
patch on pair. of nicely Numbered
overalls that belonged to her hus-
band, Mrs. Birch, her next-door neigh
bor came bouncing in.
"Slck2" demanded Mrs. Birch, who
was as stout and blowsy as Martha
was slender and silver-cOlored.
"Mercy, mol Never felt better in
my life" replied Martha.
"Then why didn't you 80 to the
sewing meeting at Fanny F1tch's2'
"I forgot all about it''-Martha
glanced at the clock. II can get there
yet Just before It closest must"
She sprang to her feet, snatched hat
and coat and few with a swift thanks
to Mrs. Birch for reminding her.
well, here's Martial" cried Julie
Breen as Martha entered Mrs Fitch's
parlor, where a group Of women sat
sewing. Better late than never-sit
right down here. We've been hem
ming sheets for the Piper family
unbleached muslin. They're all done
so you're out Of that, Martha. But
you can take 'em home and bleach
'em out"
"Glad to. Unbleached muslin
bleached makes fine durable sheets. l
know for I've used them. In fact,
I've just made a few new ones and
I'll bleach them all together. Might
as WELL" Martha said with enthusi-
assn. "When I get through bleaching
them you'll see. They'll be whittier
than snow"
Martha took the sheets home In q
large parcel Tomorrow she would
get them on the line. But the NOR
row broke black with an autumnal
storm which ragged for three success
HlNt uhNS. IItIl Ndilt IL ltltkTdn
from Edward. He was coming home
for the weekend. Martha had to get
ready for his visit She baked apple
pie, ginger bread, rusk, snowy bread,
a chicken and squash. Then when
Edward came there was no time for
anything. He had brought his car
and his chum, young fellow Of his
own age who worked at the same
place. Between motoring and feed
ing her guests Martha had her hands
full. She packed snack for them to
take back to their lodglngs-all the
good things that had not been con-
sumed Then she was so tired that
she simply had to rest.
It was more than week before she
remembered the sheets.
She did not go TO the next sewing
meeting because Asa had a cold and
she never left him when he was not
feeling well. But she appeared at the
third meeting Julia Breen then read
a letter of thanks from Mrs Piper.
The sheets had filed longfelt want.
Members Of the society smiled at their
good Martha. But as she glanced
across the room she saw Nina Burton
looking at her with curious express
sion. From that instant the memory
OF that look OF Mina's weighed un.
comfortably with her.
After the meeting Nina attached
herself to Martha and walked home
with her.
"How did those sheets OF yours
turn out, MarthaT she asked.
"Firp," Martha answered promptly.
"You could hardly tell them from my
best ones which keep on the same
shelf No wonder Mrs. Piper was
pleased. should have been In her
place"
Nina was silent.
Don't you think Nina Burton is
getting little pecullar? Martha
asked Mrs Birch.
as she? Hadn't noticed"
"She certainly u.s." returned Martha,
with emphasis.
Time Of fall house cleaning arrived
with warm, bright weather made for
the purpose. Martha always cleaned
her own house. She loved to do 1t.
Twice a year she took opportunity to
look over her precious stores
"Shan't need any Sheets" she |
thought as she counted out the snowy
pile. A mysti1ed look came over her
face. She began to lay one fragrant