Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-29

Well, here we are" announced Miss
Stanhope, who was conducting the
group In person. The little red house
was the darling Of her heart. and Il was
seldom thai she could resist going when
there was picnic In progress. Far
from throwing q damper on young spir-
its. she seemed 70 undergo q change on
those days In the woods. Her aioofness
would drop from her and she would
its highest pinnacle. She directed Jim
the driver. In the unpacking Of the
hampers. and the girls scrambled out at
the back Of the wagon.
Isn't IL the most enticing place. -
exclaimed Patricia. II can't wait ia
see IL Hansel and Gretel open the door
when we knock or II the witch has
them tied TO a chair"
1T certainly looks like the one and
only original old oaken bucket doesnt
it?" put in Mary Harris. Come on
Let's get a drink. I'm furnishing for
water"
mo, I want 70 see the inside first, i"
protested Peggy Talley as she ran across
the broad porch. with its inviting
swings and wicker furniture, and paused
10 knock with the brass knockers.
Why do you do that?" laughed Miss
Stanhope. There is no one there"
Il couldn't help it," returned Peggy
II shines at me so pleadingly that ]
just had 70. II probably hardly ever
gete any hard knocks"
Miss Stanhope turned the key In the
lock and the girls trooped In after
her. She smiled with satisfaction al
the EXPLANATIONS OF delight which came
from those who had never seen IL be.
fore. Those who were familiar with its
charm were already curling up In their
favorte spots.
The front door opened into q large
roam, one entire side OF which was
occupied with q great fireplace, which
hoaSted an old Dutch oven. with
hinges OF wrought iron. An iron ket-
tie hung on an ancient crane.
Goodness. wonder IL she cooked
them here" said Patricia, peering into
the kettle.
Who cooked what2" asked Mary.
THE witch cooked her victims. oil
| course"
Miss Gtanhope laughed merrily, II.
ID more likely that some plump house
wife brewed appetizing stewk for her
large family"
Where did you ever get all this
cunning furniture" asked Elizabeth
Stanton. who inherited from her
mother the love Of old things.
We were fortunate In purchasing
everything just as II stood" said Miss
stanhope.
There were quaint rush seated
chairs and broad old settees OF oak
Of a dim ulster that comes only with
years of polishing. In one corner
st>od spinning wheel and beside It a
chest of ingenious carving used
doubtless, for storing the Winter sup
! ply Of h0Haespuu. A pine rack with
row u mellow, long stemmed mser-
| scl1atii1E. hung on one hun c0l0red
wall. Below IT waE snutf stand. with
Il lamp OF old EtlsT glass. There were
Donnst Npped corner cabinEA guard
Ing their treasure NJ ancient willow
ware. The CLEANING waxed moor with
/ it, vide boards made a digni.
! fed background for the gay hooked
! rugs. IL Wa b room " entice the col
/ IscLgT into q dsiirium
Opening OF III the main room OF the
! cGttAke were three smaller ones, two oi
/ which contained Two deck hunks. re-
/ cent addition made tor the purpose vi
/ an0fding Sleeping quarters for ~; thf
( remaining room had been converted
! into Kitchen with running water
/ and an oil stove which simpiihed such
] ekLemporsDs0us cooking ~ took place
from time " ums. Today IL rendered
/ service fOT the making III coffee In 4
great tin c0tfse pot aud heating tht
/ cishpan fun ~ water ~ wash the vii
/ low ware.
The hampers were unpacked and
| the contents diEpeTsed m appstizing
! array Oh the dTopleaf table. ~ be
seized upon with the ayidity 0f II
youthful spDetites. made more keen
b the long drive
Ihs dishes washed Win neatneEa