Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-08-30

strong"
And then up spoke Mrs. Bride
Mrs. Bride nervously twisting her
hands in the gray wool, her Scottish
accent more pronounced than ever.
IF there's ane thing I ken ABBOTT,
said Mrs. Bride, ats hens"
They had completely forgotten her.
She went on quickly, before either had
time to speak.
Hens and pigs, and beasts of a.
sorts, my Teddy, for was bred farm
er's daughter In Fifeshirel And Dom
the green stuff, and wee Elspeth's no
so sma' but she can wipe the dishes"
Really, I don't know what you're
talking aboutI" said Miss Croy.
Mrs. Bride stood up and folded her
hands before her
"I'm applying. my Teddy, for the po-
section Of housekeeper. I've been
housekeeper before in many a good
place, and there's my testimonials, in
GLIDING twa frae Meenister o. the Kirk,
in the lef'-hand dresser drawer"
''Bnt I don't want a housekeeperl
Eye Just said yourself, my Teddy,
that you couldna manage alone"
THAT is, If were to go to the coun-
try"
Maybe you're thinking I'm too old?"
continued Mrs. Birdie, unheeding. Il
may be old, but I'm fine and stringy.
Moreover, I'll Just point out that I've
done the cleaning o. this house single
handed for a matter O. 10 year-as
you and Mr.. Brocard can bear wit
ness. Ha' We had any complaints?"
NO" admitted Miss Croy. "But the
point is"
"And I'll keep your wee house spicker
still Thereu be fewer scots down
there, I'm thinking, and less reek-
and, oh, the brow caller air for Donald
and my Elspethl"
The old face suddenly crllmpled, the
old body swayed back and forth. 1t
was q painful moment. Half-touched,
but also haf-annoyed-for she felt
that she was being. forced into false
position-AGiss Croy said gently:
You must see, though, that even If
| did need housekeeper, the two
children couldn't possibly come too?"
Mrs. Birdie Strengthened herself.
"And why for nor You said your
sell they ought to ha' been evacuated"
There would be no room for them"
"As a matter Of fact" observed Mr.
Brocard perfidiously, @youu find two
spare bedrooms"
"Ane would be enough. Elspeth can
sleep WI me, and the laddie in the
kitchen. Wen manage fine. And III
take no wages o. you, my Teddy, IN
o. the BARNS. Not but
what you'll find them vera helpful"
Miss Croy rose TO her feet. She felt
The had no chance sitting down. The
5pitftre kitten, rudely awakened,
;lawed its way up to her coat and
Itood purrtng on her shoulder.
After all, said Mr.. Brocard sud-
ienly, you've got the cat"
What do you mean2"
@weIl, a cats start, isn't it? I
suppose they don't allow animals in
'ollr flats2" Miss Croy shook her
read. so you've got to have a cot
age to put the cat In. And you've
'ot to have a housekeeper to look after
he cottage. That'u all be a great
;hange for you"
ut certainly would" agreed Miss
roy.
I'm fact, such a very great change
hat two children more or less will
make practically no difference. Buy
ny cottage, Miss Croy, engage Mrs.
sridie, invite the kids, and make
ttten happy. I'm sure you'll find it,
n the long run, the most sensible
curse"
All at once. Miss Croy began to
augh.
They looked at her anxiouSIy. She
s1led herself together, dabbing at
er lips with her handkerchief. No I