Part 27 (1/2)
”I have had the offer of this place rent free until spring,” began the doctor. ”I have also collected fifty dollars in money and provisions,--_imprimis_, one barrel of flour, one box of miscellaneous packages, rice, barley, corn-starch, &c.,--and a second-hand range that will be put up as soon as you decide. In return for my arduous exertion and great benevolence, I shall call upon you now and then for meals or delicacies for my sick and famis.h.i.+ng.”
”You are just magnificent!” declared Sylvie, in breathless pleasure.
”I am desirous of getting this experiment started; and, since we shall have to help the poor and needy this winter, I shall put my gifts into this. Now you must consider what you want for furnis.h.i.+ng. Biddy McKim is to work out a doctor's bill cleaning the place; Ward Collins will let you have ten dollars' worth of house-furnis.h.i.+ng goods on another bill. I am going to look up all my bad debts to start you two women in business!” and he laughed gayly.
”Very good,” said Miss Morgan, while Sylvie's face was still blending pleasure and astonishment.
”We are going to reform Yerbury, you see. The parsons tried their hands last winter; and, though there was need enough of spiritual food, there's something else required as well, while we are here in the body.
You think the rooms will do? I want you to put a large table in that one,”--indicating the larger with his head,--”and we'll get two or three long benches, and have a tea-party now and then. Well, Miss Morgan, now you may take the floor. I see a crowd of ideas in your face.”
”I am going to propose that when the place is cleaned, both floors shall be painted to begin with. Then a simple mopping up will keep them bright and fresh. Some idle half-grown boys can do it, I am sure; or I can do it myself--it would not be the first time.”
”I'll look over my accounts, and levy on some delinquent,” said the doctor. ”I like that idea.”
”Can we make out a list now?”
”Why, of course. Put down about all the things you will be likely to need, and I will have them sent if they do over run the account. Biddy will come to-morrow, and clean. Now, you can hardly have the school open every day unless you get more a.s.sistance, so I think I should take it at first two days in the week.”
”A very good suggestion,” replied Miss Morgan.
”It might not be sufficiently attended to warrant more than that. My experience has been that nearly every housekeeper considers herself a finished cook.”
Maverick laughed.
They discussed necessary articles of kitchen paraphernalia, and finally walked down to Collins's store, and made their selection. Early the next morning Bridget McKim was on the spot: the place was cleaned, the stove put in place, the floor given one good coat of paint. Two days after, the second one was added. Sylvie drew up a code of regulations. The school would be open Tuesday and Friday, all day. The dinner would be cooked and eaten; the baking, and whatever was left over, divided among the scholars to take home. Miss Morgan was elected president, Miss Barry vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, and two in an advisory board.
At each session two ladies were to be present, and give instruction.
Invitations were sent to all likely to be interested. Dr. Maverick used his strong influence wisely. The idea amused some, others wondered how ladies like Miss Barry knew about cooking and economy.
”Let her undertake to live on the money we common folk have, and she'll see!” exclaimed Mrs. Stixon. ”Our kind don't want to learn fussin' and fixin' of puddens and pies and such like! Good for us if we can get a mess of biled potatoes and bacon. My gals'll get along athout any such larnin'.”
They opened one Friday morning with seven pupils; a discouraging number, Sylvie thought, when she saw the s.p.a.cious room and the nice preparations. The bashful girls sat in a little huddle, looking very much as if they were afraid of being laughed at.
Miss Morgan was equal to the occasion. She made a short, sensible address, and hoped the girls who were present would interest not only their companions, but their mothers and friends. Then she questioned them a little. Had they ever boiled potatoes?
At this they all laughed a little foolishly, and looked as if the art of boiling potatoes was held in rather low esteem.
”The dinner for the day,” announced Miss Morgan, ”will be boiled potatoes, broiled steak, and corn-m.u.f.fins. Which of you girls would like to try the m.u.f.fins?”
”I never heerd of such a thing,” said one girl timidly.
Sylvie pleasantly corrected the speaker.
”Well, you may try,” said Miss Morgan. ”First, read this recipe aloud.”
Mary Moran stumbled through it, partly owing to ignorance, and the rest to feeling very much abashed.
”Please go through it again, Mary,” said Sylvie, in an encouraging tone.
This time she did much better.