stove, and put her wet feet on the hob.

"I'll bet a cooky, Mess Rylands, you've done forgot the vanillar," said
the girl, with a certain domestic and confidential familiarity.

Mrs. Rylands started guiltily. She made a miserable feint of looking in
her lap and on the table. "I'm afraid I did, Jane, if I didn't bring it
in HERE."

"That you didn't," returned Jane. "And I reckon ye forgot that 'ar
pepper-sauce for yer husband."

Mrs. Rylands looked up with piteous contrition. "I really don't know
what's the matter with me. I certainly went into the shop, and had it on
my list,--and--really"--

Jane evidently knew her mistress, and smiled with superior toleration.
"It's kinder bewilderin' goin' in them big shops, and lookin' round them
stuffed shelves." The shop at the cross roads and post-office was 14
x 14, but Jane was nurtured on the plains. "Anyhow," she added
good-humoredly, "the expressman is sure to look in as he goes by, and
you've time to give him the order."

"But is he SURE to come?" asked Mrs. Rylands anxiously. "Mr. Rylands
will be so put out without his pepper-sauce."

"He's sure to come ef he knows you're here. Ye kin always kalkilate on
that."

"Why?" said Mrs. Rylands abstractedly.