Mathen's Secrets

By Barbara Dumas Ballew

Mathen's Secrets is a mid-1920 story--but no--it's not about gangsters. It was the time for the flapper, the speak-easy, and the auto was just coming into its own. A light love story, this novel is about a young girl who leaves her unhappy home and heads southwest for a new life. It's an enjoyable read for young and old.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Dumas Ballew
• Release date: Sep 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301165605

Barbara Dumas Ballew

After doing research on my family history for more than twenty years, I knew I had a story. I wrote and published my first novel, "George's Creek to Georgia", about my ancestors from 1790 until 1880. Since then, I have penned an additional nine books, four are chapter books for young readers. One of them, "Little Man: A Little Girl's Dream", is being used in reading classes and the libraries in the Mesquite, TX, elementary schools. I love writing!! It brings back so many memories of things from my past, and since my husband is retired, I can spend full time on it. I do business with Createspace.com which is a POD subsidiary of Amazon. It gives me so much more control over my work and my pricing. I can publish within a month after completion and my previous publisher could only do one book per year. I hope you like my style. It seems to fit my time periods nicely.

Book preview

Chapter 1

When Mathen first awoke, her head was throbbing. Her cheek was still stinging from the blow Mr. Crow had struck across her face the evening before.

She threw back the covers and went to the mirror to see if more damage had been done than just the hand print on her face. As she looked into the mirror, the young girl could not help but think back to how this had all started.

Thankfully, he had hit her only once this time. He was drinking heavier than usual, and it seemed to be happening with more regularity. After their scene, he stomped off to bed and shortly fell into a stupor. His young wife had silently and gratefully gone to another bedroom and sobbed herself to sleep.

Alvin Crow’s previous wife had suddenly died a couple of years ago. He was thirty nine years old, and Mathen had just had her eighteenth birthday.

She was aware that Old Crow had been watching her while she worked around the farm, but she was surprised when he showed up one day and talked to her and her parents about needing a wife.

After a clumsy and awkward proposal, he stated he’d be back in a couple of days for her answer. Then he left without further adieu.

Ray and Julie Mosley were sharecroppers on Mr. Crow’s farm. They urged Mathen that with marriage she’d have a lovely home and no more hard work in the fields, and she said, Yes.

Mathen shook her head as her thoughts returned to the present and she searched her face in the mirror for more injury but found none.

She muttered to her herself, Marrying Old Crow was the worst decision I’ve ever made.

The young housewife looked at the clock and took a deep sigh of relief. Mr. Crow had already gone to his tavern for the day. She went to her closet and carefully chose her clothes.

With dogged determination, Mathen decided she’d had enough. She was tired of being his battering board. Tomorrow she would catch the morning train to who-knows-where, but today she must make her plans.

Every week, part of the allowance Mr. Crow had given her to run the household had been laid aside. There was a tidy sum in her hiding place and at noon he would bring more for the week. She would keep the whole amount and add it to the other. After all, Mathen thought she deserved it.

Thoughts flooded her brain; Baylee will be at school now. I’ll meet her after school, and we’ll go rent a post office box for her. Only Baylee will know where I am when I get settled. Alvin Crow won’t bother my sister, but he might rant at my folks trying to find out where I am. It’s better they don’t know.

Her husband had a leather suitcase in the back closet. That along with her valise should hold all that she could carry. She began to lay some of her clothes on the bed.

This marriage had provided her with a nicer wardrobe than she had come with. Her choices having been made, she hid the packed luggage in one of the spare bedroom closets.

Mathen cooked a good lunch. When Mr. Crow entered the kitchen door at noon, she acted as though nothing had happened. She certainly didn’t want to start any trouble now.

Here’s the allowance for the week. Don’t forget, I’ll be home late this evening.

I’ll probably already be in bed because I didn’t sleep too well last night. I remembered you’d be late, and I’ve packed a supper pail for you.

With his meal finished, her husband left again for his tavern. Mathen cleaned the kitchen and then decided to go see her parents one last time. They would have no idea this was goodbye for now or maybe forever.

The young woman felt a new surge of power course through her being. She quickly got a light jacket and headed to her parents’ house.

Her mother was still cleaning in the kitchen, and Mathen took a seat at the kitchen table. The two women talked for awhile with everyday chit-chat. All the while Mathen was remembering every move her mother was making and the very sound of her voice. Perhaps this memory would have to last a long time in her mind.

Do you know where Daddy is working this afternoon? I wanted to say hello and visit with him for a minute.

I saw him go toward the barn after he ate lunch. He may be sharpening the hoes before he returns to the fields. This is probably a good time to catch him.

Mathen rose from her seat and went to hug her mother.

You take care and don’t work too hard.

The daughter choked back a tear as she quickly went out the back door and toward the barn. She could hear the sound of her father working the foot pedal to run the man-powered grinder used to sharpen the tools. When the sharecropper saw his daughter enter the barn’s tool room, he stopped his work.

What brings you here this time of day?

Oh, I was visiting with Mother and wanted to say hello for a minute. I knew you’d be working and I won’t delay you long. Mr. Crow works late this evening, and I had some spare time on my hands.

Is everything going okay?

Things could be better, and I think they will be soon. You know Alvin Crow and I sometimes don’t see eye to eye. He’s drinking a bit too much, and you know how head strong I can be. It’s not your worry though. It’ll all work out somehow.

As Mathen hugged her dad she thought, You don’t know the half of it.

I won’t keep you any longer. I have things to do myself.

His daughter turned and hurried out of the barn with a few tears running down her cheeks. She didn’t want her father to see her crying. They’d had a rough life but there was still a lot of love and a bond there that couldn’t be broken.

****

Mathen looked at the clock on the mantle. Baylee’s school would turn out soon. She would have to walk at a fast pace to meet her sister in time to go to the post office.

Her leaving town would come as a shock to her younger sister. None of the family knew that over the last few months of her marriage, Mr. Crow was becoming more abusive. Mathen knew that if she told her daddy he would not take it kindly and there would be a lot of trouble. The young wife was afraid of what her husband would do if her father confronted him. She could imagine all sorts of scenarios and none of them good.

The clatter of the laughter and voices of the students could be heard as Mathen neared the school. That signaled the last class of the day had been dismissed. Impatiently she waited at the end of the walkway for her sister. Baylee saw Mathen as soon as she stepped out of the school door.

What are you doing here? Is something wrong with the family?

Now settle down. Everyone is all right. I have something important to tell you. It must be a secret just between the two of us. Cross your heart and hope to die. Now promise me!

With a quizzical look on her face, Baylee crossed her heart.

I promise, but what’s so important?

I want the two of us to go to the post office together to rent you a mail box.

Then Mathen dropped the secret on Baylee, I’m leaving. Baylee could hardly believe what she had heard.

I guess you could say I’m running away from Mr. Crow, and only you will know where I am.

What are you saying, and where are you going?

I don’t know where I’m going right now, but someone in the family needs to know when I get there. I’ve already seen the folks, but they didn’t know I was saying goodbye and you mustn’t tell. I’ve decided to catch the first train out of here in the morning. It must be our secret.

I don’t understand.

Let’s just say that Mr. Crow and I aren’t getting along too well, and I need to get away.

When will you be back?

I don’t know - maybe never.

Mathen could tell that Baylee was very surprised at this news. She was thinking of a way to make the news easier on her sister. We’ll have to wait and see how things go. Perhaps you can come to see me one of these days. Think how exciting that would be.

This thought did make things a little better for the young girl.

You mean ride a train to see you?

We’ll have to wait a while to make any definite plans, but it’s certainly something to think about.

Now Baylee was smiling with this thought. She could accept the situation and the plotting with this possible outcome.

This secret is very important for you to keep. Alvin Crow might cause our parents trouble if he thinks they had anything to do with my leaving or if they know where I am. You just keep your mouth shut and let on to none of them that you know anything. Baylee, look me in the eye and cross your heart again.

The girl complied with the request.

By then they had arrived at the post office. It was a small office and a man was sitting on a tall stool behind a window counter. Mathen was glad that Opal Gibson wasn’t there today. This man didn’t know them. The sisters walked up to the window, and Mathen did the talking.

We’d like to rent a postal box if one is available.

There was a small wall of boxes on each side of the counter. The man reached and got a ledger book, thumbed through it for a minute, and spoke to the girls, I do have a few available boxes. I’ll show you.

He came out of the door with his ledger book and proceeded toward one of the walls of boxes.

I have two boxes on this wall. One is in the top row and the other is an end box about midway up.

He pointed to both of the small boxes. Then he walked to the other wall of boxes. The bottom two rows on that wall were much larger boxes. He then pointed to the available one on the bottom row.

That one is much too large for our purposes. I think we need to decide on one of the first ones.

Mathen looked at her sister, Which one do you like?

Baylee quickly answered, The one on the end.

The man looked in the ledger book he had in his hand.

That’s number two hundred seventy. You’ll open it with a combination. I’ll write it down on a card for you.

The man closed the boxes he had opened and then he went back behind the counter and retrieved a small card. He wrote the numbers―R-22, L-4, R-24.

The letters tell you whether to turn the dials to the left or the right.

Mathen took the card and looked at it. The girls walked over to the box and tried the numbers. She made sure that Baylee could work the combination comfortably. With the numbers aligned, Mathen tried the door and it popped open easily. She handed Baylee the card and cautioned not to let their parents see it.

I’ll send you a postcard as soon as I arrive at my destination. Baylee, we’ve always had a few little secrets as girls growing up. This is the most important secret we’ve ever shared. It’s very important for the good of everyone that you keep this one and don’t tell.

Don’t worry, I won’t tell. I know it’s important.

Then Baylee remarked as the sisters started toward home, You know, I can hardly stand to think of you leaving. I’ve always thought you’d be here for me. We’re all going to miss you.

I’ll miss all of you and I do love you. It’s just something I’ve got to do. I know now a better life awaits me out there somewhere and I must go.

The girls hugged as they parted and Mathen kissed her sister on the cheek. Baylee walked away and never looked back.

****

The house was empty, and she had no feeling of home as she entered it. There was only relief that the goodbyes were behind her. She hadn’t said anything to her little brother, Noah, but one day he would understand. Too much hugging and parting might have made one of her parents suspect something, so it was best this way.

All the clothes she was taking were packed. Her personal things such as her comb and brush were in her handbag. A light-weight coat would be all she’d need this time of the year. The promise of spring was already in the air.

Mathen ate a light supper and wrapped a few crackers with peanut butter between them in a napkin, then slipped them into her handbag. They would do her until later in the day, and then she would worry about something more to eat.

She bathed and then studied a United States map that was in one of Mr. Crow’s books. She didn’t really care where the train was going because she was going to catch it to where ever. She just wanted to refresh herself where all the states were. This was the first trip she’d ever taken in her life and had never ridden on a train. The anticipation of it all was quite exciting.

After thinking about it, she decided to leave Mr. Crow a short note telling him she was gone and wouldn’t be back. She asked him to please tell her folks she was gone as they had no idea that she had planned this.

By nine o’clock she was tired from all the stress of the day. The bed felt good as she crawled into it, and it wasn’t long until she fell asleep.

When her husband came in from work, she awoke but lay very still as if asleep. He might want to talk or more; she really didn’t want to face any of it.

The next morning she arose early and cooked him a good breakfast. She heard Mr. Crow honk his Model T’s horn a couple of times as he was leaving the yard. She looked out the window to see what was wrong. He was just scaring a few chickens off of the lane.

Mathen straightened the house, gathered up her things, and walked to the train station. The stationmaster was at his desk when she entered the station. He looked up, saw her, and came to the ticket window.

What time does the next train come through?

He looked up at the big clock on the wall.

It should be here in about thirty minutes.

What direction will it be headed?

It’s headed west, young lady. Where do you want to go?

Mathen closed her eyes for a moment, remembering the map in the book. I’m going to Birmingham, Alabama, sir. Does it go there?

Yes, ma’am, it does.

Then I need one ticket to Birmingham.

You want it one way or will you be returning?

Please make it one way as I’m not sure when I’ll return.

Taking a deep breath of relief, Mathen paid for the ticket. She took the ticket, put it in her purse, and chose a seat away from the ticket window. She didn’t want to chance any of her acquaintances seeing her and revealing her secret to Mr. Crow before she could leave.

As Mathen sat there, she wished Baylee was going with her to keep her company. She realized that was impossible as Baylee was still too young and had another year of school. Also, she couldn’t afford another mouth to feed right now.

More passengers had been arriving, and the train was coming down the track. She could hear its whistle blowing so she joined the group out on the loading platform. The train was beginning to stop, and its brakes were squealing, metal wheels on metal tracks.

Mathen picked up her luggage. All of a sudden the train let out a strong, noisy plume of steam from the side of the engine. Mathen jumped as the noise surprised her. An older man in a uniform stepped out from one of the passenger cars and pulled a metal step down. It was high, and he reached to get a small stool for the people to step on first. A man came and took her larger bag.

I’ll check this for you.

He fastened half a ticket on her bag. Here’s your claim ticket to get it when you arrive at your destination.

Mathen smiled at him and nodded thank you. When her turn came, she showed the conductor her ticket. He lightly took her arm and helped her up the train step.

There were several empty seats so Mathen chose one by the window. An older woman came and sat in the seat beside her. She was a pleasant woman, and Mathen enjoyed visiting with her as the day passed. She helped the time go faster.

It was well after dark when the train pulled into the station at Birmingham. Mathen got her valise and handbag and waited for the baggage man to unload her other bag. When her turn came, she gave the man the claim ticket, and he pulled her bag off the cart and gave it to her.

Mathen continued down the platform into the station. It was considerably larger than the one back home. This station had a very large map on the wall, and she decided to be better prepared to buy the next ticket. For some reason the name Nacogdoches in Texas caught her eye. She thought, That’s my next destination.

She walked over toward the ticket counter. There were three windows at this station. She chose a kindly looking gentleman and walked up to his counter.

Can you tell me when the next train to Nacogdoches, Texas, will be coming?

The man smiled.

Going to Texas, eh?He looked at the schedule chart and said, It’s due here in a little over an hour. If you’ll go through gate eight when it’s time, that’ll be your train to Texas. You’ll be riding all night, and if it stays on time, you’ll get there sometime after noon tomorrow.

Thank you, sir.

Mathen paid for the ticket. She could smell the food in the station dining room and suddenly she was starved. She found a small table in the corner. A waitress came to her table, and the tired traveler ordered a ham sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Service was fast, and the waitress was back at her table with the food before she knew it. She watched the clock on the wall, and there was plenty of time to go in the restroom to freshen up after she finished eating.

When she came out of the restroom, she walked over and asked the ticket agent, If I go through gate eight now, is there some place I can sit to wait for the train?

Yes, ma’am, there are a few benches out there.

Mathen flashed a sweet smile in his direction and then enter through Gate 8. It wasn’t long before her train arrived. She was glad as it had been a long day. At least the train seats were fairly comfortable, and she felt that she could lean back and get a little sleep. Thankfully, when she boarded she had two seats all to herself. This night train was not crowded.

****

The next morning she awoke before daylight. The conductor was coming down the aisle of the train.

Good morning, young lady. I need to punch your ticket. You managed to get some sleep last night.

Mathen handed him her ticket and asked, Yes, sir, it’s been a long trip, and I was tired. Can you tell me the way to the dining car, please?

Go down this aisle and walk through a couple of cars and you’ll be there.

Mathen nodded her head and smiled. First she needed to freshen up for the morning. With her face washed, her teeth brushed, and her hair combed, she felt like a new woman. She was ready to face whatever this dawning day would bring.

It was still early and the dining car had very few customers. A man in a starched, white coat brought her a menu and a glass of cold water. Mathen ordered a couple of pieces of buttered toast and jelly. She had a cup of hot tea to drink.

After finishing her tea, she went back to her original seat by the window. It was getting daylight now, and she could tell the land was not as hilly as her homeland. There were large pine trees and occasionally she saw a magnolia tree with its large, white blossoms.

All morning the train wound through and stopped in several small towns. When the conductor came down the aisle again, she asked him where they were and what time it was.

We’re in the state of Louisiana now, and it’s a little after ten o’clock. If you’re going to Nacogdoches, Texas, you’ve got a few more hours with us.

Thank you. You’ve been very kind.

Another hour or more must have passed, and Mathen was noticing very large oak trees now. They had a grey looking moss hanging down from the limbs that reminded her of an old man’s beard.

The train was coming into another town, and she was seeing some large, old antebellum homes now. There was something about this town that made her want to get off the train. Plus, she was hungry and tired of riding. The conductor called out the name of the town.

Natchitoches, Louisiana—all off for Natchitoches, Louisiana.

All of a sudden Mathen grabbed her things. She was going to get off this train right here. As she got to the steps the conductor looked surprised to see her.

You’re not in Texas yet, ma’am.

I know but I’ve decided I’ve gone far enough. I want to see this town. Texas can wait.

The conductor smiled when he helped her off the train.

You’d better get your claim ticket and hurry and tell the baggage man you want your luggage off here.

I will, she called back over her shoulder as she ran toward the baggage car.

The baggage man retrieved her large bag and handed it to her. A little breathless, she walked down the platform and into the train station. The stationmaster wasn’t busy.

Excuse me, sir. Can you suggest a good place to eat?

Yes, ma’am, I can. You go out that front door, take your left, and you’ll see St. Denis Street. Just walk straight down it for five blocks. Then take a right for one block. You’ll see a red brick building with a lot of windows on the corner of Second Street and Church Street. It’ll be next to a big, red brick house. There’ll be a sign that says The Glenn―The Very Best Home Cooked Meals. That sign is right. It’s some of the best food you’ll ever eat. They’re known for their meat pies. They’re the best in Louisiana.

Thank you. I’m starved and can hardly wait to taste the food.

Chapter 2

Mathen found The Glenn with no problem. As she stepped through the restaurant door, a very attractive and gentle looking woman rose from a tall stool behind the counter. The woman smiled and picked up a menu.

I have a table for two by the window. You can look out onto the garden and see the birds bathing in the fountain pool.

That sounds delightful. I’m alone, and I’ll enjoy the birds.

A white linen cloth graced the table. The plates were bone white and the napkins were a sage green. The water glasses were a matching green. There was a beautiful flower in a crystal vase in the center of each table.

As the lady placed the menu at the end of the small table, she said, One of our waitresses will be with you after you’ve had time to study the menu. Please ask if you have any questions.

I’m very hungry, and I’ve been told your food is the best in town.

That’s always good to hear, the hostess said as she seated Mathen.

Grace Glenn went to take her seat on the stool again. Having studied many customers over the years, she began to form an opinion about the young lady. That’s a very pretty young lady. She looks as though she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She has beautiful hazel eyes. I noticed they sparkle when she smiles. Something is causing her to be a little timid and afraid. I would like to see her light brown hair without her hat. I think I’ll go over and visit with her. Perhaps I can help her.

Deep in thought, Grace watched as Mathen ordered her lunch. When Sally brought her food, the concerned woman noticed she’d ordered a good meal. Perhaps she’ll feel better after she eats. She did say she was very hungry.

When Mathen had eaten part of her food, the hostess went to check if everything was all right.

I’m Grace Glenn. My husband, Chris, and I own The Glenn. I hope you’re enjoying your meal.

Everything is delicious, Mrs. Glenn. I’m Mathen Mosley.

Mathen was very aware that she had used her maiden name again.

Do you mind if I sit and visit while you finish your meal?

I’d love having your company.

Grace took the other chair with her back to the window.

Mathen is a beautiful and unusual name. You must be new in town or passing through.

I was on the train going to a strange town in Texas. Something inside me told me to get off here.

Mathen snickered a muffled little sound as she continued, I guess I must sound strange or crazy but I’m just starting out on my own. I’ll be looking for a job and a place to live. I’m from South Carolina, and my family still lives there. I’ve graduated with eleven years of schooling, and I’m striking out to find my fortune.

Both ladies laughed at this time-worn cliché.

Have you ever waited tables?

No ma’am. I’ve never really worked except in the fields with my father and siblings. I can cook and I love to sew. I’ve made hats for myself, my mother, and sister. I can clean house, too, but sewing is my love. One day I hope to have my own little sewing shop.

With this last comment, Mathen could tell that thoughts were marinating in Grace’s mind. They soon were seasoned and she served them.

I have two young daughters and a son who is about to go off to study for a couple of years. Would you perhaps be interested in sewing for me and my girls?

This caught the stranger by surprise, but she immediately replied enthusiastically, Yes, ma’am, especially, if I have a pattern.

As an afterthought, Grace laughed and added, You may have to babysit the girls some for me, too. Don’t dare tell the girls I called it babysitting.

Oh, yes, ma’am, I can do that.

Do you think you could learn to be the hostess here at the eatery? You would seat people, make reservations, and learn regular customers’ names. The hostess makes sure everything in the service area is going smoothly.

This was all so new to Mathen. She hesitated a moment and then replied, Yes, ma’am, I think I could be very good at the job.

The conversation continued with Grace making an offer.

Mathen, we have a large attic bedroom that we don’t use. It’s furnished. I can offer it, your food, and a small salary if you’d like to try being a jack-of-all-trades for my family.

Excitedly, the young lady said, I’d love to give it a try and, she hesitated and then finished, it would be an answer to my prayers.

You wait here until our lunch rush is over, and I’ll take you up to the house and get you settled in your bedroom. This may be the answer to my prayers, if you’re happy here and it all works out.

It sounds very good for both of us. Do you know where I can buy some stationary? I want to write home and tell them I’m all right. Also, I’d like to give them an address so they can write me.

I have a picture post card at the counter you can have.

Oh, good, I have my own postage stamps in my purse.

Grace pointed to a postal box on the left side of the entrance door.

See that postal box near the door? After you write your message, just stick the card in the box, and the postman will pick it up this afternoon when he comes by.

Thank you so much. That’s very handy. What return address shall I put on the card?

Our house address is, six twenty-seven Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Mathen laughed and asked, Will you spell Natchitoches for me?

Let me get the post card for you, and I’ll spell it.

With the card written to Baylee, she placed the postage stamp in the corner and mailed it. She hoped she would get an answer soon. The young woman then went to the counter to pay her bill.

Since you’ll be working for us, there’ll be no charge. Your meals will all be free for as long as you’re with us.

That’s a wonderful surprise, she answered as she put her money back in her purse.

Our family has a large table in a room next to the kitchen. We eat most of our meals here. As a family, we always try to take our evening meal together. We usually have it around seven o’clock as things begin to slow down then. You’ll please join us for that meal. It’s served family style.

Mathen nodded her acknowledgment.

For the other meals, just tell one of the cooks what you’d like. Our morning cooks are Peggy and Emily. The supper cooks are Melinda and Hazel, and their shifts overlap for lunch. For breakfast and lunch we each eat as we can. Sometimes another family member will join you in the back room.

Our waitresses are Jenny, Jackie, Trudy, and you’ve met Sally. The girl’s work out their times pretty well. Usually Sally and Jackie take the first shift, and Jenny and Trudy take the last shift. They overlap at noon; if one of the girls needs time off, another will fill in.

Having heard so many new names, the confused young lady said, Goodness, I hope I can remember all of these names.

You’ll soon learn them all. Our day dishwasher is Doris, and Clara is here in the evening. They overlap at noon, also, and if it gets too chaotic, one of the waitresses pitches in and washes a few dishes. Mrs. Sweeney is cashier the first shift and Mrs. Carter the last. It really takes us all to run this establishment.

This is all moving so fast. I’m beginning to understand just how busy this concern and family is.

Grace smiled.

We are. You’ll get used to the schedule and maybe before too long you’ll think we’re just normal.

May I put my luggage behind the counter and walk in the garden while I’m waiting?

Yes, Mathen, please make yourself at home because that is exactly what it is now. Let’s start by you calling me Grace.

I don’t want to be disrespectful, but if you are comfortable with it, I’ll try.

Mathen got her bags and put them out of the way behind the counter.

I’ll be in the garden.

When she stepped outside she could hear the birds singing, and the air smelled so fresh with a slight scent of flowers. She followed a short path to the back of the building and had a pleasant surprise. There was a lovely herb garden, very well tended, with a few edible flowers tucked in between the herbs. There were little markers telling the names of each plant.

While she was enjoying her discovery, a very nice-looking, middle-aged man came walking across the lawn. He smiled as he approached her.

Hello, I’m Chris Glenn.

He offered his hand to shake.

Hello, Mr. Glenn, I’m Mathen Mosley. I’m waiting for your wife. I came in for lunch, and it seems she’s hired me to work for your family. I’m sure she’ll explain it all to you.

Mr. Glenn smiled a very pleasant smile.

That Grace―she’s full of surprises. I’ve come for lunch. Have you eaten?

Oh, yes, sir. I had a delicious meal. You go have your meal, and I’m sure I’ll see you at supper.

Chris Glenn walked away smiling profusely and shaking his head. He was still smiling when he stepped in the kitchen door of the restaurant. Grace happened to see him come in.

What are you smiling about?

Oh, I met your new protégé out in the herb garden. I must say she is a delightful and attractive young lady. What do you have in mind for her?

She’s just arrived in town and looked so lost. I visited with her awhile, and I knew at once she’s something special. She’s not your usual young lady. My life has grown busier and busier the last couple of years with the girls getting older. I decided I needed some help to share my work.

You’re right. We are working our lives away. I’ll admit I was impressed with her in just the short time we talked. She has a way of presenting herself that is reassuring. She’ll be a good role model for our daughters.

Chris grinned. How much is this going to cost us?

As I said, she just arrived in town. She had nowhere to stay so I offered her our attic bedroom, free meals, and a small salary. She’s going to sew for me and the girls. She’ll learn how to relieve me some as hostess here. She’ll watch over the girls as needed. I told her she’ll be a jack-of-all-trades for the family.

It sounds like you made a pretty good deal. I hope she’ll stay if we like her.

I intend to treat her as part of our family. She’ll stay. I’m anxious to see what your father thinks of her when he meets her.

I guess the whole family will meet her at supper tonight. Have you eaten? I better get my lunch and get back to work.

I’ve eaten a light lunch. If you have your meal out front, I’ll sit and have a cup of tea with you. I think I’ll find Mathen to come sit with us while you eat. You’ll get to know her better.

Grace found Mathen sitting on one of the benches watching the birds.

Come in and have a cup of tea or coffee with Chris and me. I’d like for him to get to know you better.

All right, you sit with him, and I can handle getting our drinks. Would you like tea or coffee?

Grace had a smug look as she went back to the table.

Mathen is getting our drinks. We’ll see how the ladies in the kitchen react and how she handles it.

Mathen disappeared through the swinging door into the kitchen.

Hello, ladies, I’m Mathen and I’m starting to work here. Mrs. Glenn would like a cup of tea, and I’d like one cup of coffee. Do you know if she takes cream? I like mine plain with a little sugar. I believe the sugar is on the table, right?

One of the girls who had been waiting the tables said, Let me get a small tray for you to use.

She quickly fixed a small tray and handed it to Mathen.

Thanks. This is nice of you.

Mathen walked to the table carrying the small tray in her left hand. She first placed the steaming cups and a small pitcher of cream on the table, and she didn’t spill a drop.

Would you like a piece of pie or cake with your tea?

No, thank you. I do believe you’d soon be waiting tables with a little training.

I’ll begin to watch and catch on before you know it.

I truly believe that, Chris Glenn spoke up.

I think I surprised the ladies in the kitchen with the exception of the young lady who served my lunch. She recognized me right away and fixed our tray. She’s a bright girl. What’s her name?

That’s Sally. She’s been with us a couple of years. She started right after she finished high school. She’s very good and has been well worth the training.

I think my wife has you in mind to relieve her some with the hostess position. Of course, it never hurts to be able to wait a table.

Mathen took her first sip of coffee. Grace noticed a strange look come over her face.

Is something wrong with your coffee?

I believe it’s the strongest coffee I’ve ever tasted. I guess I’m just not used to Louisiana coffee.

Grace laughed. I’m afraid you’ve just been introduced to Louisiana chicory coffee. There’s nothing like it.

I can believe that.

Here, let me get Sally to bring you a plain coffee.

Let me just use some more cream and sugar and I think it’ll be all right.

You have to cultivate the taste for chicory. Are you sure it’s all right?

Yes ma’am, I’m always willing to try new things. I’ll take it slow with this and someday I may love it.

Mathen took a deep breath, and she directed her next remark to Mr. Glenn.

I believe Mrs. Glenn said you tend to overseeing the farm and delivering the food here to the restaurant.

Yes, and I order what we need and don’t grow. I also keep up with the menu planning so I can suggest what’s in season and ripe for picking.

That keeps you busy. Does someone assist you?

Our son, Sam, does in the summers. He’ll be going off to school after this summer. His grandfather wants him to study business and journalism.

Grace chimed in, Chris’s father owns the town newspaper and dabbles in real estate. He wants Sam to work with him, and Sam will inherit his business someday.

By now, Chris had finished his meal.

Well, ladies, it’s been a pleasant meal but I’d better get back to the farm.

Someday, Mr. Glenn, I’d like to see your farm. Perhaps your daughters and I could accompany you for a tour. I’ve always worked with my father in the fields and I know what it takes to raise a good crop.

I’ll see to it that you get that tour.

Let me tell Sally that I think things have slowed down. She can watch the front, and Mathen and I can go to the house and get her settled in. We’ll walk part way with you.

Mathen went behind the counter and got her luggage. Chris Glenn graciously took the larger bag. Grace joined them and they walked toward the big house.

The home was a very large, red brick house with a big porch all around the lower floor. The porch posts and railings were painted white. The grounds around the house were very pretty with blooming flowers and shrubs of all kinds. The huge oaks trees with the gray moss hanging from their limbs were very picturesque.

Chris set the large bag on the porch.

I’ll leave it with both of you. I’ll see you later between five and six.

He walked toward the back of the house.

Your home is beautiful. It’s much larger than I’m accustomed to.

Your bedroom is up on the third floor. In fact, it is the third floor. I hope you don’t mind the stairs.

Grace started in the door and noticed the mailbox.

Oh, here’s our mailbox. Whichever family member gets the mail puts what is not theirs on the table in the entry. Each member goes through it and takes their mail. If you want to send something, just put the little red flag up and the mailman will pick up the letter. It works out nicely.

Mrs. Glenn stepped inside.

Put your bags here at the stairway. I’ll show you the rest of our house before we go up.

Downstairs was a very large living room and dining room. The kitchen was at the back of the house.

We have some food in this kitchen―mostly snacks, cereals, and that sort of thing. There’s always something cold to drink in the Frigidaire. We always have milk or some kind of fruit juice in it. Help yourself when you want something.

May I open it? I’ve never seen one. We had an icebox and the ice man brought the ice to our house.

Recently, Chris bought three electric Frigidaires for the restaurant. He liked the idea so well he bought a fourth for our kitchen. Open it and look inside. I don’t cook in this kitchen, but I do heat up food on Sundays. We bring our food up from The Glenn, and then we eat here in this kitchen.

The Glenn is closed on Sundays?

Yes, we always try to go to church on Sunday as a family unit. We’d like for you to join us. We’re Methodist.

I’ve been raised as a Baptist but Methodist is all right with me. I’d like to go.

Good, that’s settled.

From the kitchen, they went down the hall to a room she identified as Chris’s office. There was a bathroom downstairs and a very large room she called a sitting room. It had a lot of windows, comfortable chairs, and two sofas in it. A beautiful, thick rug lay