Even The
Quiet Stockman Had Succeeded In Making A Soft White Shirt "Look As Though
It Had Been Ironed Once.
" And then every lubra being radiant with soap,
new dresses, and ribbons, the missus, determined not be to outdone in
The
matter of Christmas finery, burrowed into trunks and boxes, and
appeared in cream washing silk, lace fichu, ribbons, rings, and
frivolities - finery, by the way, packed down south for that "commodious
station home."
Cheon was enraptured with the appearance of his company, and worked, and
slaved, and chuckled in the kitchen as only Cheon could, until at last
the critical moment had arrived. Dinner was ready, but an unforeseen
difficulty had presented itself. How was it to be announced, Cheon
queried, having called the missus to the kitchen for a hasty
consultation, for was it wise to puff up the Quarters with a chanted
summons?
A compromise being decided on as the only possible course, after the
booming teamster's bell had summoned the Quarters, Cheon, all in white
himself, bustled across to the verandah to call the gentry to the dinner
by word of mouth: - "Dinner! Boss! Missus!" he sang - careful to specify
his gentry, for not even reflected glory was to be shed over the
Quarters. Then, moving in and out among the greenery as he put finishing
touches to the table here and there, he glided into the wonders of his
Christmas menu: "Soo-oup! Chuckie! Ha-am! Roooast Veal-er!" he chanted.
"Cauli-flower! Pee-es!
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