AND THE WILDERNESS BLOSSOMED 



some most capable people with us in the past. 

 Viola was not to be excelled as a laundress, a 

 waitress, or in general housework. She never 

 had much to say, being fully occupied in doing. 

 Once passing through the hall where she was 

 sweeping, I noticed the rug was covered with 

 some white substance, and therefore asked, 

 " What is that on the rug, Viola ? " 



" Salt," was the laconic answer. 



" Salt," I said. " Is that good for the rug ? " 



" It is," she responded ; and the woman that 

 can satisfactorily answer two questions with a 

 total of three syllables is a jewel to be carefully 

 treasured. 



On another occasion I noticed an ugly brown 

 spot on the lawn, a yard in diameter, near the 

 laundry door, where shortly before had been only 

 velvety green grass ; and as Viola was the first 

 person I met after seeing it, I asked, " Viola, do 

 you know what killed the grass there ? " 



" Hot water," was her reply. 



" Well, who," I demanded, " was fool enough 

 to pour hot water on the grass ? " 



" I was," she replied with perfect calmness. 



Utterly disarmed, I could only weakly re- 

 mark, " Well, I hope you won't do it again." 



i8 



