BLANKS AND TROUBLES 191 
went the little lass to the cottage, returning soon 
with a white-clothed tray, on which were dainty 
biscuits and a steaming cup of tea. All soon 
disappeared. The little caterer evidently observed 
that there was a rustic appetite to be appeased, for 
she said: “If you will come up into the cottage, 
sir, I will lay the cloth for you, and you can have 
a proper meal.” “But,” I said, “will it be 
convenient for your mother?” ‘My mother’s 
dead, sir,” was the simple reply. 
I went. The dear little girl soon had the 
cloth laid, and a simple but an appetizing meal on 
the table. It was a time when the rationing 
difficulty was not yet solved, and I said : “ But what 
about your father?” “Oh,” replied she, “he’s 
at work in the fields, and I’ve plenty of food for 
him.” She was ready at every turn, this good, 
capable, little hostess. 
I asked her if she ought not to be careful 
before letting strangers come into the cottage. 
“Oh,” answered she, cutting more bread and 
butter, “I feel quite safe; besides there’s a gun 
in the next room!” 
So, thus entertained, I made up for the missing 
luncheon and, on leaving, handed over a few 
shillings as a return. I asked her if her father 
would like a grayling, for I had one of about 
three-quarters of a pound, in beautiful condition, 
in the bag. ‘Oh, yes, thank you, sir,” was her 
quick, grateful reply. 
Good little housewife! I used to think no 
little hostesses in the world could compare with 
