The House in Town. Warner Susan

      "Is this Poughkeepsie?"

      "Yes, this is Poughkeepsie. Now we'll have breakfast! Look sharp, Pink" —

      In another minute, the two were standing on the platform of the station.

      "Is this the place?" Matilda inquired a little ruefully. She saw, inside the glass door, a large room with what seemed like a shop counter running down the length of it; and on this counter certainly eatables were set out; she could see cups of tea or coffee, and biscuits, and pieces of pie. People were crowding to this counter, and plates and cups seemed to have a busy time.

      "This is Poughkeepsie," said Norton. "You have been here before. This our restaurant? I should think not! Not precisely. We have got to take a walk before we get to it. Smith's is at the top of the street."

      "I am glad; I am ready to walk," said Matilda joyously; and they set off at a pace which shewed what sort of time their spirits were keeping. Nevertheless, all the way, between other things, Matilda was studying the problem of poverty which Norton had presented to her. The walk was quite a walk, and the footsteps were a little slower before the "top of the street" was reached. Why Norton called it so, Matilda did not see. The street went on, far beyond; but they turned aside round a corner, and presently were at the place they wanted.

      They entered a nice quiet room, somewhat large, to be sure, and with a number of little tables set out; but nobody at any of them. Matilda and Norton went towards the back of the room, where it took an angle, and they could be a little more private. Here they took possession of one of the tables. Norton set down his basket, and Matilda took off her hat. Nothing, she thought, could possibly be any pleasanter than this expedition in which they were engaged. This was a rare experience; unparalleled.

      "Now what shall we have?" said Norton.

      "What can we have?" said Matilda.

      "Everything. That is, any common thing. You couldn't get dishes of French make-ups, I suppose; and we don't want them. I am just as hungry as a bear."

      "And I am as hungry as a bearess."

      Norton went off into a great laugh. "You look so like it!" he said. "But you might be as hungry as a bear; that don't say anything against your ladylike character. Though I always heard that she bears were fiercer than the others, when once they got their spirits up. Oh, Pink, Pink!" —

      He was interrupted by the waiter.

      "Now Pink, we've got to be civilized, and say what we'll have. You may have a cup of coffee."

      "Yes, I would like it, Norton."

      "And beefsteak? or cold chicken? We'll have chicken. I know you like it best."

      It was nice of Norton; for he didn't.

      "Buckwheats, Pink?"

      "Yes. I like them," said Matilda.

      "So do I, when they are good. And rolls, in case they shouldn't be. And good syrup – Silver Drip, mind."

      Norton gave his order, and the two sat waiting. Matilda examined the place and its appointments. It was neat, if it was very plain.

      "It's a good place enough," said Norton. "The country people come here in the middle of the day when they have driven in to Poughkeepsie to market and do shopping. Then the place is busy and all alive; now, you see, we have got it to ourselves. But anyhow, they have always good plain things here."