The four Corners in California

by Amy Ella Blanchard

"Well, we are not that," said Miss Helen with a laugh as she nodded to her sister, but in a private conference they decided that it would not do to give out the groceries and such things to this sensitive Chinaman, though it had been their custom at home to do so. "All of the man's references lay stress upon his honesty," said Miss Helen, "and I think we can risk it."

Li Hung, though not quite so capable as Ming, was nevertheless a good-natured, kindly-disposed fellow, willing to do his best which best was better than Mrs. Corner had found in her servants at home, so she did not regret Ming although a funny sequel to his leave-taking was discovered quite by accident.

"I don't see why Mrs. Butler's front door is never opened wide," said Nan one day. "I've noticed for a long time that when any one goes there the door is opened only a tiny crack."

"That reminds me," said Mrs. Corner, "I must send over some Maryland biscuits to Mrs. Butler; she was so kind when we first came and supplied us with so many nice things when we were servantless. She says she is very fond of beaten biscuits but has never had any out here."

So that very afternoon Nan was despatched to their opposite neighbor's. The house stood back some distance from the street, but its front door, draped with roses was plainly visible from the Corners'. Nan rang the bell and in a few minutes the door opened a few inches. Nan stepped inside. The man who opened the door retreated partially behind it. "Mrs. Corner sends——" began Nan, then she nearly dropped her plate in surprise. "Why, it's Ming," she exclaimed. "We thought you had gone to New York."

"Not yet. After while," he answered and bolted.

Presently Mrs. Butler appeared. Nan gave her message with the plate of biscuits and then said: "I was so surprised to see Ming, Mrs. Butler; we thought he had gone to New York."

Mrs. Butler smiled. "Why, did he live with you? I didn't know that," she said, "and I didn't know that he had a notion of going to New York."

"And he has been living here all this time," said Nan. "No wonder he never wants to open your door more than a crack." And she told their experience. "I wonder why he left," she said in conclusion.

"My dear," said Mrs. Butler laughing, "it was for nothing in the world but because you didn't have company enough. He told me he had left his last place on that account."