The four Gerton girls were all good-looking; indeed, the three younger ones were beautiful; while Annie, the oldest, easily made up in capability and horse sense what she lacked in looks.
A young chap, very eligible, called on the girls frequently, but seemed unable to decide which to marry. So Annie put on her thinking cap, and, one evening when the young chap called, she appeared with her pretty arms bare to the elbow and her hands white with flour.
"Oh, you must excuse my appearance," she said. "I have been working in the kitchen all day. I baked bread and pies and cake this morning, and afterward, as the cook was ill, I prepared dinner."
"Miss Annie, is that so?" said the young man. He looked at her, deeply impressed. Then, after a moment's thought, he said:
"Miss Annie, there is a question I wish to ask you, and on your answer will depend much of my life's happiness."
"Yes?" she said, with a blush, and she drew a little nearer. "Yes? What is it?"
"Miss Annie," said the young man, in deep earnest tones, "I am thinking of proposing to your sister Kate - will you make your home with us?"
