CHAPTER X.

SIBYLLA LINSABIGLER.

A very original character was Sibylla Linsabigler, who had been a
member of the Landis household several years. She was Aunt Sarah's
only maid servant, but she disliked being referred to as a servant,
and when she overheard "Fritz" Schmidt, as he passed the Landis farm
on his way to the creek for a days fishing, call to Mary: "Miss
Midleton, will you please send the butter over with the servant today,
as I shall not return home in time for dinner" Sibylla said, "I ain't
no servant. I'm hired girl What does that make out if I do work here?
Pop got mad with me 'cause I wouldn't work at home no more for him and
Mom without they paid me. They got three more girls to home yet that
can do the work. My Pop owns a big farm and sent our 'Chon' to the
college, and it's mean 'fer' him not to give us girls money for dress,
so I work out, 'Taint right the way us people what has to work are
treated these days," said Sibylla to herself, as she applied the broom
vigorously to the gay-flowered carpet in the Landis parlor. "Because
us folks got to work ain't no reason why them tony people over to the
Perfessor's should call me a 'servant.' I guess I know I milk the
cows, wash dishes, scrub floors, and do the washin' and ir'nin' every
week, but I'm no 'servant,' I'm just as good any day as that
good-fer-nothin' Perfesser's son," continued Sibylla, growing red in
the face with indignation. "Didn't I hear that worthless scamp, Fritz
Schmidt, a-referrin' to me and a-sayin' to Miss Midleton fer the
'servant' to bring over the butter? Betch yer life this here 'servant'
ain't a-goin' to allow eddicated people to make a fool of her. First
chance I get I'll give that Perfesser a piece of my mind."

Sibylla's opportunity came rather unexpectedly. The gentle,
mild-mannered Professor was on good terms with his sturdy, energetic
neighbor, John Landis, and frequently visited him for a neighborly
chat. On this particular day he called as usual and found Sibvlla in
the mood described.

"Good afternoon, Sibylla," said the Professor, good-naturedly. "How
are you today?"

"I'd be a whole lot better if some people weren't so smart," replied
Sibylla, venting her feelings on the broom. "Should think a Perfesser
would feel himself too big to talk to a 'servant'."

"On the contrary, my dear girl, I feel honored. I presume you are not
feeling as well as usual. What makes you think it is condescension for
me to address