Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-12-06


had taken her departure. Il have a
little matter of business to discuss
with you
Gladys hated business. She looked
ruefully at her sons wife as with a
great rustling OF crisp skirts she took
a seat at small onyx table by the
window and produced number of
neatly folded bills and receipts, with
brand new account book whose pages
were headed by various names in
scribed in the plainest Of writing. and
followed by beautifully shaped figures.
Even on a check Gladys detested
figures.
Harvey and l were talking over
household matters last night, mother"
began Helen, in the concise tones that
so well matched her clear cut person
atty, land decided that in future 1t
would be best for us--you and me-to
examine the tradesmen's long-drawn
accounts every quarter"
"Why?' asked Gladys, evidently
disturbed by the suggestion. Il have
perfect faith in the people deal with"
Il know you have; too much. per-
haps. Our bills last quarter were very
high"
There were additional persons in
the house. Baby Harvey brought his
own court with him." said Gladys,
smiling However, l have no objec-
ton to you taking the accounts OF
Tomlinson never meddled with such
matters in my life"
THAT is really nothing to be proud
Of, mother" replied Helen, with
deprecating smile. LAS for Mrs. Tom
linson, how do we know she is not in
league with the tradesfolk? Such cases
are not unusual"
Il would sooner suspect myself than
Phebe," said Gladys, her soft voice
hardening. she has been in the fam
lily for over thirty years"
And So. If she takes what she con-
siders her commission, regards her
self safe. Really, mother"
ooh, Helen, l wish you wouldn't
call me that" cried Gladys, who found
her daughter-in-law's manner unusual
ly irritating.
why, how else should I address
you?" asked Helen, COMPRISING her
full red lips.
by my name, Gladys, or Madam
Gladys, if you like. Harvey always
called me so before his marriage"
"A mother should not be ashamed
of the proudest of all titles. / have
been taught to venerate my elders"
Gladys was an amiable woman, but
she had pretty ones vanity. At this
speaker she lost her temper.
Don't be absurd" she retorted
There Is no common sense reason
why a woman of your age should ven
crate one of mine. When you call me
mother you make us both appear ri
diculous. One should regard the fit
ness of things"
What shall call you them" Helen
steadily repeated.
Anything but that. Mrs. Atherton
will do If you really decline my previ-
GUS suggestion" said Gladys, careless
felt some pride in her new found cour-
age. And now 1 must ask you to
excuse me. / ride at three"
Helen methodically replaced her pa
pers in the account book.
Shall you have time to attend to
Atherton?" she coldly asked.
Gladys almost fiinched; the deliber-
ate utterance Of her name seemed like
a douche of cold water Before she
had time to rally her forces the door
was thrown open with the abrupt
spirit, and clumsily made woman Of
fifty, with keen, gray eyes and
shrewd, plain face, entered.
Now, now, now, Mrs. Harvey, what
are you worrying the mistress about?"
she asked, in a deep voice roughened
by a provincial burr. She's not to be
troubled with business
"Phebe, be quiet! I'm ashamed of
you!" cried Gladys, looking even more
disturbed than Helen, now covered
with angry confusion. MY sons wife
Is at liberty to do as she pieases in
these matters"
I'm not saying otherways; she's
welcome to all you have, no doubt;
it's her that complains of the leaks,
not me; but If she wants to stop them,
I'll show her where to begin Fruit
out of season, and wine and cordials,
soon count up to pretty penny"
you are insolent," said Helen, with
difficulty controlling her anger. You
must be aware that what send to my
father-most Of it would otherwise be
wasted-is for distribution among his
poor patients"