The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1901-01-11

ness.
Gladys took her meals in her own
rooms, and never left them except for
a daily airing upon the upper balcony
on which her side windows opened.
Phebe, in her pilgrimages back and
forth to the kitchen and pantries, saw
all that was going on and her face
grew grimmer than ever. But she
made no protest, and Helen, quick to
interpret any sign in her own favor,
decided that this was one of the in
stances when silence meant acquies-
cence. No doubt Mrs. Atherton had
thought everything over, and rather
than totally ALLEVIATE her boy, conclud-
ed to yield, at least in a measure, to
his just demands. Full surrender
would come later, when she realized
how tardy she had been in a matter
that should long ago have been adjust
ed. Naturally she found it hard to
acknowledge herself in the wrong; but
the Acknowledgement would surely
come, and when it did, even though
late, they must receive it very kindly
and generously, Helen told Harvey,
with the air of very good person
magnanimous enough to pardon very
bad one.
Helen, however, was not afraid OF
Tomlinson. nor of any living being.
To do her justice she had thoroughly
persuaded herself she was doing her
duty, and thus grounded, fatty refused
to surrender the keys.
when / have given an account OF
my stewardship to Mrs. Atherton,' she
said, II am sure she will give them
into no hand but her own. am ready
to see her at any time"
MY mistress isn't strong enough to
talk business just yet" said Phebe,
hastily. "As for the keys, I'm not par
ticular for a week or so. l can't be
much about the house until she IS
well on her feet again. The thing l
am particular about is to get her par
lor ready for her right away, and
want every servant in the house to
help me-"
"The room cannot be disturbed to-
day." said Helen, firmly. Il must first
make some suitable arrangements for
ry sisters"
She glanced at her husband, who
stood little aloof, looking as awk-
ward as men generally do when serv-
ing as a buffer for two angry women
did you not explain this to your
mother, Harvey?"
Fully; but my arguments failed to
carry weight" he answered with as
sumed lightness, hoping to win Helen
to a less determined mood. He knew
Phebe better than she did, and feared
serious trouble if the housekeeper was
defied. 81 think we must try and do
what the mater asks, sweetheart. She
is seldom eXacting, and the fancies or
an invalid should be humored."
81 have no patience with sick fan
cies; they are born Of weakness that
should not be encouraged. She de-
mands an impossibllity. In her weak
state she does not need the room. l
wonder at you, Harvey, for encourag-
ing her in such selfshness.
ooh, well, we'll, don't let us quarrel
over anything so trifing. No doubt
tomorrow will be soon enough to think
about it," he hastily replied, slipping
his arm about her shoulders and draw
ing her to him. She gazed affection
ately into his face and put up her hand
to meet his, her frown gone. He look
ed at Phebe, smiling persuasively.
I'm afraid this wilful girl must have
her way, Tomlinson. Won't you make
it all right with the mater? I'm sure
you can if you will.
To any other onlooker the matri-
monial tableau would have had it's
charm. 1t enraged Phebe. She was
| jealous of her mistress, pushed aside
and treated like child by this pre-
sumptous pair, who seemed to think
the world made for them and their
paltry love. She glared angrily at
them from under her shaggy brows.
rs that your last word, Mr.. Har-
vey?' she asked with ominous calm
ness. Then listen to me, both of
you. The rooms will be ready for the
mistress in just three hours. I'll give
the nurse and parlor maid half an hour
to take away their things. If anything
is left after that I'll throw it out of the
window-and you from the door If
you dare interfere!" she added to Hell
en-, who had started forward, hot
words on her lips.
"Tomlinson, what do you mean by
addressing my wife in that insolent
manner?" exclaimed Harvey.
What do you mean by disobeying
the best mother a son ever had, you
ungrateful boy?" she furiously return
ed. For that's all you are, though
you're nightly set up with having a
wife and baby. If you were a few
years younger I'd larrup you we'll for
your impudence. Get out of my way
you've hindered me long enough. As
for this woman, whose jumping jack
you are, she'll be dealt with later"
Phebe never gave Gladys the full
particulars of the scene that ensued;
but for once Helen had found her
match. and was forced to yield.
ssThouVb a. half killed her tn do II ["