Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1901-10-10
A Lesson From
Brother Tom.
FIT CANNOT understand what has
channod NoI:a-a
By Agnes Louise Provost.


fl CANNOT understand what has
L changed Nellie So"
Mrs. Howard spoke in troubled
tones, her eyes on her daughters
empty place at the table. Her hus-
oand shook his head. He was getting
q tribe impatient with Nellie. Tom
finished his second plate of griddle-
cakes and intimated that he could
dispose of a third. Then he an
nounced his views On the subject:
Now, mother, there's nothing the
matter with Nell but pure airs. She
has been away to school these two
years, and last vacation she travelled
with Aunt Nell and was waited on I'M
TIL she was completely spoiled. Now
feels a little too large for the
house. This morning she's late for
breakfast again, and when she does
come trailing in she'll have on that
dressing-jacket thing that looks like
a bath-robe cut in half. 1t gives me
the blues to look at it. 1 hate those
foppy things! 1 suppose she doesn't
think it's worth while to dress up and
be entertaining at home"
Now, Tom, dear!" admonished his
mother gently. you must net be I'M
charitable with Nellie. Remember
that she has studied hard this year.
We will give her a chance to rest and
I think she viii soon come back to
her old self"
Tom shook his head unconvinced.
He was a lively young gentleman
Just returned from his sophomore
year at college, and his patience with
his sisters new attitude was limited.
Its a good thing to vary brain
work with physical exercise" he sug-
gested wisely. "She crawls down late
mornings, and if there is anything
she might do round the house, she
half does it and forgets the rest, or
else she gets a headache and can't
do anything. But she can spend hours
writing fat letters to those girl
friends of hers. When the Ellis boys
come you'll see her down stairs early,
either"
Tom, be careful"
Mrs. Towards word of warning
came just in time. The dining-roon,
door opened and Nellie entered, look
ing a trife sleepy about the eyes.
Her hair was combed somewhat less
carefully than for more public occa-
sions, and she wore the short, vol
luminous dressing-sack which was
Toms pet abomination.
"Good morning!" she said, smiling,
but stopping to cover a bit of a yawn
with her hand. Tn sorry I'm so late"
Nellie had been sorry a good many
mornings since her return, but her re-
greet had not carried her to the point
of prompt attendance. She was a
plump, pretty girl, with a face usual
ly sparkling with animation; but
lust now she looked rather l~istless,
perhaps a trihe bored. Formerly she
had found it a pleasure to exert her.
self TO entertain her own family. Mrs.
Howard, with a mothers charity, had
been attributing her lack of anima-
ton to delicate health, but had been
SLOWLY forced to admit that when
strangers were with them, her young
daughter was as bright and charming
as ever. Doubtless Nellie herself had
little idea of how far she had let her
self drift into this Indifference.
There was a letter at Nellie's place,
and as she opened and read it she
gave an exclamation of pleasure.
sob. how lovelyI 1t is from Jean
Fairfax, mamma, and she says h
can come. Saturday afternoon-that's
tomorrow. Why, that is when your
college friends come, isn't 1T Tom?
oh. I am so glad she can come! She
is such u dear!"
Nellie sat up straighter and evinced
considerably more interest in life. but
Tom. gravely finishing his coffee, ap-
parentfy forgot to answer her ques-
fion. His critical eyes roved severe
Iy over the wi~de-spreading little dress
inp-sack. which ended a few brief
;nches below his sisters naturally
trim waist. and Mr.. Howard, watch
mo him. smiled significantly across
the table at his wife.
After breakfast Tom hunted up his
mother as she was busy about her
household duties.
SNOW" he said. 'if you have a lot
4o do. make Nell work. l hear her at
tba niano this minute. On, yes, L
rnov she doesn't mean anything, out
;+,s b;oh time she did mean something.
Sbe1l all right, really. only she's care
less and spoiled. and you always did
LET ms impose on you.
Mrs. Howard shook her head and
smiled. but she loved n affection
ately scolding tone which her Dlg
son occasionally adopted toward her.
Tom had not finished yet.
.sNow. mother, let's make a bargain
uaor bright. If I undertake to cure
In with heroic treatment, viii you
"a .hat and encourage my n~efarious
o-l.n,es9 You needn't do much; just
stand by me. For instance l didn't
ss11 hsr but | have received word that
che EMS boys win get here late to-