The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-04-15
Miss Penelope's Pension

~ y NAoAVH Z
seeReteNN>eNea%e&N4&eA%%3s
= don't see no cause for and why you
shouldn't hev a pension, Miss Penelope
There's a heap Of persons makes out
Aneir vouchers ez hasn't nigh 30 much
just claim ez you"
Miss Penelope always answered
70 that name. regardless Of being the
rei'ct Of Nathan Briggs and a widow OF
good standing made no answer at
nrst. She was occupied In casting on
the heel Of a stocking.
Marrying so late IN life, no one in
Canaan could get out OF the habit Of ad-
dressing her as Miss Penelope: SO Miss
Penelope she remained. both before
and after marriage. She was a faded
little old lady. with soft eyes and a pa
thetic dr0op TO the corners Of her
mouth. These anxious curves were ac-
centuated now as she dropped her knit
ting 10 her lap and glanced up a little
deprecatingly.
i hadn't thought OF it," she com
menced.
Well you jess oughter." broke in
her companion yolubly. TITS a sin and
shame to let money 80 TO waste as
blongs ter you by good rlghtsl Why,
there's Seth Sawyer claimed he he'd a
eunehot In the knee-hed doctors
E certificate made out an all that; but
s Warmer Jones sez he got It pilferin' a
. hen roost-he was with him when he
done Il. OF course he can't come for
Ward and testify, fur he'd be defamin
. uv his own character An Hannah
Pratt-she that wuz a Winslow-draws
her stiperd. reg'lar; though everyone
knows Stephen Pratt never went inter
the war tell 'twuz nigh on over, an
died Ia his bed al his allotted time. No
one can say that Of your claim. Pene-
hope. It's all open and above board"
A tender smile wreathed Miss Pene-
lopes lips as she lifted her eyes to the
opposite wall. where a sword and KNAPP
aack we're suspended.
Yes, Nathan he fit in three battles
Shllo, Manassy and the Wilderness.
ne wuz took ter the hospittle arter the
last one, an that's the only bit NV in
formation / could scrape up Couldn't
make out, even. where he wuz buried.
corporal Brent. he brought me them
things back; found EN- on the battle
held"
"A tear stole down the wrinlKled cheek.
'Twuz a grlevous loss. Sister Pene-
0pe. That's the way I look at 1t.
Y0u've give a life to your country. an
bow It owes you a recompensation."
Mrs. Bracket leaned back after this
.latement, and looked at her friend as
dofying her to deny the allegation.
The bereayed widow shifted uneasily
lnder that steady gaze. The remark
bile flow Of language confused her.
"It never seemed 'zactly right" she
entured, timidly. ELDER Little use
Ter 60 on awful 'gainst insurance.
Pears ter me this is bout the same
hlng2'
Elvira Bracket shifted eontemptu-
usly.
esakes allvel The quicker you get
hat notion out yer head the better.
'ou don't hear no sech talk nowadays
the pulpit Times hev changed. Be
des. you've got ter look out fur yer
elf Think NV havin SO o month,
ldes the arrears. Uncle Sans a good
urvider"
Miss Penelope made no rejoinder to
bis. but turned the heel Of her stock
is meditatively. Perhaps awe OF FL
Ira Bracket restrained her from an
ben expression Of her views. for Mrs.
rackett's mother was a Peterson. To
ave emanated from such a stock was
brand of nobility. One Of the Peter
ins had borne the title Of circuit
dee. All had held Offices Of respecta-
llty
Mrs. Brackets sisler's husband was
prosperous plumber. They lived in
city. and Elvira paid a yearly visit
her klnfollzs, returning from each
IS il an elevated and instructive
ame Of mind. Elvira was a born man
.er SO now. when she leaned forward
fh an air OF settled determination,
IS Penelope sank back In her chair
~ much the sensation Of a fy in a
dcr9 web.
ATS all very well. Elivra went on,
an emphatic tone OF voice. 10 be In
pendent when you're young an spry,
can look out for yourself, but now,
Is old age staring you in tho face.
slightin' NV Providence. that's /
at II bet We wuz talkin' it over at /
sewing circle last Wednesday. Han
1ewett said she heard you hadn't
to meelin' since last July cause
hadn't q decent pair nv shoes ter
al Now. Mas Penelope, you know
81 The Bible says about hidin yer
nts IN q napkin. Ef hevin hus-
1d fhel fl = three battles isn't q
tnt dont know what isi'
Iv|rn's arguments we're not exactly J