Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-10-26
MOTHERS STORY.

UlU A1LN " ~ OAN 10
Mother always had insisted that there
was literary talent" in the family. We
knew that her mother, when a young
woman and before the cares of house
hold absorbed her attention, had con-
tributed to GOdey's Lady's Book. As
additional support to her assertion that
our family was gifted, mother, half
proud, half ashamed, and blushing like a
girl, once showed to me a packet OF
verses yelowed and ink-faded
your father wrote them" she whis-
pered Then she reverently tied them
up again, and laid them back beside an
other packet which, guessed, was COM
posed of some treasured letters dating
'.before we were married" Dear moth
er. what a sacred drawer that was.
With such genius apparent on both
sides of the family, beyond doubt spark
thereof must still be slumbering some
where ready to burst into flame.
When, on Monday morning in the
spring vacation, Beatrice, after lowering
irresolutey about me for a short time,
asked me to lend her my pearl-handled
penholder and my gold pen, following
this with the announcement that she was
going to write story, l was little sur
prsed.
1t seemed most natural that the torch
should be confined to Beatrice, for she
was the youngest of the circle, and
withal Il dreamy, romantic, but impetuOus
school girl. | gave her the pen, and also
the use Of my desk, and all the fools
cap paper she could find She shut her
self in her room, and | went down stairs
all aglow with citation and new-found
knowledge. 1t is no slight honor to have
an author in ones family.
Where is Beatrce?' inquired mother,
Il want her to go over to Mrs. Jackson S
for me-"
I'm go, mother" replied, quickly. Il
think Bee ought not to be disturbed.
She's writing story"
The information had due effect.
Mothers eyes sparkled and she caught
hold of my arm.
well, am glad" she exclaimed.
you know I've always said it was a
pity somebody in the family didn't try
it, it,, Then: in a mysterious whisper;
Il don't know-she didn't tell me-"
responded.
Anyway, she mustn't be bothered"
asserted mother. "Ill see that no one
goes upstairs this morning"
And forthwith she established herself,
with her sewing, where she could com
mand an unobstructed view of the stair
case.
She stayed there most of the time until
dinner, so that by noon the members of
the household, one by one had been in
structed and warned, and were in full
possession of the facts-with certain
admixture of fctiOn--for mothers pride
| slightly prejudiled her.
| When Beatrice appeared at dinner, she
was received with that respectful defer
ence which naturally is accorded an au-
| thor. No one spoke directly regarding
her work, but the atmosphere was full
| Of thoughts on the subject And when
Beatrice asked for coffee-of which she
was very fond-mother poured for her
from rotund little earthenware pot
What's that?' demanded Beatrice,
surprised.
Its breakfast food. dear" exclaimed
mother, rather alphabetically. 1T is bet
ter for you now, isn't it? It's recon-
mended as a brain food, you know"
Beatrice accepted the cup and gingerly
slipped its contents. How many times
had she voiced her disgust for what she
characterized "dish-water" drinks. But
for the present she submitted, and the
rest of the family looked on in solemn
approval.
Beatrice remained in her room all the
afternoon, while | did errands which she
ought to have done. Mother varied her
| vigils by divers fittings 10 neighhorS
houses. BY night ReatrceS fame huu
spread abroad. Mother had engaged to
let people innumerahle know when the
| Story was nuulSHtN. n lew persons
were of the opinion that Beatrice was
writing a book.
At teatime Beatrice descended rather
irritably. Mother observing this condi-
ton, kissed her lovingly and smoothcd
her hair. attentions which had the sig
niticance OF the rubbing down by
which athletes are fitted for their tasks.
We others gazed sympathetcally. We
realized that it must be a great strain
tc be an author
In addition to her breakfast food.
Reatrlce's exclusive dishes for tea in
Guided a nicely-browned square of fish.
Fish. of course, il is understood, is rich
in phosphorus. Beatrice. who dislikeS
fish. protested feehly: mother insisted
gently but firmly. Beatrice yielded 10
the Inevitable, and mother was happy as
child
That evening, according to mothers
instructions. the couch was left vacant
for Beatrice; and mere the young lady
repoSed IN state, pillows SolicitouSly ar
ranged by mother, and the remainder Of
the family grouped around at a respect
| full distance.
We sat by the light of CRATE fire
for the evening was unusually chilly.
We SIT III silence or chatted aimlesSly
but all were Surcharged with eagerneSS
to be Informed on a certain burning ones.
ton. Our thoughts muSt have reached
Beatrice for suddenly she said, in des.
peration:
Its nearly done"
1T couid only have one meaning
There was rustic of interest.
ing her hand.
What's it about?" hazarded father
boldly taking the decisive step.
oh. replied Beatrice, 'it's-it's sbout
an" WYNN
Yes. yes" cooed mother. hurriedly,
rs II fearful lest her protege shouid
over-cNert herself. And a very good
subject, too The dear gill i think
she ought TO 80 to bed now. 1t has
been long hard day for her"
.IhereurCn she bundled Beatrice. willy
nilv, oil 70 bed.
For breakfast our writer" was civ
en- under mothers direction, a heapine
saucer Of a certain cernnl Ind ,riHnir