The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-04
THE BEST OF INTENTIONS
BY HORACE SEYMOUR KELLER.
(sopyright, 1903, by Daily Story Pub. Col

(sopyright, 1903, by Daily Story Pub. Col
 When John, the young farmer. mar
 ried, he told his wife to be kind to his
 mother, to save her all the steps she
 could and to make the old lady's life
 as easy and comfortable as possible.
 Mother" he added, "has been a hard
 wording woman all her life. She. has
 brought up large family, and noT "
 is no more than right that she sronlo pass the rest of her days at rest. S~<
 was always the first up in the morning
 and the last to retire at night. She Is
 getting pld now and not so spry as she
 was. R&st and comfort should be her
 portion fin life from this out; she certain
 ly has worked to this end-rest.
 ''Never fear, John. I shall take de-
 light in waiting on her and doing all
 can to make 1t easy for her. You need
 not worry on that account; l shall at- tend to all her wants, save her steps, and care for her, dear mother!"
 No doubt the young wife meant 1t all
 when she said it. She immediatelyb be- gan to save Johns mother steps that very day. When it approached the din- the kitchen door she was met by her new daughter-in-law who smiled sweetly and said:
 Now, mother, don't you stir a step. fret and worry about meals and such
 You are to take things easy and not to from this out. I told John was going
 to save you steps"
 q know you mean to be kind to me-;
 but you see I don't want anyone to
 save me steps. I've worked so long
 that I can't get along, my dear, with
 out something to do. I've been in the old kitchen so many years I can't stay
 out of 1t when meal time comes"
 Yes, but that's all over now, mother. am going to do all the work now, and you are going to take nice rest
 and be easy, seer"
 But Johns mother failed to see or
 to understand why she must keep away from her kitchen, especially at meal time. She stood for a moment looking
 on the fresh strong young woman be- fore her-and debarriilg her from the
 kitchen. That kitchen had been her stronghold and prized paradise for so many years. There she had reigned queen. and been mistress when John coaxed for sugar cookies, long before he knew such a fine and strong young creature as this. The quiet air of patronage and well-meant kindness stung the old mother to the quick, and she ut tered firmly: My son means we'll. only he does not know, you see. So do you mean well, only you do not understand, dear. I must help work in the kitchen" She started forward only to be confronted by a pair of uplifted hands and a face filled with the smile of kindness. The | new wife said:
 "No, you are to drudge and work in | that room no longer. You have been
 busy for many years. Now you must | sit down and take things easy. Please sit in your nice rocking chair and be comfortable, mother. I want to show l John that I can make you easy and | comfortable, mother"
 The old lady was gently pushed into | her chair by the fire-where she sat
 while strange thoughts ran riot through
 her brain. She was positive that her
 sons wife meant it all for the best, | and in kindness and out of great re- gard But was 1t wise? Her hands and muscles had been so tireless all these years-was it wise to stay them from steps of love and working? Her brain had been so eager to command every bone, nerve, limb and throb of the heart -ah! was not her own son doing her | great injustice by ordering rest now? The noise and hustle in the kitchen came to her ears like music-only she wished
 she could be among it all. Suddenly the dinner horn sounded to call the men | folks. Her eyes frightened and she started from her chair toward the door. | Then she halted and stood still with up-
 lifted hand and a troubled look on her l face.