The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-08-19

gerry slpped its contents. HOW many
times had she voiced her disgust for
what she characterized "dish-water'
drinks! But for the present she sub
mitted, and the rest of the family
looked on in solemn approval.
Beatrice remained in her room all the
afternoon. while l did errands which
she ought to have done. Mother varied
her vigils by divers fittings to neigh
bors' houses. BY night Beatrice's fame
had spread abroad. Mother had en-
gagged to let people innumerable know
when the story was published. A few
persons were of the opinion that
Beatrice was writing a book.
At tea time Beatrice descended
rather irritably. Mother, observing
this condition, kissed her lovingly, and
smoothed her hair, attentions which
had the significance of the rubbing
down" by which athletes are fitted for
their tasks. We others gazed sympa-
thetically. We realized that it must
be great strain to be an author.
In addition to her breakfast food,
Beatrice's exclusive dishes for tea in
cluded a nicely Drowned square Of
fish. Fish, of course, it is understood,
is rich in phosphorus. Beatrice, who
dislikes fish, protested feebly; mother
insisted gently, but firmly. Beatrice
yielded to the inevitable and mother
was happy as a child.
That evening, according to mothers
instructions, the couch was left vacant
for Beatrice; and here the young lady
reposed in state pillows sOlicitously ar
ranged by mother, and the remainder
of the family grouped around at re-
spectful distance.
We sat by the light of crate fire
for the evening was unusually chilly.
We sat in silence or chatted aimlessy,
but we were all surcharged with eager
ness to be informed on a certain burn
ing question. Our thoughts must have
reached Beatrice, for suddenly she
said. in desperation:
IT'S nearly done"
att could only have one meaning.
There was a rustic of interest.
Dear girl" murmured mother, strok-
ing her hand.
whats it about?" haZarded father,
boldly taking the decisive step.
"Oh" replied Beatrice, 'its-it's
about a man who's in love with-with
a woman"
Eyes, yes" cooed mother. hurriedly,
as if fearful lest her protege should
over-eXert herself. and a very good
subject, too. The dear girl. | think
she ought to so to bed now. 1t has
been long, hard day for her"
Thereupon she bundled Beatrice,
willy-nilly, off to bed.
For breakfast our writer" was
given, under mothers direction, heap
ing saucer of a certain cereal food
widely advertised for brain workers.
and as a remedy for nervous prostra
tration. l never had known Beatrice
to eat any such preparation, but what
she had been taking seemed to have
robbed her of her spirit. At any rate,
she sullenly drank and ate, as pre-
scribed, and fed to her room.
At noon she again was limited to the
training table," as we began to term
it. I never had seen mother so tickled.
l believe she was assured that already
Beatrice's brain was visibly enlarged.
All day it was: Charles, don't go
up stairs! You will disturb Beatrice"
Helen, be quiet. Don't you know
Beatrice is writing?" I'll get your
jacket for you, VIII. You might an
noy Beatrice" Even the doorbell was
muffled.
At tea Beatrice briefly announced:
"Ill read it to you tonight
cts done, them" inquired mother,
in an awe-triekEea voice
Beatrice nodded. F'''4qs.@ IlAfIsis @ssH,-
She did read it to us, and quite en-
tertaining we found it, dealing, just as
she had explained it, with a man who
was ''in love with woman" and the
narrowing things they endured before
they finally were united
What a world of tenderness and
pride was i'll that kiss with which
mother commended the author, at the
end.
The reading was followed by dis
cussion as to the periodical to be fav-
ored with this production.
At length the lucky publisher was
selected and in the morning, early, the
story was mailed.
81 wonder if they'll illustrate it," I
remarked.
"Of coursew said mother, quick as
fash, witheringly.
Now ensued a time of suspense. We
figured that it would take two days