Middletown transcript., 1904-07-09

dry, light hair showed gray at the tenn
lples, and small bald spot sllene at the
top Of his head. He was only few
months older than his wife, thonsh one
would estimate his seniority tosbeat least
ten years.
/ A quick rush Of young feet on the
stairs came just as Mr.. Graves had helped
his wife. "That's Arthur mumbled
Kenneth, with his mouth full.
/ 'I'm SO glad he's come" said Mrs.
Graves, smoothly. II can't bear to
think of anyone eating cold dinners
Mildred, please see to jeans bib. Yoir
are just in time, Arthur dear; your
father will help you at once"
Mr.. Graves waited upon his Oldest son,
and then sat down-at last. He was
sure now that he didn't wantany dinner.
1t didn't matter if he meyer had anything
to eat again. He looked at the group of
bright young faces-Kenneth, the twins,
and Arthur on the right, Mildred, little
Jean, Gertie and Bess on the left, his
beautiful wife at the end-all radiant with
happiness and health. There were never
any Doctors visits at the Graves home.
All were laughing and chatting happily,
and eating witlr the hearty relish Of
healthy, normal appetites. ..
A waye of nausea swept over him.
What animal creatures they werel That
seemed to be all they thought Ola good
dinner. And that was his chief value
to provide the good dinner. How tired
he was, and how old he felt How hard
he had worked for them all, and how
little he had to recompense him. How
slightly he would be missed if he just
slipped out. His insurance would pro-
vide the good dinner, and things would
60 on just the same. His wife had al
bways ruled in everything. He could
remember but once that he had opposed
his will to hers. He recalled that in
stance now with a sense of satisfaction,
looking at Arthur's handsome face. He
was their first child. Laura had wished
to name him "Arthur Abijah'
Of her two uncles, both wealthy and
| childless. Robert had protested, yehem-
| emily and successfully.
Arthur is all right" he had said !;
sit is good name,. suggesting bravery
and gentleness but I'll never burden
child with the name of Abijah. He
| would never be called anything but
'Bige.'"
He was brought back to the present
| by stir at the table. Bess and Gertie
were removing the dishes and the meat
course. He felt too utterly weary to call
attention to the fact that he had had no
dinner. No one noticed; and the table
was cleared and the pudding and coffee
brought in.
"Hush!" exclaimed Mrs. Graves, rails
ing shapely hand to silence the chatter,
wasn't that the bell?"
lie me CO." cried Kenneth, eagerly.
"Don't, mamma" protested Gertie,
"he won't know what to say"
"Oh, let him co." said Mrs. Graves,
easily "it's not a caller at this time
probably the man with bananas. Tell
him l don't want any, Kenneth" she
called after the child, who was Chamber
ing up the stairs, using both hands and
feet to accelerate his progress.
She paused moment with the spoon
held aloft over the pudding, saying re-
fectiyey: eff it should be anyone COM
ing down, the pudding looks nicer before
it is touched"
''Loyely pud', mamma" cried the
irrepressible Gertie, and then stood
aghast, for Kenneth came in, leading by
the hand Miss Gregory-beautiful, rich,
fashionable
There was a scarcely perceptible pause
of CONSERVATION.
Kenneth insisted" began Miss Rreg-
ory, trife confused. Mrs. Graves rose,
to the occasion. "And we all second it,
she said cordially, and then added: "Here
is an excellent opportunity for you to try
one Of the puddings for which you know
l am famous"
Miss Gregory instantly perceived that
to accept the invitation as cordially as it
was given would be the most graceful
escape from rather awkward position.
A place was made for her beside Bess,
and the bright, laughing chatter went on
as gayly as before Arthur was longer in
regaining. his composure, and his height
ened cS lid not escape the watchful
eye of RoS.
"Art's dead gone on her." be remarked
in loud aside to Rollie. "She's fine
boat" said quick-witted Roilie, as if con-
tinuing conversation interrupted by
the entrance of Miss Gregory. 81 hope
you saw the launching, Miss Gregory.
We're all interested in boats, especially
Arthur and l."
Miss Gregory smiled charmingly on
the boy as she replied. She saw and un-
derstood it all. Even to Rollie's unfinch-
ing erectness under the vicious dig of
Rob's elbow into his ribs. and his COM
plete oblivion TO Rob's muttered, "Aw,
g'wan!'
Mr.. Graves was reused from second
period Of forgetfulness by Miss Gregory's
voice. ST came at this unreasonable
hour" she was saying. $50 that none OF
you might escape me. / want singers for
my pet mission concert. want your
fine contralto, Mrs. Graves, and Bessie's
lovely soprano. And can't you provide
a tenor?
"Arthur sings fairly good tenor, nsaid
Mrs. Groves, in an impartial tone.
"But, mother, protested Arthur,
father"
A significant look from his mother
silenced him.
'Did you bring the music, Miss Greg
ory?" she questioned suayely 1--WE might |
try it now"
"How good you are p cried Miss Greg