The Grit-advocate., 1905-11-10
''0nly Jim''

Oh. Aunt Ellen, is 1t really you?
Well, is is surprise, and you don't
know how glad l am to see you," ex.
claimed Gertrude, as she opened the
door. do come right in. You must
excuse the way look" she continued,
apo!ogetically, as she glanced down
at her torn wrapper; I've been
hodse-cleaning this afternoon, and l
thought l wouldn't dress for supper,
as long as there'd be only Jim. Well
come right upstairs. and you can rest
while I make myself respectable"
The elder lady followed her upstairs
to pretty, daintiy furnished room
There" exclaimed the young wife
as she set down her guests umbrella
and valise, this is my guest ROOM
How do You like it?"
Her aunt surveyed the room ap-
provingly.
Very nice, indeed" was her com.
ment. "The pink paper is lovely, and
those ruffled curtains are as pretty as
can be. That's just what like, nice
easy chair and footstool, and I'm SO
tired I'll try it right away"
Il have a number of my wedding
presents in here" continued the
younger woman. "Jim's grandmother
gave me the hemstitched sheets and
pillow cases and shams. That Ma
donna over the bed I guess you re-
member. Lucy Wheeler gave it to
me. Those etchings were presents,
too. Uncle John gave me the rocker.
Jim bought the chiffonier last spring,
and made the scarf and the pink
pin-cushion. His sister embroidered
that apple blossom pillow for me: she
does such lovely work. Now I'll go
and dress. and you rest till supper
time, for there's an hour yet"
An hour later they sat at the sup
per table, at which Gertrude, in a
pretty sprigged lawn dress, presided.
The beefsteak was done to turn, the
biscuits were delicately Drowned, the
cutglass dish Of peaches was flanked
by pitcher Of rich cream. In the
center of the table stood a low bowl
Of pink and white sweet peas, harmon
izing with the delicate china.
Jim, as he took his place at the
head of the table, glanced at his wife
with mingled surprise and approba.
tiop.
How pretty you look in that dress,
Gertle, with your hair all fluffy.
always liked that blue dress, and what
q due supper you've gotten for us,
hasn't she, Aunt Elem"
His wife flushed with pleasure at
the unwonted praise.
Il thought would get out all my
nice china and best tablecloth in
honor of auntie," she explained, "and
l found just few blossoms on the
sweet peas for centerpiece. have
MT had this china out for good while.
You see there's only Jim and the chill.
dren at supper, SO it really isn't
worth while"
After the meal was over, the dishes
washed and the two children in bed,
the aunt and niece sat together on
the porch, while Jim excused himself
to go to the postofice for the mail
Before l go to bed, Gertie," said
her aunt, I'm going to get you to play
something for me. always liked
how did?"
Gertrude shook her head. "Oh,
can't play tune through now,' she
admitted reluctantly; 81 don't really
have time for my music. I'm sorry,
too, ft Jim's real fond of music, but
somehow I've gotten my hand out, so
l rarely touch the piano now. You
see have so much sewing for the
children to do, and the housework, SO
the tire goes"
The week of Aunt Ellen's stay
passed rapidly, and the day before
her departure she sat upon the piazza
assisting her niece in the task of darn
ing stockings.
well, Gertrude" observed the elder
lady, as she critically examined a we'll
worn heel, you seem to be pretty well
fixed. Jim is fine fellow, the chill
dren are real good, and you've got
nice cosy little home"
There was no reply, and she was
surprised to see tear trickle down
the young wife's face and fall upon
the blue sock she was mending.
why, what's the matter. child?
Has anything gone wrong?"
"Oh, nothing" replied her niece,
hastily, as she wiped her eyes. Its
only, we'll, I've got good notion to
tell you all about it. 1 never meant
to tell living soul, but I'm not hap
py, though l suppose I ought to be-
"Why, what's the trouble, little
girl?"
Gertrude bent lower over her work
well, auntie, I've always said /
hated Jealous wife, and l know Jim
loves me better than any one else
But he doesn't seem to care about
staying at home any more, and lots
Of times he goes over to the Deane's
to spend the evening. l can't go, for