Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-08-21


 explained to his wife, who was indig nant with him. "She--she is . mys. tery."
 "A heaven-sent one" declared the lit tie wife, wearily. John, dear, I'm SC tired and-frightened"
 With the coming of the baby Cynthia redoubled her exertions. She seemed to know all about 1t. and, as the nurse said, the baby took to her." This nurse was an opulent-looking, Mrs. Gamp-like sort of person, whose prevailing charac- teristics were red nose and a smell of peppermint. Three weeks after the birth of the baby Cynthia ordered her out of the house, for she had discovered Mrs. Patterne crying herself into mysteries.
 "I-I'm afraid of her, sobbed the poor little woman. I'm sure she gives baby things to make him sleep"
 Well, I'll give him things to make him sleep" said the undaunted Cynthia. wholesome things"
 The next afternoon she found Mrs. Patterne almost angry wiwth her hus- band
 Because you do such lot he doesn t realize how overworked you are," she said, grossly.
 'Overworked! Not bit of it. Feel my biceps. What is the trouble? Can't l put 1t right?"
 T don't like to impose upon you.'
 Cynthia began to play with the baby. Out with it. What is it?'
 "J-john has invited man to dine and stay the night"
 Well, why shouldn't J-john?"
 "As if you hadn't such lot to dol"
 Don't mind in the least. One more man doesn't make much difference. If 1t were woman she would be much more critical"
 T hate to impose on your good na- ture."
 That's all right. What shall get for dinner? And who is the man."
 "Panton, young army man who used to read with John. He went out to South Africa and has only just landed. John is so fond of him that he wired to him directly he heard the steamer was in"
 Quite right, too" said Cynthia, flush ing little. q haven't had time to see to-day's paper. I'll have look at it." She went downstairs and picked up the paper. Yes. "Parkworth, Pepper ton, Panton." She gave little gasp, pulled herself together and flew upstairs to get his room ready.
 Stay a week-a month-a year, till you get over that wound," said Rev John. with more animation than Cyn- thia had ever heard him show.
 Then there came another voice, sad thin, hollow Thanks, old man. but I must be off in the morning to look for some one who"
 "Milly," said Rev. John, here's the boy at last Panton. you've never met my wife and-and the baby"
 "I'll fetch him." said the proud young mother, tripping gayly away.
 She found Cynthia in the dining room, hand to heart, straining her ears for the sound of Panton's voice.
 ''Is that-is that the one?" Mrs. Pat terne faltered.
 Wees"
 Isn't your proper place in the kitch- en?" asked Mrs. Patterne, icily, and Cynthia, crushed for once, indignantly swept by the ungrateful woman for whom she had done so much.
 She flung herself, heartbroken, into . chair. And after all their silly misun- derstandings they might have come to- gether again! The pity of it!
 Suddenly she heard Mrs. Patterne's voice.
 This way. Capt. Panton, this way. You'll be astonished when you see" The door opened and
 "Cynthia!"
 "Dick!"
 They were in one another's arms. "I'll bring the baby-presently." said Mrs. Patterne. hastily shutting the kitchen door from the outside.