The midland journal., 1905-03-31
mrs. D0DD'S PERPLEXITY

and Mrs. Serena Dodd opened her
eyes. Il guess I'll get right up" she
thought. Maybe I'll get chance to
lay out some of them stripes before
breakfast"
She was a tall, portly woman and
moved slowly, SO that it took a long
time for her to dress; but when that
was accomplished, she set about max
ing her bed. AS she was putting the
finishing touches to this, the rising
bell rang, and the occupant of the
other bed in the room stirred sleepily,
and spoke in surprise:
why, Mrs. Dodd, aren't you up
early?" and as 1aer eyes fell on the
others completed task, "My! The
matron won't like your not airing
your bed longer
Mrs. Dodd snuffed ''She won't ever
know it if you don't tell her, Saman-
thy Wells"
"oh, sha'n't tell her." was the
hasty reply.
well, don't suppose you will. I
wanted to begin sewing my afghan"
Knitting was Mrs. Dodd's delight.
Therefore, when she mad been COM
missioned by Mrs. Waldron of the
board of managers to make an
afghan, she was jubilant.
Now don't send me any of those
fady colors,' she begged.
mo, indeed" answered Mrs. Wal
dron, and the gaily tinted woods that
were sent showed that she shrewdly
guessed the old woman,s preferences.
After the morning meal Mrs. Dodd
and Mrs. Wells returned to their
rooms. Mrs, Dodd sank into a chair,
painting.
Mrs. Wells eyed her disappearing
ly.
You're gaining fesE." she said.
"You eat too much"
Il s'pose do" acknowledged Mrs.
Dodd. Things taste awful good, but
do feel terrible logy today, some
how"
On recovering her breath, she took
the bright-colored rolls of knitting
from the bureau, and spread them
out on the white counterpane. 1t
was work of time to arrange the
colors in harmonizing rows, and then
all the inmates of the Home were in
vited in to give an opinion before
Mrs Dodd could begin her sewing.
Taken all in all, it was tlring
day, and when the clock struck nine
that evening, both old women were
glad to go to bed.
Mrs. Wells, being a nimble little
body, was soon in bed, while her
roommate still moved ponderousl7
about. She took off her cap and laid
it on the bureau, and unpinning her
breastpin, thrust it into her cushion.
Removing the counterpane, she fold
ed it and placed it on chair, turned
down blankets and sheet, and reached
under her pillow for ner night-dress.
1t was not there. She lifed the pill
low and felt vaguely over the surface
beneath it, but in vain.
Where's my nightgown?" she
cried, sharply.
Il don't know" answered Mrs.
Wells. isn't it under your pillow?"
mo, and if you've taken it for a
joke" irascibly continued Mrs.
Dodd.
"Of course haven't I guess you
made it up in your bed this morning" F."
"Oh, so | might. Mrs. Dodd strip
ped down the clothes from her couch,
but the missing article dia not appear.
Look under the mattress" sug-
rAs
member the day you put your petit
coat under the mattress?"
Il didn't turn it. was in such a
hurry confessed the searcher.
Mrs. Dodd began spleading up the
clothes, but Mrs. Wells -sprang out
of bed, saying, Let me take one side.
It doesn't seem, Sereny, as il you got
ahead much making thfs up fore
breakfast"
The rules of the mouse were
Lights out and inmates IN bed at
nine thirty" 1t was now ten minutes
later. and Miss Timpkins. the mat
ron, stood at the door.
whats the matter?" sic asked.
Mrs. Dodd did not speak. but Mrs.
Wells, who mad jumped into bed, SAID,
She's lost her nightgown."'
"Nonsense!" responded Miss Timp-
kins. you can't lose your nightgown
in a little room like this" She pick
ed up the pillow, looked under it and
into it, and with vigorous hand strip
ped the bed. saying, You've made it
up in the bed"
Mrs. Dodd opened her mouth to
speak. but Mrs. Wells shock her head
warningly.
You've turned it under your mat
tress, just as you did your petticoat
last month";" pursued the matron,
briskly throwing over the mattress.
e." began Mrs. Dodd; but look
from her roommate kept her silent.
1T isn't around your bed,' announc-
ed the energetic matron. and she gaz-
ed upward. as If expecting to see 1t
tho oofIfun