The Ordway new era., 1905-11-10
''Only Jim

oh. Aunt Ellen. is 1t really you?
Well, is is surprise, and you don't
know how glad am to see you" ex-
claimed Gertrude. as she opened the
door. do come right In. You must
excuse the way look" she continued.
apologetically. rs she glanced down
at her torn wrapper; i've been
bousc-cleaning this afternoon. and l
thought | wouldn't dress for supper.
MS long as there'd be only Jim. Wen
come right upstairs. and you can rest
while make myself respectable"
The elder lady followed her upstairs
to pretty. daintily furnished room.
There" exclaimed the young wife
as she set down her guests umbrella
and vallse. 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 ruiIled 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 1t right away"
II have n 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 l made the scarf and the pink
pin-cushion. His sister embroidered
that apple blossom pillow for me: che
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. ut which Gertrude. In n
pretty sprigged lawn dress. presided.
The beefsteak was done to turn. the
biscuits were deiicately Drowned. the
cutglass dish OF peaches was flankcd
by a pitcher Of rich cream. In the
center OF the table stood 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.
Ger,ie. with your hair all hufy. I
always liked that blue dress. and what
One supper you've gotten for us.
hasn't she. Aunt Ellen?"
| His wife flushed with pleasure at
the unwonted praise.
Il thought would get out all my
nice china and best tabiecloth In
honor Of auntie." she explained, "and
I found just few blossoms on the
sweet peas for n centerpiece. have.
mt had this china out for good while.
You see there's only Jim and the chill.
drer 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 postoHice for the mail.
Before go to bed, Gertie." said
her aunt. I'm going to get you to play
something for me. I always liked
your playing. Don't you remember
how did?"
Gertrude shook her head. "oh, /
can't play tune through now" she
admitted reluctantly: Il don't reall,
have time for my music. I'm sorry
too. frt Jim's real fond Of music. bu,
somehow I've gotten my hand out. sc
rarely touch the piano now. Yo,
see l Rave SO much sewing for the
children to do. and the housework, *
the tine goes"
The week Of Aunt Ellen's sta,
passed rapidly. and the day before
her departure she sat upon the piaxxs
assisting her niece In the task of darn
ing stockings.
well, Gertrude" observed the eide,
lady. as she critically examined a well
worn heel. you seem to be pretty vel
hxed. Jim Is q fine fellow, the chill
dreu are real good. and you've got ,
nice cosy little home"
There was NO reply, and she v.,
surprised to see q tear trickie do~,
. the young wife's face and fall NM,
the blue sock she was mending.
q why, what's the matter, child
Has anything gone wrongf"
"Oh, nothing" replied her niece
hastily. as she wiped her eyes. "rt'
. only. well. I've got = good notion /,
o tell you all about II. never me.n =
to tell living soul, but I'm not I'M
Il py. though ! suppose ought 70 be.
4 Why. what's the trouble. litti
|. giri?" -'s.'
Gertrude bent lower over her vorn
We'll. auntie, I've always said
hated jealous wife, and know ~
; loved me bstter than any one ~
Il Bat ha doenmsk a.>~. =. '----~ -
z y ssyles sas = !. hons any mofs, ~ ~