Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-01-24
60 ERESA TIROWEN, whose |
Irish grandmother was also

our own, descended upon us,
some weeks ago, for her annual visit.
Jim says she is more like a real friend
than relation, and although, con-
trary to her usual custom, she had
notified us in this instance of her COM
Ing, he assured her that she was none
the less welcome for being expected.
"YOu do talk such nonsense, Jimy'
dubbed Teresa, happily as we escort
ed her into the sitting room. ooh,
how glad [ am to be here! How dar-
ling the old place looks! How cozy
and shabby"
''Be more tactful," Ted said, severe
~. And in the midst of her laugh
ing, Teresa sent him a little nervous
glance Of compunction. Poverty is
full for her Of vague and pitiful ter
rors.
Il don't care 1 love this ROOM"
she protested. "And you all look just
the same, only nicer. Ted, you are
terribly handsome in glasses. And
Julie, you little rose, how is Paul?
When is he coming? And here's my
all the neWsp'
And, finging off a coat that caused
me a painful wrestle with the last
commandment, and tossing aside a
hat that Ju, with a sharp sigh, carried
away, she took her old chair, held
her shining boots to the fire, and gave
a long sigh Of content.
''NO-no-I'm not tired" she pro-
tested, in answer to JUS hospitable
suggestions. ''Truly, I'm not-nor
hungry, either. That's it," as we
pulled our chairs into a ring, '1et's
talk. How are the Winchesters? And
do you see the Burleighs any more?
And has Jim really got the O'Connor
caseY
'"The Winchesters are away" said
I, "and we see the Burleighs very
often. We're all going there to some
sort Of party Friday night. You, too.
And Jim really has the case"
"And now, about you," said Ted.
''What spasm of charity made you
come so early this year? Confess,
Tessie. We know there's a reason.
Mary Jane here-the unspeakable
vixen-read you letter, uttered a sharp
groan and then, with an inscrutable
eye, announced your visit"
"Only that and nothing more?" said
Jim.
"And burned your letter." said
Julie, triumphantly.
MARY Jane is a duckp' said Teresa.
''That letter was only nonsense" Our
eyes met, however, and 1 saw in hers
a fine reservation.
"YOu are keeping the subject until
you two are doing your back hair, to-
night" Jim remarked, disgustedly.
''I wish you would get over that
silly masculine notion, Jim,' said Ju,
warmly. ''There is nothing so extreme
~ significant in ones doing ones
hair"
''Impersonal prOnouns are effective
said Ted, rapturously, behind his hand.
But every novelist" pursued Ju,
s'seems to feel quite triumphant if he
can only get his heroine that far. Then
the deepest secrets of her soul seem
to come naturally to her lips"
"Well, we will talk tonight, won't
we, Mary Jane?" said Teresa, inno-
Gently. At which there was a heart
less shout.
''You have not yet mentioned Mr..
George O'Reilley Winthrop, Tess"
suggested Teresa, briskly. 'He is
we'll. 1 haven't mentioned dad,
either"
'HOw is the rich uncle?" Jim asked,
dutifully. "And how did he happen
to consent to your coming-to see how
the other half lives? And when is
Winthrop going to earn a marriage
able salary?
Teresa's smile died suddenly. For
some reason conference deserted her.
"He-he-his plans are all" she
began, uncertainty. Then, abruptly:
"TelI me about the Burleighs party?
Am l asked? Are we all going"
Teresa, are you dissembling?" said
Ted, dramatically; "can you not be
rank with mer-mer child?"
At wish you wouldn't be such an
1iot," said Teresa. Her face was very
osy. And after an astonished mo-
lent Jim changed the subject again.
Didn't you say Paul was coming,