The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1907-08-31

O. furn't ure, an the .three-ply carpet"
said Mrs. Hubbell, bringing the words
out very slowly, in order to gradually
prepare her daughter for the stupen'
dous announcement.
well, ma, I guess you're right"
said Mrs. Stebb, as, after thinking the
matter over for moment, her face
Frightened; Il had sort O lotted on
that set, but Louisa does need it
good deal more than I'm likely to for
years to come
you're a good girl, Janey; there
isn't selfish hair in your head" said
Mrs. Hubbell, approvingly. "You must
be sure an hev Simon wrap it up very
CAREFUL an don't start it off till l
write fur you to; I want to wait till
get good chance to s'rpise LOUSY.
For several weeks after Mrs. Stebbs
return home, Mrs. Hubbell watched
and waited in vain for favorable op-
portunity to put into execution her
project for surprising her daughter
ln-law At length one day John came
to his mother and said that Louisa
was about to make a short visit to
sister.
Mrs. Hubbell, senior, gladly assum-
ed authority over her sons household,
and congratulated herself upon the
opportunity thus presented for the car
rying out of her plans.
"Nothin' could "a suited me BETTER"
she said to herself in great delight, as
on the day after her daughter-in-laws
departure, she wrote to Mrs. Stebb an
account of the situation, and request
ed that her gift be sent on without de-
lay
In few DAYS Mrs Hubbell received
from Mrs. Stebb a notification that
the furniture was on it's way.
John" she said to- her son at
breakfast, on the day on which it was
to arrive, fancy has been sendin' me
some things from home, an James
writes that they're goin' to get here
to-day, an I wish you'd send a good,
stiddy man from the store to help me
with 'em. They're heftier than me
an Katy can manage alone"
very we'll, mother, will send Muir
ply; he is a strong, accommodating
young fellow" said John.
Murphy, accordingly, soon made his
appearance, and scene Of great &C.
lively ensued. Katy was summoned
from the kitchen to help.
All was ready, therefore, for the
furniture when it arrived, and as it
Il in
Hubbell's mind was greatly relieved,
and she carried forward the work Of
refurnishing the parlor with much en-
thusiasm.
On the day upon which Mrs. John
was to return, Mrs. Hubbell not only
busted, but thoroughly swept the par
lor, and then she arrayed herself in
her best cap and dress, and awaited
Mrs. Johns return.
Here they be-" she exclaimed, as
Johns latch-key ratified in the door;
| and fastening down, she met Mrs.
John in the hall. After short rest
Mrs. Hubbell escorted her son and
his wife into the parlor and explained
what she had done.
"You dear, kind mother!' said Mrs.
John, as with lips twitching strange
ly she impulsively embraced the old
lady; ''how funny-I mean, how good
of you!"
eyes, mother, it was generous and
good of YOU said John, as he vigor-
ously pulled his mustache.
"Well, I'm glad you like it," said
Mrs. Hubbell, much gratifed at these
expressions Of appreciation.
But, mother" said Mrs. John, after
a moments hesitation, Il really don't
deserve either your praise or this
this beautiful furniture.'
"Why don't you?" inquired Mrs.
Hubbell, in much surprise.
because our furniture was not
poor, mother dear, and so there was
no merit in my putting up with it, :"
said Mrs. John very humbly.
wasn't poor!" repeated Mrs Hub
bell, in increased establishment
! mo, mother, it was only fashion
able,' said Mrs. John, who by this
time could no longer control her ris-
abilities, and burst into a hearty
laugh, in which she was joined by her
husband.
"Fash'nable!" echoed Mrs. Hubbell,
as she threw up her hands and looked
very blank
Eyes, mother, they were all fash
ionable,' repeated Mrs John: "the
faded carpet was a Persian rug, and
cost great deal Of money And the
platters and plates mother dear, were
plaques, and made to hang on walls"
Mrs. John went on
Dear me, an I had Katy pile 'em
on the top shelf O. the. pantry!" said
Mrs. Hubbell; 'an' the sideboard, I
suppose that was fashionable too
THAT wasn't a sideboard, mother"
said Mrs John, laughing, lit was a
cabinet, and the dishes in it were very
rare and expensive"