Middletown transcript., 1907-04-20
she could cook Il

1 v - ON~SO1OSy
and watched the pot, from which
rich odors began to rise. Then
she turned her attention to the !
fruit cellar.
Rene was very particular about |
her fruit. 1t was there ''for
show" Tom asserted in spleenful |
moments. There were yandal
hands upon it now. Two of the |
choicest jars and mold of jelly |
went to do honor to Ben's ma
jority.
Ben, meanwhile, was walking
soberly homeward. His heart
was heavy with the discourage
ment which falls easily upon the
young. How many times had he
plowed these fields How many
times gathered the harvests-for
others?
Tom had given voice to a
thought long dormant in his
mind. Why linger in the rut,
why go on as father and grand
father had done before him
There was youths natural long
ing for change, coupled with -si-
lent, soaring ambition. Who
knew to what heights he might
not climb? There was none to
care for him here, none save
little Florence.
o mother! he whispered, with
sudden sob. Mother!
Behind him merry "Hallo !"
from lusty lungs made him turn
quickly. Tom and three of his
friends were coming up from
town. One of them was the young
minister upon whom-Tom as
serted-Rene was casting gentle
glances.
Wait, Ben Tom called. Going
home +? So are we. The boys
and Mr.. Morgie are here to do
justice to Rene's cooking. Fly
up, and let's hear you crow
Ben colored under the tan of
past summers as he awkwardly
greeted his friends. A sinking of
the heart told him how little re-
lance he placed upon his sisters
promise. What if untidy hearth
and empty cupboard awaited
them
He was sullenly angry at Toms
rashness. The,moment gave him
| a flash of self-revelation. He was
| sensitive to the opinion of others;
he was proud.
If home is as Rene usually
keeps it, he thought, III teaUe 1t
foreUer!
Outwardly he was shy and
quiet. am glad to see you, boys,
he said. I'm not ready to crow
| yet-not till after dinner. Cold
Easter, Mr.. Morgie. Do you
think this snap has killed the
fruit ?
Florence had just completed
the preparations for her banquet
and was proudly surveying re-
suits when there came a great
stamping and laughing in the
hall. The boys-and thepreacher!
She peeped and retreated. de-
mure, maidenly figure with dan
cling eyes.
Tom stared. Where's Rene !?
he demanded. Not gone, has she?
Well! What have you for din
ner, Babe ?
Somewhat disconnected, he led
his guests into the parlor. Ben
| stood where he had paused. He
4
was looking at the table, inyit-
ingIy draped in snowy white,
graced by his mothers pretty,
old fashioned china and silver
Something unsteadied the hand
he extended.
Did you fix it for me, Babe? ? he
asked, and Florence nodded con-
fusedly, hanging her head.
I did the best / could, she fall
tered. I didn't think about com
pany, but just Of you.
Thank you, Babe. Let's think
of each other from now on /; shall
we I? I'll do my part by you and
father; I'll stand by you. Come,
give me a kiss for my birthday
The new cook looked up into
her brothers face. She saw there
something which made her shiver
rapturously. Ben was pleased
with her Ben was happy With
a glad little gurgle she went to
his embrace, pressing rosy lips
TO bis.
One for mother. she whispered.
Oh, how proud she'd be if she
could see you, really, truly man,
old enough to vote
Ben's birthday dinner was a
great success. Young people
are merry over little things, and
after her first confusion Florence