Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-03

write fur you to; I want to wait till l I'get good chance to s'rpise Louisy
 For several weeks after Mrs. Stebb's
 return home, Mrs. Hubbell watched
 and waited in vain for favorable op'
 portunity to put into execution her
 project for surprising her daughter.
 in-law. At length one day John came
 to his mother and said that Louisa
 was about to make short visit to a
 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 l on the day after her daughter-in-law's i departure, she wrote to Mrs. Stebb an
 account of the situation, and request i ed that her gift be sent on without de- lay.
 , In a few days Mrs. Hubbell received from Mrs. Stebb notification that the furniture was on it's way. "John," she said to her son at i breakfast, on the day on which it was to arrive, "Janey has been sendin' me some things from home, an James | writes that they're goin' to get here to-day, an wish you'd send good, stiddy man from the store to help me with 'em. They're heftier than me an Katy can manage alone"
 Very well, mother, I will send Mur. phy; he is strong, accommodating young fellow" said John.
 Murphy, accordingly, soon made his appearance, and scene of great ac- lively ensued. Katy was summoned from the kitchen to help.
 All was ready, therefore, for the furniture when it arrived, and as it did so in excellent condition, Mrs. 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 dusted, but thoroughly swept the par Tor, and then she arrayed herself in her best cap and dress, and awaited Mrs. Johns return.
 Here they bel" she exclaimed, as Johns latch-key rattled in the door; and hastening down, she met Mrs. John in the hall. After a short rest Mrs. Hubbell escorted her son and his wife tnsp 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!"
 "Yes, 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 gratified at these expressions of appreciation.
 But, mother" said Mrs. John, after a moments hesitation, T 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 astonishment.
 No, 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.
 Yes, mother, they were all fash ionable," repeated Mrs. John; "the faded carpet was a Persian rug, and cost a 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 sideboard, mother" said Mrs. John, laughing. it was a cabinet, and the dishes in it were very rare and expensive"
 Well, never!" exclaimed Mrs. laughing too, for by this lime the humor of the situation had | partially overcome her modification; | I thought you'd put 'em in there, be- cause they was odd pieces that do fur the table We'll" con. inued Mrs. HubbeIl, laughing again, the long an short of it is, I've made m old goose O myself, an the best hing can do now is to send my fur l'ture right back to Janey. If fash ons has changed so here, they'll be ,hangin' there before many years, an he may as well hey the good of it, m take what she's got for her settin- oom."
 And so Mrs. Hubbelrs best set anne, after all. into the possession of Irs. Stebb. who received it gladly. Fashion or no fashion" she said to Ter husband, 'Td a good deal rather ave it than all the things in Louisa's arlor put together"
 Just so" said Mir. Stebb, approv- 1gly; 'and," he added, with a twinkle n his eye, If fashionable company ones and hints at wanting odds and