The Holbrook news., 1910-02-18


 also Mrs. Cox's opinion on the sub ject.
 Behind the speaker stood two ladies who had long ago been members of the aid society. They raised their eyebrows at each other, having heard Mrs Cox make these remarks for years. but at Mehitable's confident re- ply they fell back astonished
 Yes. she goes out of office at our next meeting. She certainly has work ed hard and has earned a rest, and it's time she took it.
 The two former members departed speedily, and called on other former members.
 Later in the day Mrs. Cramer swept into the postofflce, indignation written on every feature. q won't stand it any longer!" she stormed. 'I work ed at those sandwiches with all my might. and now I hear Mrs. Cox is supposed to have done 'em all. I nev- CT could make sandwiches fast, but could decorate the tables beautifully If ever I got chance! I'm not going to an aid society again.
 Irene Hazlitt, who had been talking in low tones to Miss Mehitable, offered no remonstrances as she departed, but the postmistress laughed easily, mere ly responding, "Oh, you'd better at tend our next meetingi"
 Whether or not there was to be special attraction at the next meeting Mehitable did not state to Mrs. Ora mer, but to little Mrs. Boltwood later in the day the postmistress maas sum- dry statements which caused her call CT unbounded astonishment and no lit tie fear.
 Yes, I'll do it," she gasped, but my voice will shake awfully, and how will Irene dare? I should be so scared I'd faint right away. She must be brave. No. I'll not open my mouth about it," and she departed, smiling.
 few days later Mrs. Mclean ran and to her Miss Mehitable presented a paper the contents of which caused her customer to scowl.
 "A present for Mrs. Cox! Of all thingsl No. I don't want to give to- ward it. but I suppose I must. Who ever started such thing?" Mrs. Mo Lean ungraciously added her name to the list already on the paper.
 Miss Mehitable smiled and evaded the question.
 On the first Tuesday in August, there assembled in MT. Cox's parlor an unusually large number of ladies' Mrs. Cramer changed her mind and was there, led on by an unbelievable report which had been whispered about That same report had drawn half a dozen of the old members back, among them the two who had been in the postofice the morning of July 5th
 Miss Mehitable was there, calm as usual, but little Mrs. Boltwood looked unaccountably frightened. Irene Haz- lit came late. and on the spare bed where the hats were laid, she placed a large, heavy bundle.
 Mrs. Cox flew around a not kitch- | patient martyrdom. She made a spe- cial point of not sitting down once during the afternoon until she sank into a chair in the parlor after tea | and called the meeting to order-and | also made a special point of letting | every one present know how long she | had been on her feet.
 There were two important matters | of business to come before the meet | ing, the arrangements for the Har- vest Home supper in September and the election of officers.
 The latter, according to Mrs. Cox. was of more importance, especially the choice of president. Here she drew down the corners of her mouth and tyrdom. Its an office beset with diff culties and work" she said, solemnly, and I trust that during the ensuing year you will have a president able to do more and act more wisely and be more efficient than your president of this year.
 It was her usual speech for cleo tion occasions, but it did not meet the usual response Before she had ceased to speak. Irene Hazlitt was on her feet. Mrs. Cox acknowledged her cold ly, Irene being still in disgrace.
 This year." Irene began, pleasantly. "it seems to me only fair that we put aside the question of efficiency. and consider only the express wishes of one who has served this society as its president so many years. I feel that 1t Is our duty to respect the firm decision which Mrs. Cox announced at our last meeting. and which she has been repeating to individuals ever since. AS she has just said, the office she now holds Is beset with difficulties and work. That We know, and we know also that Mrs. Cox has borne these burdens for ten years
 Irene stopped. reached behind her chair, and raising a beautiful silver