The Holbrook news., 1910-01-07

When Tom Merton was approach
 ing q years of age he suddenly be
 came very "dressy" He favored hos
 iery of violent hues, with neckties to
 match and he let 1t be known to his
 mother that the next time he bought new suit of clothes, he preferred to select it himself instead of leaving the choice to her, as he had always done before
 Mrs. Merton was good-natured about Toms sudden show of independence. as she was always good-natured about everything. and this happy disposition had preserved her youthful looks and made her appearance fit her name, which was Rosie. Tom was born when his mother was little more than IS years old. His father was killed in an accident shortly after his son came Into the world. so Tom and his mother always had been very near to each other. When Rosie was widowed, she was left without money, but she was young and strong and hopeful, and after she recovered from the shock of her sudden bereavement there was never fear in her heart but that she could support herself and her boy. In this she was successful, and while there had been necessity for close economy. they had always had enough to eat and wear and a comfortable home to live in, though in the begin ming the home was only one room
 Save for her grief for her husband, Rose had never been unhappy. She made all she could out of every chance of enjoyment, and while she had never known any but simple pleasures she took from life every opportunity there was for a laugh or a smile. and she was quick to see these opportunities
 She had taught Tom that as soon as he had sufficient schooling he must work for his living, and this he be- gan to do even sooner than his mother was willing. Rosie was a good man. ager. and while Tom was still in his teens" they had paid for a cosy little home with a tiny yard at the side that was just big enough for a patch of flowers" and .'bit Of vegetable garden" as Rosie expressed it.
 What more could I want?" she said contentedly. With cur fine little cot tage, and with work for me hands and Tom. dear. for me heart. what could a woman ask better?"
 Rosie was of Irish descent and spoke now and then with a touch of Irish mannerism.
 It was not to be expected that so attractive a young widow as Rosie could go unsought in marriage. but the woman was absorbed in the mother and she discouraged matri- ,monial attentions and turned away from admirers. In spite of her deter imitation not to marry again, there was one who would not take mo" for a final answer. This was John Donnelly, man of strong and de- pendable character, who had known Rosie in her girlhood and, if the truth were told. for her sake had remained a bachelor. He stood by and bided his time. feeling sure that some day Tom would follow the way of youth and there would be some one to rival his mother in his affections. then. perhaps. John thought, he would have chance with Rosie
 How are you going to like being my husbands mother to some young snip of girl who's going to own Tom one of these days?" he asked Rosie. by way of warning her of what she might expect in the future
 Rosie was not inclined to do any bridge crossing. Its one word for me and two for yourself you're speaking. John Donnelly," she said
 Maybe so. maybe so." he returned, l but l tell you it's bound to happen" he insisted; how'll you like playing seccrd fiddle?"
 "PIl wait till it happens before I begin tuning the fiddle" declared Rosie.
 Her sense of absolute ownership of | Tom was so strong she could not l realize the possibility of having to