Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-04-01


there also, sewing by window, and In
her straight white dress with her hair
drawn back and braided around her
head, she looked even younger than be-
fore. There was no time for CONVERSE
ton. Miss Letitia launched at once into
the extravaganza of both molasses and
butter on the colored orphans bread,
and after glance at me, and quick
comprehension from my face that I
had no news for her, the girl at the
window bent over her sewing again.
'Molasses breeds worms" Miss lie.
titia said decisively. $50 does pork.
And yet those children think Heaven
means ham and molasses three times
a day."
''You have had no news at all?" Miss
Fleming said cautiously, her head bent
over her work.
None" l returned, under cover OF
the table linen to which Miss Letitia's
mind had veered. II have q good man
working on It," AS she glanced at me
questioningly 1T needed detective,
Miss Fleming" Evidently another day
without news had lessened her dis.
trust Of the police, for she nodded &C.
quiescence and went on with her sew
ing. Miss Letitias monotOnous mono.
logue went on, and I gave 1t such at
tention as might. For the lamps had
been lighted. and with every movement
OF the girl across, l could see the
cleaning of diamond on her engage
ment finger.
''If I didn't watch her, Jane would
ruin them said Miss Letitla. "She
gives 'em apples when they keep their
faces clean, and the bills for soap have
gone up double. Soap once days
enough for colored child. Do you
smell anything burning, Knox
I shifted and lied, whereupon Miss
Letitia swept her black silk, her color
ed orphans and her majestic presence
out of the room. As the door closed,
Miss Fleming put down her sewing and
rose. For the first time saw how
weary she looked.
II did not dare to tell them, Mr..
Knox" she said. "They are old, and
they hate him anyhow. couldn't sleep
last night. Suppose he should have
gone back and found the house
closed!"
He would telephone here at once,
wouldn't he?" suggested.
II suppose SO, yes" She took up her
sewing from the chair with sigh.
"But I'm afraid he won't come not
soon. have hemmed tea towels for
Aunt Letitia today until am frantic,
and all day have been wondering
over something you said yesterday.
You said, you remember, that you
were not detective, that some men
could take nineteen from thirty-fve
and leave nothing. What did you
mean?"
was speechless for moment.
"The fact is-I-you see" blum
dered, lit was a-nierely q figure OF
speech, a-speech Of figures is more
accurate" And then dinner was an
nounced and was saved. But although
she said little or nothing during the
meal, caught her looking across at
me once or twice In bewildered, puz-
zled fashion. could fairly see her
revolving my detestable figures IN her
mind
Miss Letitia presided over the table
in garrulous majesty. The two old Ia
dies picked at their food, and Miss
Jane had a spot of pink in each cheek.
JMargery Fleming made brave pre-
tense, but left her plate almost I'M
touched. AS for me, ate substantial
masculine meal, and half apologized
for my appetite, but Letitia did not
hear. She tore the board of managers
to shreds with the roast, and de-
nounced them with the salad. But Jane
was all anxious hospitality.
please do eat your dinner" she
whispered. II made the salad myself.
And know whatit takes to keep q
big man going. Harry eats more than
Letitia and together. Doesn't he,
Margery?"
Harry" l asked.
MRS. Stevens is an unmitigated
fool. said II they elected her presi-
dent I'd rot leave penny to the home.
That's why I sent for you, Knox" And
to the maid, Tell Heppie to wash
those cups in luke-warm water. They're
the best ones. And not to drink her
coffee out OF them. She let her teeth
slip and bit piece out Of one the last
time"
Miss Jane leaned forward to me
after smiling glance at her niece
across.
Henry Wardrop, a Cousins son,
and" she patted Margery's hand
with its ring "soon to be something
closer
The girls fact colored, but she re-
turned Miss James gentle pressure.
"They put up an iron fence" Miss
Letitia reverted somberly to her griev-
ance. when wooden one would have
done. It was extravaganza, ruinous ex-
travagance."
Harry stays with us when he is in
Manchester" Miss Jane went on, nod
ding brightly across at Letitia as II
she, too, were damning the executive
board. Lately. he has been almost all
the time In Plattsburg. He Is secretary
to Margery's father. It is position OF
considerable responsibility, and we are
very proud of him"
had expected something of the sort
but the remainder of the meal had
somehow lost its SAVIOR. There was a
lull in the conversation while dessert
was being brought in. Miss Jane sat
quivering, watching her sisters face
for signs OF trouble: the latter had sub