The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1911-08-02
ADOPTING
CHUBBY
By LETTE WEBER

80
Chubby sat disconsolate on the
front stoop. On the other side Of the
street a lot Of boys were playing fire
engine-playing It with his express
wagon. too. but Chubby was not per
mitted to leave the yard and they had
grown tired OF FIRE district confined
to solemn circuit Of the hower-bor-
dered path.
Chubby had vaguely intimated that
presently Jane might come along with
hot gingerbread. hut they had not
listened to the suggestion.
II they say Chubby eating ginger
bread they were prepared to swarm
back again. but. in the meantime, they
preferred the opposite side of the
street, where Browns empty stable
made a splendid FIRE house. and they
could race clear to the corner and
back in answering an alarm.
Chubby's plump face was drawn
into the suggestion of a whimper as
he contemplated their treachery. But
he was too game to cry and presently
the lines relaxed and Sue Sanderson.
coming down the street. received
smile in answer to her greeting.
What are you doing here all
aione?" she cried briskly. why don't
you play with the other little boys,
Chubby!"
His under lip quivered a little.
They won't stay in the yard and ma
won't let me play in the street." he
explained. They we're here, but they
took my wagon and went away"
Sues face grew soft. Chubby's
mother was a woman famous in the
club world. She was too busy to play
with. her little boy. 1t was enough
that he had plenty OF toys.
She rescued the wagon from the
boys. but the desertion Of his play.
mates still grieyed Chubby and she
took the disconsolate little fellow in
her arms and. sitting down on the
steps, proceeded to tell him a fairy
story.
So interested did they grow in the
romance she was weaving that neither
noticed that someone had stopped out
side of the gate until. with a shout,
Chubby wriggled out Of her arms and
bumped down the steps to greet his
Uncle Harry.
Il came to see II Chubby wanted to
go for a drive" he explained as he
came up the steps with his small
nephew on his shoulder. Il don't like
to interrupt your visit"
Il just stopped because he seemed
so lonesome" she explained. The
boys had taken his wagon and were
playing with 1t on the other side Of
the street | was sorry for him and
was telling a story"
Tell It TO US both" the man plead
ed as he looked toward the buggy. 1T
will be a fine drive over to the lake
and back"
I'm sorry for the little fellow"
said Harry Kinsman, as they drove
slowly homeward. Il suppose II any
one told Nell that she was not a good
mother there would be mighty row.
but she is so occupied with her club
affairs that Chubby gets little mother
ing. | come around as often as can
and take him out but this has been a
redletter day with you along"
1T was very good OF you to ask
me-" she said. as she glanced down
at the little fellow sleeping with his
head against her shoulder.
Il did not know before that you
cared for children" he said slowly, as
his glance rested on her face. Some
how, I've always seemed to think Of
you as one Of the society butterflies"
"When you are in Rome" she quo
ted, lightly.
That's So" he admitted, wonder
ingly. Il suppose it's because I've
only met you at teas and things. But
when came up the walk this after
noon your face looked like a madon-
mas"
The madonna of the marcel waveT"
she asked, with a little laugh. I'm
afraid that was not dressed for the
part"
Il didn't see your hair or your
clothes" he denied. 81 only saw your
face and wondered how # would seem
to Chubby II he had a mother who
could look like that"
You are unfair to your sister," she
protested. Because she is a very
busy woman It does not follow that
she is always engrossed with her pa
pers."
Il suppose not" he admitted, but
you don't know how you looked. II
was like meeting a stranger whom you
felt that you must have known for a
long time. l can't just explain. I've
always liked you. but somehow when
saw you on the steps this afternoon
I Just wanted to take you In my arms
and tell you how much loved you.
don't know how I've kept from blurt-
ing It cut before now. It's not much
like real proposal, Sue / can't get
down on my knees and ask you to be
mine, but l do want you, dear, and so
does Chubby. VIII you marry the two
of US, little girl?"
She looked down into the face Of
the sleeping child and then shyly into
her lovers face.
81 think Chubby needs me-" she
said, softly.
Chubby stirred uneasily and opened
his sleepy eyes,
kiss me. too" he commanded Il
wish you was my mamma"
TITS all right. old fellow" said Har-
~, with a happy laugh. We're go
ing to adopt you. the future Mrs.
Kinsman and ].
~Johnny." asked the teacher. "can
you explain the difference between