The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-07-04

Fletcnef, Respondent IN Wnlte nan.
nels, deposited an armful of books on
a wicker table, and. dropping upon a
swinging couch on the shadiest side
of the porch. lighted with elaborate
carelessness a conspicuously new Gala
bash.
why. Fletcher" exclaimed his
mother "Do you smoker"
"Now, mater please don't agitate
yourself about a little innocent to.
bacco." replied Fletcher "A fellow
that's got to grind the way I have
must have some consolation. You
know I've got trig and French both to
make up this vacation. Old Prof
Hatch has got It in for me on that trig
exam and you know If | don't pass
can't be In any college athletics.
suppose instead of coming up here
with you people ought to have stayed
In town with tutor
"Oh. no, dear, think you'll be able
to study very we'll here. | was hoping
too, that you'd feel like working on
the place some this summer You
know we haven't man now and your
father thought you'd like to keep the
grass cut and help Ted and me with
the garden"
81 would, mater, If hadn't the con
founded work to do, but after I've cul
tivated my French verbs | won't have
much time to cultivate the garden.
Nest-ce-pas, ma chere mere? | wish
you'd keep the kids off this end Of the
porch I've got to have quiet fol
study"
Whats that you're at work on now,
Fletcher"
"Oh, this? Well, it's Just novel
that a fellow lent. me. Eyerybody's
talking about it, But it's no good. |
was just glancing through 1t to see
how 1t comes out. Sorry | can't be
more sociable. mater. I'd like to bick
err with you, but trig and French are
the paramount issues this year. I've
got to get a little pep into myself and
make good What times lunch?"
Zone o'clock"
The mother moved softly away and
quietly gave instructions to her young
er children. who looked at their col
lege brother curiously and rather
Grudgingly left the porch. In a few
minutes Ted, the next oldest to Fetch
err. crossed the lawn with pail OF
whiteWash.
Say, Fletch," he shouted, "come
along and help me mark the tennis
court"
There was no answer from the
swinging couch.
"Fletch. aren't you going to help me
with this dope?"
mo, I'm not. I've got to grind ano
l wish you'd stop yelling. l can hard
ly hear myself think"
"Oh, pawdon me, Mr.. Sophomore
returned Ted, still loudly, but with ex
asperating humility. 81 really forgot
to whom l wos speaking"
ooh, go g. ordered Fletcher. Their
he shook Lis head at his little sister
who appeal ed in her bathing suit anc
asked him 20 give her swimming les
son.
Cant, Dot. Haven't time for any
thing but quick dips this summer. Now
run away and let me work. Oh, bring
me a match, will you, Dot. This pipes
Gole ont"
Whea the calabash was once more
lighted and quiet again reigned
Fletcher resumed his novel. There's
no use trying to study until l find out
whether tho English guy gets the girl
he murmured.
An hour iater his mother came out
of the house tying motor veil over
her aat. I'm sorry to interrupt you
I7latcl err" she said, but | thought
maybe you'd like to drive me into
The village 10 do the marketing"
IN that old 1909 ice wagon? No
thank yoa, mater dear. Let Ted take
you. I'm just getting a good start OF
my trip formulas. Teds lucky not tc
have any studying to do. He's goi
plenty of tie 60 drive you anywhere.
Yes, of course, l only thought may
be YOU'D like going out in the car"
There's no Joy riding for me this
vacation. Let's see, now--one plus
lduSSll cludlS StCdll SdudItds
For almost ten minutes Fletcher re
peated this formula aloud and he was
still murmuring it when the sight OF
q tall girl in a MILDLY blouse, coming
through the gate carrying a tennis
racket, brought him to his feet with
bound.
why, Helen, how do you do?
didn't know you had come to the lake
yet" he cried as he ran toward her
Mighty glad you've got your racket
Vol have a set or two and a swim
before lunch. l want to show you my
Lawford stroke. Say, Helen, It's great
your being here. Now thereu be
something doing"
Pains of Moving Day.