The Newport plain talk. (Newport, Tenn.) 1909-1939, 1914-02-05

tell them stories, do light sewing and
be companion for the mother. In
fact, they wan to adopt salaried
grandmother, but she must be intel
ligent and nice, you know. 1t would
really be a lovely place for some
nice old lady. You know SO many
people all over the country, | thought
you might think of just the right
one."
"Why, no." answered Mrs. Drake,
slowly. 81 can't seem to think of
anyone" Then she caught her
breath sharply. ooh, yes, | do" she
said, eagerly. 81 know just the one.
What is your friends address,"
"Mrs. Marshall" came the an
swer. Two hundred and seven Or
chard street. So glad you know some
one, and I hope you'll send your
friends name to Mrs. Marshall at
once-goodby."
"Goodby," said Mrs. Dr. ke, in a
trembling voice. She walked excit-
edly about the room. give found a
way out! A salaried grandmother
Isn't that delightful"
Suddenly she stood still, while a
shadow crossed her face. 81 forgot"
she said slowly. 81 forgot. It's only
for two months. Oh, what shall /
do? Well, I'll stay until | am taken
sick, and then can 60 to hospital
or something"
1t was the middle of that night
that Mrs. Drake suddenly burst out
laughing. She got up and turned
on the electric lights and stood be-
fore her mirror, looking at herself
long and earnestly. Then she turned
out the lights and went back to bed.
where she lay and laughed and
chuckled to herself in the most alb
surd manner. "I'm an old goose, .
she said aloud. "I'm in perfect
health, and there's no reason why |
shouldn't live to be hundred. And
it's very fortunate, too, that I'm SO
we'll and strong, seeing that I've got
to earn my living With another
prolonged laugh she turned over and
went TO sleep.
1t was the third week that she had
held her position in the Marshall
family and she sat darning stock
ings with Mrs. Marshall in the pleas
ant sitting room.
81 don't know how | ever got on
without you,' the younger lady was
saving. "You are such a help to
me. and you are so cheerful and COM
panionable. My husband will be de-
lighted to find you with us, for |
/ have kept it for surprise when he
comes home. And l want you to
promise that you won't ever leave u.s.
The children love you dearly, and
Pm very fond of you myself. You
won't ever leave us, will you?"
"Not till you request my resigna-
tion," said Mrs. Drake, smiling.
''That is" she added, "unless Mr..
Marshall and | should not get on to-
gether. You know that might make
things less pleasant than they are
now. When is it | am to meet him p
Tomorrow" answered Mrs. Mar
shall. "He will be home from his
trip then. But | have no uneasiness
on that score, for | know you will
be very fond of each other"
The next morning as Mrs. Drake
came down to breakfast she heard
a mans voice in the dining room.
Then the children, hearing her step,
ran out into the hall shouting, "Papa
has come papa has Gomez
As she entered the room the man
of the house turned toward her and
they stood confronting each other.
Mrs. Drake was the first to speak.
Marshall 'Haygood" she cried, and
then her nephew kissed her affection
ately. 81 shall hold you to the prom
Use you gave Mary" he said, "and
there won't be any trouble about our
getting on together, will there?"
Mrs. Drake looked long in each OF
the faces about her. Then she
sighed contentedly. "No," she said
81 don't think there will" -Ex-
change.