The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-08-21
ROBERTS REFORM.
By LOUISE OLIVER.
Copyright. lsl5.l

Copyright, lsl5)
Mildred Ellis suddenly felt a de-
messing sense of responsibility as
Ihe looked after the fast disappearing
express that had deposited her upon
the station platform. for the same
train that had brought her had borne
away her sister and brother-in-law
on two weeks vacation.
She watched it out of sight around
a curve. wishing there had been more
time for her sister to give directions
about the house and children. There
had been but a few words hastily
shouted as the train pulled away to
the effect that the machine was wait
Ing for her on the other side of the
station and that one Bob" would
take her home
She found the machine without an
occupant, but got in and waited i'm
patiently. Emily had written one time
that their chauffeur was lazy and I'M
reliable. even addicted to the use of
questionable beverages.
Bob is living up to his reputation"
thought Mildred with annoyance.
Bob shall be changed to Robert
while 1 am here. l shall have to be
careful to keep the upper hand and TO
let him know that l am temporary
mistress and must be obeyed."
The newly christened Robert sud
denly appeared beside the car. Il have
been looking for your trunk. Miss Ell
lis. but l can't find it,"
Il didn't bring any. Robert" an
swered Mildred stiffly. Those are my
bags on the walk beside you. Please
hand them in to me and drive straight
home"
Robert looked at her curiously for
an instant, then grnned and obeyed
Yes. ma'am," said he.
Arrived at the house, he carried her
bags to the porch and touched his cap.
IF you want anything done, miss. call
up " on your line. I'll come right
away"
Thank you. Robert" Mildred re-
piled with dignity Here's quarter
for you II you promise not to spend it
for-for drink"
Robert took it gratefully. Thanks.
ever so much. L promise
Hes not bad" Mildred unused as
Robert took the machine back to the
garage. Il believe that by proper man.
aSement l could maAe man of him.
Sally"-to the little maid who opened
the door-"where does Bob. mean Rob-
ert. stay?''
"ionder. In that house over there"
II see. The garage" thought Mildred.
at Will be all the easier for having
him handy. l can keep an eye on him
all the time and see that he is kept
busy. The devil finds work for idle
hands. as our club president said in
her speech"
Then Mildred. 70 years old and brand |
new member of the Milford Civic Club |
went down before an avalanche of hugs |
and kisses from two pairs of chubby |
little arms. The worst thing in the |
world to the twins was to have mamma |
and daddy go away. The best thing |
in the world was to have Aunt Mildred |
come.
After lunch, Mildred decided on a ride |
for herself and the children. When they |
returned. she discovered mud on the |
porch, tracked there by Jip, the dog /
Robert" she called. put away the car;
then get the hose and wash the porch |
Yes. ma'am." answered Robert. touch
ing his hat.
1t will keep him from loafing this !
afternoon" Mildred applauded herself. |
There won't be any time for mischief. |
And. Robert, when you're done with the |
porch. 20 over the car. l wish 1t kept |
clean and in good order while | am
here"
Yes. miss" /
Mildred put in the afternoon writing
letters and after Daisy and David had |
had their maps she played with them
on the lawn. She kept one vigilant eye |
on the garage. however. and knew to a
minute when Eobert was done with the
car
An hour until dlnner!' she studied.
Then Robert"
He appeared in the doorway instantly.
Zip has been rolling in the mud. |
wish you would wash him when you
are through. Put him In a laundry tub
and see that he Is well dried. Then
roll him in his blanket and put him in
the kitchen.
Yes Miss"
Il don't see what Sis means about
the man being lazy! He seems per- i
fectly willing to do whatever I tell him.
She doesn't understand how to manage
him." she concluded. little later she
called out;
Sally. when Robert is through with
his dinner send him In to me-
He doesn't eat here, Miss Mildred"
answered the maid
% indeedr exclaimed Mildred.