Norwich bulletin., 1915-06-23
THOSE LOVELY BROWNS

take hold" until her mother died. Bertha was the fly in the ointment l for Mrs. Cram. She did not like the girl, who held herself so consistently aloof She promised herself to make short shift of Bertha when she got the chance And she could trust Poinsettia to do the same. By o'clock the kitchen was in or der, the table set forth in all the best that the house contained. and Mrs. Cram and Poinsettia, embelished to the last degree of crimp and primp sat nervously waiting for the guests. While thay waited they eyed each other and the house across the street where" said Mrs. Cram. T bet she aln't going. bet she just didn't want to come over here"
 Well, she ain't wanted,' said Poin- settia. She must know that by this time. I'll show her what l think of her some time, I can tell you"
 Do so, Setty; I hope you will" en- couraged Mrs. Cram. T shall do the same. Can't nobody step on my toes without getting theirs stepped upon in turn. Amt that MT. Brown com ing home noW?"
 E'Yes. And Emmet'n be right along They've quit work a little early so as to have time to fix up. Oh, mother!'' Poinsettia In a burst of rap ture ran to her mother and kissed her. The two faces seen thus to- gether were as much alike as an old face and a young one may be. And neither was lovely. "Oh, mother! sighed Poinsettia. T feel that it's all just the same as settled"
 "It will be before they leave this house or I miss my guess replied Mrs. Cram with grim determination.
 In due time the Browns arrived and were greeted vivaciOusly. The food was just upon the table and the -+a+ T0 T-- Cram was charmingly hospitable. Poinsettia girlishly coy. But the two men seemed not to be much impressed either by the quality of the food or the charms of their entertainers.
 I'm sorry Bertha couldn't be with MS tonight sighed Mrs. Cram. T felt real put out by her refusing to come. Was she going out anywhere ?"
 Why I didn't hear her say" an swered MT. Brown. Did you, Elm met?"
 Emmet shook his head.
 The feast was over all but the mo- Iasses candy, which was being passed by Poinsettia, when the door opened abruptly upon the party and Charlie entered.
 Hello, folks!" he said.
 Mrs. Cram looked discomf1ted. Tor mercy's sakes! I thought you said you wasn't coming home to supper" she cried.
 Charlie laughed Shyly. T m not. We I've been to supper at the cafe. -" He spoke over his shoulder in a whisper. Come in now"
 Bertha entered. She looked tall and pretty in a new coat she was wearing.
 You can wish us much joy" stam- mered Charlie Bertha and I were married at tie Methodist parsonage an hour ago."
 After things had calmed down a little. Charlie told them happily how he had got acquainted with Bertha when she came to the. store after groceries. They had planned long time back to be married quietly with out anybody knowing it. Were going to keep house." he explained exuItantIy
 Mrs. Cram and POinsettia could not say a word. But MT. Brown and Elm met were exuberant.
 Good for you, Charlie!" cried MT Brown. That's just the way I mar ried Bertha's ma. Pm glad you're going to make a home for the girl for Emmet and I want to go to Alberta in the spring. We've been talking about it this long while"
 So they went to Alberta. And Mrs. Cram and Poinsettia are still grumb- ling over their sappointment.-PhiI- adelphia Bulletin.