Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-10-06

called back, Hello, momsy!" They
had never had any children but he
had adopted the pet name long ago.
Hello" she answered DULY, clear
ing the coffee with cold water.
1 He came to the door. ANY news?'
mo. She, didn't look up.
He crossed the kitchen and kissed
her on the cheek.
Were you out, hon."
Eyes
! GO to the bridge party?'
Yes
| Have good timer"
No
No? What's the matter, girlie-one
of your headaches again."
"A little bit"
Too bad. You'll feet better maybe
when you get your dinner. Let the
dishes CO."
That's no help They have to be-
ldOne In the morning."
That's So Well. dear. I'm sorry. II
things are ready I'll wash up and be
down In jiffy."
AS he tool. his good natured bulk
out Of the kitchen Lillian wiped an
indignant tear from the corner of her
eye and began lifting the dinner. st
doesn't do any good to tell him I'm
tired Of being poor He never seems
to understand anyway. AS long as he
has good meal and comfortable
place to sleep, nothing else matters"
| She lighted table candles, poured
out the water and sat down William
came In.
| Looks dandy, mom!"
No answer.
Peach of steak. You know what
l like. And mashed potatoes! Good!"l
He looked around at the buffet on
which stood the salad and dessert.
| Cheese salad and Spanish cream.
too! What have l done to deserve
such layout?'
| Nothing" she snapped.
William carved in silence. Tht snap
had divulged something he had not no.
ticed. His wife was out OF humor.
Il saw something funny in the paper
tonight-the United States marines in
Nicaragua are fond OF broiled lizard
served with sauce made of alligator
pears"
Lillian, her eyes on the candles, tast-
ed some coffee. She made no answer
Then: The girls all had on stunning
new dresses today. looked fright
beside them"
You look fine! Never saw you look
better You imagine things"
mo, don't"
Silence for while.
Il saw in the paper tonight that
Luther Modocks, the government fish
expert. has rechristened dogfish into
graydsh He says it's the most deli
| cious fish on the market! Well have
to get some"
Always something for me to cook"
She pushed back her chair. Pm tired
OF notwithstanding. homework,
and doing without things
Tired of me, hon?'
"Yes!"s
The devil you are!"
Instantly she was sorry.
ooh, no, I'm not, VIII. But you're
always SO good natured and you don't
seem to understand. I'm worn out, I
guess. and can't help it. but I'm tired
of being poor
A shadow crossed his face. $50 am
l. dear! 1t is tough lost that money
on Petroline. I thought you could get
some things IL we cleared up a divi-
dend."
He hshed in his pocket for letter.
II found this in the mail box. It's
from Tompkins. Wants more money,
suppose, but I'm going to tell him
Ito let the old stun 20. I've sent too
much good money after bad
He slit the envelope and read rapid
~. Lillian, watching his face saw him
change expression.
What Is IT." she cried.
"Petroline's taken turn! We've
cleared up $4,000, momsy! That's
pretty good start on the right road,
eh?"
will! IL can't believe It,"
Fact! Read it for yourself!"
She took the letter with shaking
fingers. William went around and
bent over her chair. Now you can
have all the pretty things you want.
I'm Just going to give it all to you and
let you get everything your poor little
heart has been craving"
And you too. Will. Think of the
things you can get!"
Me? Oh, I,don't want anything.
I've got you. momsy. I'm satisfied
. . . . - . . - - . . . ..
= LITTLE BENNY'S 81