The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1916-03-28

AASs a lew btouOSTApu0r was aQQ0Q
to the corps in his department Of the
plant. She was Geraldine Price and
he liked her office ways from the start.
She was an orphan, 1t was understood,
had not had; much chance in life and.
although only nineteen, her self-de-
tendency had matured her-that is,
had made her sensible.
Hector was glad when he learned
that she was a boarder at Mrs. Wix-
on's, which had become a sort Of a
second home to him. The young girl
soon wound herself about the heart Of
the overworked landlady, Just as she
did with most people she set herself
out to like and win as warm, loyal
friends. Hector, late at supper one
night, learned that Mrs. Wixon had
been compelled to go to bed with a
sick headache. He looked a triHe
surprised when Geraldine appeared
from the kitchen and proceeded to
wait on him.
How is this?" he rallied good ma
turedly-"gone into partnership with
MRS. WHOM?
"Oh, no. responded Geraldine
brightly, only for the evening. Poor
soul! She works so hard and was Just
done out. l told her that l would see
that the late ones got something to
eat and would do the Dishes.
That's something l was famous in
at home,' reported Hector grandly.
All out Of practice now, l sup
poser" intimated Geraldine.
Try me and see,' defied Hector.
That was merry, enjoyable remind
er Of home for the country boy. It
seemed as If a flavor of old-time vii
lage life had pleasantly come into his
humdrum city career. Geraldine
looked charming in the expensive XII
mono apron borrowed from the land
lady.
Il have made most pleasant ac-
quaintance," Hector wrote home to
his mother the next day. she is
Miss Geraldine PRICE, don't go out
mrch evenings, you know, and Miss
Price is quite pianist, and we have
some pleasant times together"
IT'S come-the blow has fallenl
I've feared it all along" groaned Mrs.
Blaine to her sister, as she read Hec-
tors letter. You see, he's going to
marry some city high flyer"
We'll, Geraldine does sound STACEY
and lofty and mighty" agreed Hec-
tors aunt.
The next letter from Hector called
Miss Price Geraldine" Then he
wrote announcing his engagement, and
his poor mother grew more pessimistic
than ever.
The engagement was the outcome of
a severe cold that Hector had. 1t was
Geraldine who prescribed for him. In
two days he was up and about, and
minus any doctors bills, and all
through old-fashioned home rene
dies.
why, that onion syrup you made
me was just what mother always
gives for a cold,' declared Hector,
"and l shut my eyes and could fancy
I was right back home when you
brought in the goose grease for my
sore throat. l don't understand how
you come to know all these things"
"Oh. I've read lot, you .see," ex-
planned Geraldine, with quiet twinkle
in her eye. She, by the way, had
heard of the active horror of Hector's
mother as to city girls"
The blow fell upon Mrs. Blaine
at last with stunning force She
received q boyish heartsome letter
from Hector announcing his marriage.
The boss had made the happy new
ly married pair handsome present,
and had given them two weeks vaca-
ton.
Geraldine wishes to pass our hon
eymoon with you, dear mother" wrote
Hector, "and we will be with you
Thursday evening""
Affairs came about, however, that
they could get away day earlier. 1t
was just dusk Wednesday evening
when bride and groom arrived at Hec-
tors little home town.
Why, there's no one at homel" ex-
claimed Hector In vast surprise as
they reached the house to find it dark |
and deserted. He ran over to a
neighbor to discover an amazing fact.
Mother was downtown at the Dress
getting her new silk dress!"
She had not expected Hector and his
wife till the following evening.
"Oh. Hector!" suggested Geraldine.
cant we get into the house some
wayH And can't get supper all ready
30 that when Mother comes homo we I
can give her a surprise by having it
I'll ready for herr" 4
Ten minutes later, a big calico
apron covering her dainty form. Ger