New Britain herald., 1916-02-05

l I believe there would be less marta
 unhappiness in the world. few minutes before I had been fiercely re scntful against Dicky's mother. And my anger had reached to Dicky, for 1 felt in some vague way that he must be responsible for his mothers rudeness.
 But the knowledge that he, too, was used to her injustice and that he resented it when directed against me made all the difference in the world. l I reached up my hand and patted his 1 cheek.
 Dear boy, nothing in the world matters if just You are not cross and dtspleased.' I assured him. Run along now with that hot water, and call me if you need anything. Your mother probably will want to be alone with you for a while, as she l las not seen you for so long. I Wikl see to the luncheon, and arrange my 1 flowers"
 | Don't Be CeremOnious." ! "Dicky!' The querulous voice l sounded impatient. Dicky cast a comical glance at me and fled with his tray. I went into my own room ard removed my hat and coat Then, taking the box of flowers, I spread the blossoms out on a clean sheet which I laid on my bed. There really was no other place where I could ar range them, I told myself, with a queer sense of being an outsider in my own home.
 The carnations were soon in their bowl and vase on the table and mantel in the living room. I went to F tfoh whose possibilities Dicky had first re- vcaled to me. filled it with water and brought it back to my room, where I set it carefully on my low stand and arranged the daffodils and mar Cissi and asparagus fern in it. Carry ing it to the, dining table and placing it is the center, I forgot all my an noyances for a moment in admira tion of it's delicate beauty.
 What should I do with the sweet peas? In the face of Mrs. Graham s manner, I did not feel like offering them for her room, and I felt that l picky would like me to show her the l little attention.
 | After all, she can't do any more 1 than throw them at my head" I re- 1 fected whimsically, as I lifted the | fragrant beauties from their box. Which was exactly what she did do, only, of course, figuratively. I car rled them to the door of her room, which stood ajar. I knocked, and | Dicky's voice said: Come in Madge Don't be so blamed ceremonious.'
 Mrs. Graham was sitting in the low chair with my tray before her Or it she had placed a tiny alcoho stove, over which my pot of ho
 water stood Out of one of the pret tiest teapots I had ever seen she wa l pouring her tea into a cup anC
 saucer which matched the pot. I ad
 vnnced to the dressing table an'
 picked up the small vase I had lief there.
 1T did not know your favorit
 flower, but I hope you like swee
 reas," I said, arranging for the bios
 soms in the vase. Now for som
 water for these"
 Katies New Rolc..
 You are very kind" Mrs. Ora
 hams voice dripped icy indifference
 "but I must ask you not to leav
 those here. I cannot sleep if ther , Is any odor, pleasant or otherwise, 1
 my room. Besides, flowers are yer unhealthful in bedrooms. I hope yo . dc not have them in Dicky's."
 |
 "If that be so," I retorted ''hoy . i very odd it is that physicians s
 often allow, even encourage, thei
 presence in sick rooms"
 I was sorry for the words tn moment they slipped out. It was n
 part of my plan to get into any con , troversy with Dicky's mother.
 But I need not have worried. MT: = Graham did not answer. She simpl s lifted her lorgnette, which hung b a an exquisite chain from her necl
 and gazed at me long moment, a it she were examining some strans e specimen of insect in museum 6 Then, lowering 1t, she said coldly: "I do not think we need discus
 the matter. I should like to Ii | down for while, If you don't mind. @ Surely" I said. Then a vision ( S Katie's face, if the luncheon she WE
 preparing with such care should | v spoiled flashed across me. "Bl | luncheon is almost ready to serv' 5 Will you not eat first?'
 $ 'I could not possibly eat anythin now. I am too much upset after tn e journey. DickY, you and your vii = eat your luncheon. You may brin 7. me something when I wake up, or = can very well wait until dinner" 8 'It will be just as your prefer 1 My voice matched hers for coldnes s now. 'Is there anything I can d l to assist your"
 y Nothing, thank you,' she returned !. If you will kindly send me you