New Britain herald., 1916-07-17
Lillian Underwood Telephones
 NLadge,

Madge.
 The big house seemed very lonely to me after my mother -in-law's abrupt departure. I had not dreamed that I could possibly miss the older woman's companionship, especially after her hateful behavior concerning my refusal of the school position.
 But when she had left, in dignified dudgeon, for a visit with her daugh- ter, Elizabeth, I realized that l had come to like her, to depend upon her companionship more than had thought possible. If the country had not been so beautiful I would have proposed going back to the city. But were so fresh and green, the rolling woodland view from my chamber window so restfu1, my beds of dahlias, cosmos, marigolds and nasturtiums so brilliant that I could not bring myself to leave 1t.
 1 If I had not had the vague un- easiness concerning Dicky I could have been perfectly happy in spite of the loneliness. The cat and the puppy 1 Dicky had brought to me kept close 1 to me all day long, Katie waited on . me hand and foot, and I had time l for the intimate association with the 1 woods and fields that had longed for since my babyhood.
 But my uneasiness concerning Dicky's friendship with Grace Draper, his beautiful protege, was deepening to real alarm and anger. I had nothing more tangible than the neigh borhood gossip, which I had so thoroughly repulsed when it was offered me by Mrs. Hoch and her daughter But Dicky was becoming more and more distrait, and when he would allow nothing to keep him from taking the morning train on which Miss Draper travelled to the studio, remem bered that when we had first come to Marvin he had taken any forenoon train he happened to choose.
 The second morning after his mothers departure, Dicky almost missed kissing me good-by in his mad haste to catch his train. He rushed out of the door after a most perfume tory peck at my cheek, and I saw him almost running down the little lane bordered with wild flowers that led across lots" to the railroad station.
 T cannot bear this much longer" I muttered to myself, clenching my hands, as I saw the Hochs, mother and daughter watching him from their screened porch, and imagined their satirical comments on his eager ness to make the train.
 I sat listlessly on the veranda for an hour. Then the ringing of the telephone reused me. As I took down the receiver I heard the droning of the long distance operator: "Is this Marvin, 971," and at my affirmative answer the husky voice of Lillian Un- derwood.
 Hello, my dear" Her voice had the comforting warmth which 1t had held for me ever since the memorable day when by her library fire we had resurrected the secret which her past life and Dicky's shared. We had buried it again, smoothed out all our misunderstanding in the process and been sworn friends ever since.
 "Oh, Mrs. Underwood" My voice was almost 0 peal of joy. T am so glad to hear your voice."
 Something Important-'
 Are you very busy? Is there any, thing you cannot leave for the day?" She was direct as usual.
 "Only the dog and cat and Katie" I answered.
 Good. Then what train can you get into town, and where can I meet you? I want you to lunch with me. I have something important to talk over with you"
 I hastily consulted my watch. "If I hurry I can catch the 10:21. Where can l see you? The train reaches the Pennsylvania at II o'clock"
 I'll be in the woman's waiting room at the Pennsylvania, not the Long Island, the main waiting room. Look for me there''
 Wont that be inconvenient for ycu?"
 Not a bit. I have to go within a