New Britain herald., 1916-03-29
The Homecoming.

AS the taxi hurried my mother-in-
law and myself homeWard after our
sightseeing trip, I became more and
III ore alarmed at her condition.
She had been seized with a chill
While inspecting the antiques at
F'raunces' Tavern, and had COM
planned of feeling very i'll indeed. 7
was hurrying her homeward and
with mingled emotions, concern over
her condition. and indignation at the
folly which had caused it.
Like an obstinate child she had per-
sisted in sitting with her heavy coat
on while eating dinner, although our
table-Which she had herself chosen
was near a blazing fire. I had
feared then that she would pay for
her obstlnacy. Her very evident suf-
fer1ng now carried out my fear
Are we nearly thero?" she said
family. II am so cold"
only few blocks more" | tried
to speak reassuringly. Then I VEN
tured on something which l had
wanted to do ever since we left the
tavern, but which T had not dared to
attempt because of my mother-in-
laws dislike Of being aided in any
way
| slipped off my coat, and, turning
toward her, wrapped it closely around
her shoulders, and took her in my
arms as [ would a child. To my sur
prise she huddled closer to me, only
protesting family:
You must not do that. You will
take cold"
Nonsense" L replied. II never
take cold, and we are almost there"
II am SO glad she sighed, and
leaned more heavily against me.
AS I felt her weight in my arms and
realized that she was actually cling
ing to me. actually depending upon
me for help and comfort I felt my
heart warm toward her.
At the Door.
7 longed, oh, so earnestly, to he
friends with this austere mother-in-
law of mine. My life is so barren of
Noman's companionship-for 7 have
no living relative nearer than a
ccusin-that I would be glad to take
my husbands mother into my heart if
only she did not repel me at every
turn.
AS we drew up in front Of our
apartment house | loosened my arms.
I'VE are here now I said land VIC
will hurry right upstairs" The
chauffeur opened the door and helped
us out.
wait here" I said to him. II will
send the money down to YOU"
[ did not dare waste Il minute in
getting my motherinlaw into the
of our apartment 7 hurried
her up the steps as fast as I dared,
and rang the bell of our apartment.
to be confronted by Katie, wide eyed
and terrified
ooh! Mssis Graham. vot the mat
ter she asked excitedIy. The old
seeck?
I expected to hear my mother-in-
law reprove the girl in spite of the
weakness, but she appeared not to
hear her, so I shook my head at Katie |
Warningly, and then asked aloud. |
Have you the hot water ready?"
oh, yes, everything all fcex. Vot
you want first %
Put a tablespoonful of brandy into
Z cup half-full of boiling water, stir
in a teaspoonful of sugar. and bring it !
here right away"
Katie vanished quickly and ] bent |
over my IN other-in-laW. whom T had !
assisted into a chair close by the gas |
CRATE.
"Oh, | am so cold" she moancd |
again
I'VE will have YOU warm in a min |
ute or two now | said as | stopped |
and lighted the gas CRATE.
No Doctor Wanted.
I stepped back of her and drew the |
pins from her bonnet. removed it. and
laid it on the table. knowing her |
dislike Of having any one wait on her.
drew the pins out gingerly, but she |
made no comment. Evidently she |
was too i'll to care what was done.
Katie hustled in With the steaming |
toddy, and | put it to my mother-in- |
laws lips.