New Britain herald., 1916-03-22
Il Was Chilled ThrOlIcH |"

I made no reply, not knowing. in deed, but what any answer of mine
 nigh irritatc her further She scanned the menu frowningly. 'Is .herc anything especial you want 10 eat?' she demanded in tone that seemed to admit of no answer save the one I gave her.
 No, just duplicate your order" I said quietly. I had no idea of what she was going to order but it did not matter much to me. I was too much upset over the scene of few moments before to care what food went into my mouth.
 The elder Mrs. Graham evidently approved of my decision. She turned to the waiter. 1.-TWO chicken salads, two orders of French fried potatoes, an order of olives and one of radishes and some French rolls. You may bring two cups of chicken broth be- fore the salad, but be sure to have it stea ming hot. Bring two cups of coffee with the salad I will choose the dessert later.''
 I had to admit that my mothcr-in- law had chosen an appetzing lunch, even if she had been arbitrary about it's selection. I leaned back and eazed into the depths of the wonder full wood fire in the immense old fire rlHce near which our ta blc was stationed.
 But our table, the nearest one to the fireplace, was altogether too close for real comfort. My mother in-laW had selected it when we en- tered the dining room. I wanted to suggest then, much as I love to sit Hcforo the open fire. that we would nj tn 1o1c L,1t she was so chilled from the winds along the sea wall that l did not ven- ture tho advice.
 I undid thc fastenings of my cloak, removed the garment, and laid it across the back of my chair. will you not be too warm with your coat on 2" I asked. Shall I not help you off With it?"
 Tn some inexp1icabe way she twisted the remark into a reflection on her judgment in choosing table. No, thank yOu," she returned stiff1y, T was chilled though. That was the reason why I chose this table. Of course, younger blood is warmer" l with an acid smile, ESQ, if you cannot stand the heat, perhaps we had better move"
 A Problem in Diplomacy "Oh, no. indeed.' I protested "I am quite comfortable now. I smiled covertly as I uttered the half-truth at the unconscious irony of my l m mother-in-laW's suggestion. Imagine any one venturing to change any ar 1 Tangement of hers when it was once made.
 If I could have borne any malice toward my husbands mother for her arbitrary manner the feeling would surely have been satisfied by the dis comfort which she soon began to endure. The fire seemed to grow hotter and hotter, and while I with my coat off was merely slightly un- comforta ble, she. wrapped in her heavy coat. soon began to show the effects of the excessive heat.
 When we had finished the hot chicken broth she wiped the perspira- tlon from her face l hoped that she would slip her coat oft, but I did not know the obstinacy of my mother-in- law.
 There now. I am beginning to get comfortable again." she said, settling back in her chair. That broth was really good. and served piping hot Usually they bring it on having about the temperature and strength of dish water"
 I assented vaguely, I was begin ming to worry actually lest in her ob- stinacy she should become overloaded and then take a chill when facing the icy air outside
 l had had enough experience with Dicky's uncertainties of temper to be sure that if his mother became ill from a cold contracted while she was in my care that he would blame me for it.
 But how to get her to remove her coat was q problem that I feared would tax all my powers of di- plOmaCy.