The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1916-07-21
The Turmoil
BOOTH HARRINGTON
Copyright 1915, by Harper = Brothers)

I haven't had scarcely even time to
write more than just a line to ask how
you were gettin' along. but l told Edith
to write. the weeks l couldn't, and I
asked Jim, too. and they both sad
they would, SO I suppose you've kept
up pretty we'll on the home news"
"Oh. yes"
What l think you need" said the
mother, gravely, lis to ltven up a little
and take an interest in things. That's
what papa was sayin' this morning.
after we got your telegram; and that's
what'll stimulate your appetite, too
He was talkin' over his plans for
YOU"
"Plans!" Bibbs, turning on his side,
shielded his Eyes from the light with
his hand. SO hat he might see her bet
ter. What He paused. What
plans is he making for me-. mother?'
She turned away, going back to the
window to draw down the shade.
well you better talk 1t owe with
him." she said, with perceptible nerv-
BUSINESS. HE better tell you himself.
l don't feel as il l had any call, ex-
actly. to 60 into it; and you better get
to sleep now. anyway" She came and
stood by the bedside once more. "But
you must remember. Bibbs, whatever
papa does is for the best. He loves bis
children and wants to do what's right
by all Of 'em-and you'll always find
he's right in the end"
He made 4 little gesture Of assent.
, which seemed to content her; and she
, rustled to the door, turning to speak
: again after she had opened 1t. you
: get a good nap, now. so Ms to be all
lrested up for tonight"
| "You-you mean-he-" Bfbbs STAN
/ mered, having begun to speak too
. quickly. Checking himself. he drew a
e long breath, her asked, quietly, docs
father expect me to come downstairs
r this EVENING"
. "Well, l think he does" she an
swered. "You see, It's the house
g warming as he calls it. and he said he
thinks all our children ought to be
d around us, as we'll as the old friends
and other folks. It's just what he
thinks you need-to take an interest
u and liven up. You don't feel too bad
IS to come down, do you?'
it "Mother!" -
"Well?'
"Take a good look at me-" he said
IS "Oh, see here" she cried witt
brusk c~heerfulness. you're not 81
: bad off as you think you are, Bibbs
You're on the mend, and 1t won't d.
you any harm to please your"
1T isn't that" he interrupted. Hon
! estly. I'm only afraid It might Spot
somebody's appetite. Edith"
81 told you the child vas too sensi
tive she interrupted, in turn. Your
a plenty good-lookin' enough youn,
man for anybody! You look like 70,
been through a long spell and begun t
i get well, and that's all there is to it.
"All right. III come to the party
II the rest OF you can stand it, I can!
"It'll do you good" she returned
rustling into the hall. Now take
nap, and I'll send one o. the help t
wake you in time for you to sc
dressed up before dinner. You so t
sleep right away. now, Bibbs.."
He woke refreshed, stretched him
self gingerly-as one might have a car
against too quick or too long a pul
upon a frayed e'astic-and, getting t
his feet, went blinking 70 the windoy
and touched the shade so that it fe,
up. letting in a pale sunset.
He looked out into the lemon-colore
light and smiled wanly at the mex
house, as Edith's g%randiose phras
came to mind, the old Vertrees cour
ri try mansion" 1t stood in a broa
II Sheridans' BY a young hedge; and
81 was a big, square, plain old box Of
house with q giant salt-cellar atop 70
4 cupola. Paint had been spared for
an long time, and no one could have pu
a name to the color Of 1t, but in spite Q
that the place had no look OF beln
lu out at heel. and the sward was a
neatly trimmed as the Hheridans' owl
Directly opposite the window th
Vertrees' lawn had been graded so a
ne to make a little knoll upon which stoo
a small rustic summer house." ]
at was almost on a level with Bibbs' wiz
re dow and not thirty feet away. Prot
y. ably the summer house. vas pleasar
at and pretty in summer. But now !
OF the tb.a light It was desolate, the colo
Of dust. and hung with haggard vine
which had lost their leaves.
Gu Bib.S looked at 1t with grave syn
pathy probably feeling some kinshi
an with anything SO d~ismanted; then b
turneA to a cheval glass beside th
~