The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-06-22

and went on for Il minute with w1iai
she was doing TO one OF the twins
as II she hadn't heard. "Doris II
quite satisfactory, madam" she said
mt last. "Id not advise making O
change. She's dependable youne
woman, as such go. OF course l watch
her very close"
II think l can promise to be de-
pendable," Rose said. II don't know
much about babies, but l think l can
learn as well as Doris. Anyhow
can wheel them about and wash their
clothes and boil their bottles and
things as well as she does. And you
can tell me what to do just as you tell
her"
To this last observation II became
evident that Mrs. Ruston meant to
make no reply at all. She gave Rose
some statistical information about the
twins instead, In which Rose showed
herself politely interested, and present
ly withdrew.
Rodney wore queer expression
all through dinner, and when he got
Rose alone la the library afterward,
he explained Il. Mrs. RustOn had
given him notice, cOntingently. Rose
had Informed her Of her intention to
dispense with the service of the nurse
maid. If Rose adhered to this inten-
tion. Mrs. Ruston must leave.
Ii was some sort of absurd mfsun-
derstanding, of course, Rodney con-
cluded, and wanted to know what it
was all about.
II did say meant to let Doris CO."
Rose explained, but / told her meant
to take Doris job myself. l said
thought I could be just as good u
nursemaid as she was. And l meant
it,"
He was prowling about the room in
Il worried sort of way, before she got
as far as that. II don't see, child"
he exclaimed, "why you couldn't leave
well enough alone! If it's that old
economy bug of yours again, it's non
sense. You, to spend all your time
doing menlal work to save me ten
dollars week ~
1T isn't menial work." Rose insist
ed. ITS apprentice work. After I've
been at 1t six months, learning as fast
as can, I'll be able to let Mrs. Ruston
go and take her job-Fll be really
competent to take care of my own
children. I don't pretend l am nOw."
He stared at her in perfectly honest
bewilderment. you're talking rather
wild think, Rose" he said very quiet
ly.
I'm talking what I've learned from
you" she said. "Oh, Rodney, please
try to forget that I'm your wife and
that you're in love with me. Can't
you just say: Here's A, or B, or y,
perfectly healthy woman, twenty-five
years old, and a little real work would
be good for herr"
She won, with much pleading, sort
IF troubled half-assent from him. The
matter could be taken up again with !
Mrs. RustOn.
Given a fair field, Rose might have
won victory here. But, as Portia
lad said once, the pattern was cut diff |
serently. There was a, sudden alarm |
)ne night, when her little namesake
VAS found strangling with the Group.
There We're seven terrifying hours-al-
most uncomfortable hours, while the
Young life swung and balanced over
he ultimate abyss. The heroine of |
hose hours was Mrs. Ruston. That
he child lived was clearly creditable
o her.
Rose made another effort even after
hat, though she knew she was beaten
n advance. She waited until the old
aim routine was re-established. Then,
'nce more, she asked for her chance.
But Rodney exploded before she got
he words fairly out of her mouth.
No." he shouted, II won't consider it
She's saved that baby's life. You'll
lave to find some way of satisfying
our whims that won't jeopardize
hose babies lives. After that night
,ood heavens, Rose, have you forgot
en- that night?-I'm going to play it
afe."
Rose paled little and sat ivory still
n her chair. There were no miracles
ny more. The great dam was swept
way.