New Britain herald., 1917-03-07

the old Marvin house with my l mother-in-law and Katie as my sole daytime companions was unde- niably restless. And this rcstlessless had increased since the day when in the little nurse whom l admired and Mrs. Stewart. had read the last letters to her of my brother-cousin, Jack Bickett, of whose death on . battlefield 'somewhere>an France" she had just been notified.
 Dicky's Mother Objects. The revelation contained in the last three letters of his romantic meeting with the interest in Katherine Sonnot. |. the little nurse whim ! so admired and liked, had upset all my preconceived ideas of Jack And the realization that he had been taken away from life just as happiness seemed coming to him saddened me inexpressibly. I was glad, indeed. of anything which would divert my thoughts.
 My mother-in-law shifted audibly. when Dicky informed her that he was. going to take me to the meeting.
 "You certainly have the queerest ideas of enjoyment, she commented caustically. 1T can understand Richards wanting to go, but why any woman. gently bred as you pretend to have been. Margaret. should want to get into n rough political meeting with . crowd such as Richard says will be there I cannot imagihe!"
 Dicky frowned blackly at the covert insult in. her kttfe speech. He had opened his month to rebuke her when kicked his foot under cover of the table and stopped him.
 'I understand the meetings now are not an rough as they used to be years ago." I returned good- d-natured- ly, and then changed the subject as adroitly as I could.
 l have often observed . curious little phenomeAon in my own emotions when my mothAr-in-law in- dulges in the hateful pin bricks which she understands how to administer 70 effectively: If see that Dicky re- sents them for me. that he is Ion my side" they do not annoy me. But when he aligns himself with his mother in any controversy 'see red" at once. I wonder whether any other women have the same experi- ence?
 '.You Look Hipping!"
 s~What shall I wear?' asked Dicky when the night of the meeting had arrived, and we were gettiug ready for the early evening train going into the city. ~.'The oldest and strongest duds you hAve; returned my husband. 1T wArned you that you weren't going to any pink tea. Put on good, strong. soFvfceable boots--we have reserved seats. 1t iy true. but we will probably have Go stand long ttme-a5 plain street suit and small hat. And for heaveil's sake don't take a purse. You're always lugsing that bag of yours around when you go with rue It gives me the, shivers, looks as ifI didn't have money enough for an emergency for any kind"
 I obeyed Dicky in every detail. But when 1t came to the purse hesitated. My years of self-dependence, of going about alone, had taught me that I must never go anywhere alone or with anyone else without money for an emergency. Finally II solved the difficulty by pinntng a, five dollar bill inside my waist, and tucking small coin In each glove.
 Dicky gave an approving glance at me when was finally ready.
 That's the stuff" he said. By love. Nadge. you look ripping tonight even if you have your old togs on. I'll have to look out or I'll lose you.
 The jocular little speech. was to come back to me later in the even ing with better meaning.