New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1917-06-15

ana went on for u minute with what
she was doing to one Of the twins,
as If she hadn't heard. Doris Is
quite satisfactory, madam" she said
ut last. "Id not advise making a
change. She's a dependable young
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 I think I can
learn as well as Doris. Anyhow, l
al wheel them about and wash their
clothes and boil their bottles and
things as well as she does. And you
ran tell me what to do just as you tell
her"
To this last observation 1t 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 a queer expression
all through dinner, and when he got
Rose alone In the library afterward,
he explained it. 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.
1t was some sort Of absurd misun-
derstanding. Of course, Rodney con-
cluded. and wanted to know what 1t
was all about.
IL did say meant to let Doris CO."
Rose explained, but l told her meant
to take Doris job myself. l said l
thought I could be just as good a
nursemaid as she was. And I meant
it,"
He was prOwling about the room in
a 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 mental work to save me ten
dollars q week !"
1T isn't mental work." Rose insist
ed. ITS apprentice work. After I've
ut 1t six months, learning as fast
as | can, I'll be able to let Mrs. Ruston
and take her job-Ill be really
to take care of my own
children. l don't pretend l am now"
He stared at her in perfectly honest
bewllderment. you're talking rather
wild l 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 X, a
perfectly healthy woman, twenty-five
years old, and a little real work would
De good for her."
She won, with much pleading. a sort
# troubled h~alf-assent from him. The
could be taken up again with
Mrs. RustOn.
Given a fair field, Rose might have
Won a victory here. But, as Portia
said once, the pattern was cut diff
There was a sudden alarm
me night, when her little namesake
vas found s~trangling with the Group.
There were terrifying hours-al-
most uncomfortable hours, while the
'oung life swung and balanced over
he ultimate abyss. The heroine of
hose hours was Mrs. RustOn. That
h. child lived was clearly creditable
0 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,
nee 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 1t! .
he's saved that baby's life. You'll
ave to find some way of satisfying ,
our whlms that won't jeopardize :
hose babies lives. After that hight ,
God heavens, Rose, have you forgot )
en- that night?-I'm going to play it d,
Rose paled a little and sat ivory still -,
/ her chair. There were no miracles ,
ny more. The great dam was swept =
way. :,