South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-06-24

was on the point OF a curt re-
hinder that she did not need 10 re-
main if she wished 20 leave. but two
considerations closed my bps. 7
realized that she was not al HberJy
TO leave unless released 10y the ply
stefan in charge of the case or dis
charged by the family. but above all
] wished to have no part IN any con-
troversy concerning her. Dicky's
mother had demanded trained
nurse, thrusting aside my services
Dicky had secured this woman. I
wanted 90 keep as TAR as possible
from the complications T fOresaw
coming
Barometer falling. Better make
everything snug, captain" whisper
ed Dicky mischievously in my ear
as the nurse disappeared IN his
mothers room.
wondered that he could jest
while his mother was SO I'D. but
DicSy had the most buoyant spirits
Of anyone / know.
ooh. Dicky, I believe your mother
means to discharge her I whis-
pered.
she asked me to call MP Or.
Petit right away"
You're getting your pronouns or
people mixed my husband retort-
ed but I gather IL is mother who
wishes the physician summoned.
Gee. that's too bad. Likely 70 be
awkward too. However - he
spread his hands extravagantly-
'you know mother. I guess you'd
better call the doctor"
It did not appear TO enter his head
that he might call the physician
himself. I did not suggest il t0 him.
was fast learning that Dicky
shirked responsibility of any kind,
and that ne was a genius at avoid
ing unpleasant duties.
DR. Petit was not in his office,
but the office girl promised &c de-
liver my message as soon as he
should come in
Tie hour of waiting that follow
ed was a strenuous one. With the
tactlessness which seemed TO be
characteristic of the woman. my
mother-in-law' nurse proceeded at
once with her plan OF rearranging
the furniture in the sick room, so
that a couch might be put in for her
comfort
"Oh. lir. Graham!" She ap-
preached my husband with her
flashing smile. Wont YOU please
help me move this dresser out in
the living room? Then we can
put tine couch in the bedroom"
Dicky rose with alacrity and went
to her aid. I reflected grimly that
indoIent Dicky would hardly have
responded 20 any similar request
of mine with the same apparent
WILLINGNESS. I knew that he had no
relish for the task, but il annoyed
me to think he felt il necessary TO
bestow upon an absolute stranger
the courteous service he would
withhold from me.
r did not follow them into the
ballroom. but from where l stood
I could hear the nurse stripping the
dresser Of its belongings, and then
her low request to Dicky:
Now. Mr.. Graham, If you VIII
Just lift this end"
Then the interruption came. one
which made me smile involuntarily'
although / was much worried as 10
the effect OF so much excitement
upon the sick woman.
Richard" His mothers voice
was rasped impatient. Whatever
are YOU doing?"
Nothing much, mother" re-
sponded Dicky meekly. only help
ing the nurse take the dresser out
into the living ROOM
What for?'
$50 that I can put a couch in
here" the nurse interposed. Then
/ viii always he right here beside
YOU"
Heaven forbid" my mother-in-
law groaned; then sharply. where
is Margaret 80
Right here" 7 stepped into the
bedroom.
Did YOU telephone that DOCTOR
Eyes. he is out, but I left word
for him 10 come as soon as he
reached his office
Good. Now listen 60 me. II
YOU or Richard want me 10 take
nay medicine before the doctor
comes. you'll have 70 8ive it to me.
7 viii not be annoyed with this per
son any longer. Take her out and
keep her out. Margaret you can
take care of. me