Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1919-01-31

There was a gathering Of excited
young people at the station at Brant-
wood waiting for the arrival tf he
$40 train. They were all old school,
mates of Betsy Ann Smith, who had
left the town four years before to at
tend an exclusive boarding school and
finish her education.
During that time she had been home
only once, and made very brief visit.
When the train drew in they watch
ed each arrival eagerly and saw
young lady, who seemed to resemble
Betsy Ann. But could this be Betsy7
There was hardly trace of the sweet
unaffected girl they had known in this
radiant creature, whose clothes made
all the others seem shabby. She had
grown very pretty, and as she descend
ed the steps many admiring glances
followed her.
"Some peach" said one young fell
low to another.
'T'll be her meal ticket" said anoth-
er.
The little group was speechless for
moment. but John Russell broke the
ice by stepping forward and putting
out his hand saying. Hello, Betsi You
sure do look fine"
Call me Bettina, please" she said
as she coolly shook hands.
"Oh gee - groaned Rob White, she's
finished all right" Rob had been her
special attendant In days gone by and
had expected to continue In that Gu
pacity, but her manner effectually
squelched any hopes he had entertain
ed
Her GOODNESS put damper on their
spirits, and they walked along rather
lions they Intended to ask her nipped
in the bud. She left them with an In
vitation to come to party the follow
ing week and every one accepted. The
party was great success, and soon
Betsy was the most popular girl In
town because Of the many new ideas
she lad gathered while at boarding
school.
Rob Whites dropping spirits had re-
vfved somewhat and he timidly offered
to escort her home one evening. She
accepted because as the son of the
wealthlest man In town he was the
most sought after by the other girls.
One day in August, when the heat
seemed almost unbearable, Mrs. Smith
had large ironing to do, mostly for
Betsy.
BETSY DEAR" she said (she had re-
fused to call her BettIna), I'D like
your help today. l shall never get
through without some assistance"
'oh mother" sighed Betsy, "you
know today is the day of the picnic at
Pine Grove. have charge Of it and
simply must be there"
"very WELL" said her mother. After
she had gone Mrs. Smith sat down and
wept. oh why did she have such
selfish daughter? And yet she knew
that she had been weak and indulgent.
Then thought came to her and soon
plan had formed which she hoped
would cure her wIllful daughter
When Betsy returned she found the
honlng untouched and her mother in
bed.
Mother, are you sick?"
Il seem to feel so tired that
thought few days rest in bed might
help me-"
"I'll call Mrs. Courtney, mother.
She's so kind know she will help us
out"
mo, Betsy, I've decided not to bother
our neighbors. You are quite old
enough to take a little care on your
shoulders"
Betsy went slowly into the kitchen.
There was no way out. She would
have to get along until her mother was
better. WELL" she thought, II may as
well get something to eat, for I'm
starved.
"Oh here are some chops mother in
tended for supper. I'll have the chops
and potatoes and some of this cake
with strawberries and cream. and that
win do nicely"
Not having the slightest idea about
the time required TO cook them she put
on the potatoes, started the chops and
went into the garden to pick some
roses. Becoming absorbed In her task
she forgot all else until her mothers
voice aroused her. Then she rushed
into the kitchen only to find that the
chops were black, and that the water
had boiled away from the potatoes
and they too were burned.
| The tears rolled down her cheeks
and she felt utterly discouraged. But
after that things went better and in
few days she found that she was real
iy beginning to like II.
And then one never-to- be-forgotten
day Betsy was In the midst Of her bak-
ing when there came knock at the
door. Thinking it was the grocer's boy
she called 'eome In."
The door opened and In came Rob
White. He stopped and looked at her
in amazement, and there was some
thing In his glance which sent the color
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