Omaha daily bee., 1919-11-11
How Mother Graham's Attitude
Was Transformed.

My mother-in-law came back from
her drive in high humor. l
might have known that she would
do so, for she is like a child in her
enjoyment of any outing. like one
also in her pouting disappointment
II she has to stay at home for any
length of time. Of course she had
not forgotten nor quite forgiven the
ttancied offense she had against us.
but she managed to convey her will
iagness to overlook old scores while
still sitting in judgment upon us in
rather clever fashion.
This is the most remarkable
child" she announced as she entered
my room, turning as she spoke to
Dicky, who was following her with
Junior perched raptuously upon
his shoulder.
Dicky managed to wink at me
without his mother seeing him. 1t
conveyed more than mischief at her
attitude. 1t was recognition of the
fact well known in our hous ehold
since the birth Of our little son that
all quarrels may be healed, all mis-
understandings smoothed, if some
one will only start the all-absorb-
ing topic OF Juniors projections.
He sat up and looked at every
thing as if he were 20 instead of l."
Mother Graham continued fondly.
You wrong my son." Dicky de-
clared grsndiloquently. "If he had.
been 20 he>would have given no such
impartial attention to the beauties
of Marvin scenery. All eyes would
have been absorbed by the pretty
girls along the way. And just think
of the way he drove the car! I
put him On my lap with his hands
on the wheel, and l give you my
word when I took my own hands off
he guided the car for whole block.
as we'll as could OF course I kept
my own hands ready in case"
"Dickyp gasped in Mortified in
dignation. "You didn't"
well. Margaret" my mother in
law interrupted tartly, "all I've got
to say is that, if you can't tell yet
when your husband is uttering such
a barefaced falsehood that, you're
a bigger fool than l took you for"
Harmony Established.
If she had added the usual homely
phrase, land that's useless" she
could no have accented her mean
ing more pointedly. - .
Although l have no doubt" she
went on, turning her attention to her
SON, that Richard would be per-
fectly capable of trying some such
fool stunt of he had no one to re-
strain him. But kindly remember
that had charge of Richard Sec
ond, and when he is with his granny
muzzer him is perfectly safe, yes
him is, darling lamby-bird."
This sudden transition in manner
and vocabulary was due to the fact
that Junior suddenly stretched out
his baby arms to his grandmother,
an appeal that she can never resist,
and the last part of her sentence
was mumbled against his rose-leaf
cheek. ~
1--WE are always sure of that,
mother" l said softly, all irritation
at her provoking manner being
swept away by this reminder of the
alteration she felt for our little son.
well you can be-" she retorted
shortly. but know that the little
tribute had touched her, for min.
ute she turned to Dicky sharply.
What on earth are you dawdiing
around for?" she demanded tartly,
If you are going o teach Margaret
tol drive, you'd better be starting.
It'll be dark before you get out of
the village, and the girl doesn't want
to have the whole town gawping at
her" -->
With Junior in her arms she
swept out of the room. Dicky shut
the door softly, then turned to me,
grinning broadly.
"Your stocks going up" he muir
INJURED. Before she went out to
drive you we're known as your
wife, with glacial aloofness. Now
you are the GIRL" and there is act
ually a friendly note in her voice,
Come on, let's beat it while the
beating's good. Gee, but you're the
nifty-looking chauffeuse! But
where's your motor coat and veil:?"