Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1920-05-26
HER PLAN
BY MILDRED WHITE
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tapped an impatient foot. All "the
days of her sons life" she had dread.
ed his marriage, that time which must
come 20 separate him from her. For
Mrs. Trenton in her jealous love felt
she could brook no sharing. Then
when, with Rogers manhood. she
realized his compelling power and
knew that be would seek his own. she
set about eagerly forestalling him in
the search that his future mate might
be acceptable to herself. Mrs Tren-
ton was proud OF her housekeeping
ability-Roger's wife should be q good
housekeeper. Mrs, Trenton had been
raised in a sensible. saving family
Rogers wife must be both economical
and matter-of-fact. His mother had
as she herself would express It. mo
patience with modern frivolity." And
near at hand she found the object
OF her search. Roger would, no doubt,
show a young mans appreciation Of a
pretty face. so Ruth was good and
sweet to look upon. Ruth had been
for years a neighbor Mrs. Trenton
knew the girls life almost as one
reads a book. her well executed house
hold tasks; her simple pleasures-Mrs.
Trenton knew them all. and approved.
Ruth was evidently agreeable to the
union planned for her. Though this
purpose was not openly acknowledged,
the girl smiled and flushed at the
many references as TO how Roger
admired" this or that quality of her
own. And If Ruth possessed a deeper
and less open nature than the mother
guessed. It was not revealed. Rogers
last letter had come a crushing blow:
but the mother was not yet van
pushed. He admitted his love for a
beautiful girl" whom he had met at
a society musical In the city. Rogers
mother had gone before him TO the
country cottage which was their sum
mer home. The photo he enclosed Of
the beautiful girl verified even
lovers statement. She was lovely
creature. charming in face and figure
ms a favorite Of the screen. The gown
the girl wore expressed as openly her
social tastes
She would invite Ruth to the
summer cottage for a visit. and
she would urge Roger TO bring his
Roberta In his letter he confessed
the intention OF asking Roberta to
marry him. Mrs. Trenton begged that
he postpone this intention. until after
Miss Robins visit, when all would be
better acquainted. She had visions OF
the society favorite, bereft Of her
glamor. in the morning kitchen OF
the summer cottage. Roger would be
aware there OF her uselessness and
vanished charm. compared to Ruth
at isn't exactly delightful" Ruth
Grossly conhded. ito stand over stove
frying crullers for an idle stranger"
Mrs. Trenton nodded understanding
fy.
I've thought of another plan." she
said. ito bring Roger to his senses
You must go away tomorrow, Ruth.
and L" she leaned forward-"rm
going TO develop a sprained ankle
ThereIl be no one TO cook or do a
necessary thing In this house. but the
butterfly. You see how it's going to
come out7'
Il See" said Ruth; she smiled
shrewdly and departed.
Roger WAS concerned, upon the fol
lowing morning. over his mothers
bandaged ankle.
You mustn't move" he ordered
"Tll go and get Hannah Hastings to
do the work"
Hannah Hastings" his mother
gasped. She had forgotten about
Hannah, the general helper.
Her rheumatism has been pretty
bad lately" she suggested.
But Roger waved the objection
aside. Hannah can get around the
stove at least" he said. shes born
cook. I'll carry up all your meals
and he did. He was so happy ahOui
II that Mrs. Trenton felt she had &C
complished little in removing not only
the rival. but the chaperone as well
"Robby" paid her bright little visits
seated at her side each EVENING"
the piano. Old Hannah's cooking wa,
everything that could be desired Mrs
Trenton wondered at the clevernes
with which she devised new delicacie
for her tray. And as the affair o
Ruth promised at this rate no progress
sion. the mother recovered prompt.
from her sprained ankle. one sunshin,
morning, and made her way down tn
stairs. Laughter came from tn
kitchen. and Mrs. Trenton. perrin
| through the door, saw there
surprising sight. Roger, seated up
on q table. was whlstling merrily I
the time Of a spinning egg heater
while Miss Roberta Robins, neve
prettier in her life, with an envelor
ing white apron over her dainty froct
was at that moment drawing a pan O
fragrant cookies from the oven.
"Where," stammered Mrs. Trenton
as Hannah?"
| Couldn't come the tay I went afte